PENALTIES

The principles of punishment are tersely put in the following verses. No wiser or juster principles can be laid down for the administration of justice.

The king shall impartially enquire and award punishment, which should be deterrent but not disproportionate to the offence. Let there be a severe gesture, but let the blow fall lightly. Thus shall the king maintain the prosperity of the State.

The king who oppresses and rules by frightfulness will find a speedy and certain end.

His days are over and he will soon meet his destruction, which lets his people have cause to say "Our king is cruel !"

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