Chapter 221 - Code of conduct for the Servants (bhṛtya)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Puṣkara said:

1-5. The servant [i.e., bhṛtya] has to carry out the orders of the king [i.e., rājājñā], like a disciple, for the prosperity of the master. He should not disobey the commands of the king. He should speak only that which is good and dear to him. If an unpleasant news is beneficial (to the king), (the servant) should let him know in privacy. When he has been employed in some work he should not swindle the money. He should not do anything that would affect his dignity. He should not similarly put on the dress of the king and speak and act in the manner of the king. The superintendent of the attendants of the harem should not have any contact with those dismissed (by the king) and have become enemies. The servant should guard the secret of the king. After having done some act of ingenuity, (the servant) should ascribe it to the king. He should not give publicity to any of the secrets heard by him from the king. When some (superior person) orders him (to disclose) he should say, “what to do?”

6-7. He should wear the dress, gems and ornaments given by the king. He should not enter the royal chamber without being asked (by the king). He should not see him at an improper place. He should avoid yawning, spitting, coughing, frowning based on depravity, raising the eyebrows and eructation near him.

8-14. One should engage others cleverly by making the king know about his qualities. Perfidy, avarice slandering, atheism, meanness and fickle-mindedness should always be avoided by one in the service of the king. A servant who thus associates his own self with the self by means of scriptural knowledge and manual work should then do the service to the king for the sake of the growth of fortune. He should always bow down to the sons, favourites and ministers of that person (the king). He need not gain the confidence of the ministers. He should do (such acts) which please the king. (The servant) should ignore those not liked by the king. One who knows the king should desire to earn his livelihood from those liked by the king. He should not speak anything when not asked by the king. He should do the desired when (he has) a misfortune. The king would be pleased with a person who gathers the words spoken. The king also would not suspect (that he would disclose) his secrets. (The duty of the servant is) to enquire about the health (of the king) and to make the seat ready (for him). (A servant) rejoices to hear the exploits of the king. He rejoices even after (hearing) an unpleasant (comment). He receives the small remuneration and remembers it on other occasion. Only such a servant should be employed. The services of others should be avoided.