Minister of State

Pope (1886)A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind, Learn'd wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined

MeaningThe minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness,

Pope (1886)A minister is he whose power can foes divide, Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide

MeaningThe minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him)

Pope (1886)A minister has power to see the methods help afford, To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word

MeaningThe minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity)

Pope (1886)The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant wordsWith plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords

MeaningHe is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of

Pope (1886)When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before

MeaningWhat (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?

Pope (1886)Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tactTo follow common sense of men in act

MeaningThough you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly

Pope (1886)'Tis duty of the man in place aloud to sayThe very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away

MeaningAlthough the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice

Pope (1886)A minister who by king's side plots evil thingsWorse woes than countless foemen brings

MeaningFar better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin

Pope (1886)For gain of end desired just counsel nought availsTo minister, when tact in execution fails

MeaningThose ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright

Pope (1886)A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain, It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain

MeaningThe possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness

Pope (1886)Since gain and loss in life on speech depend, From careless slip in speech thyself defend

MeaningSince (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein

Pope (1886)'Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear, While those who have not heard desire to hear

MeaningThe (minister's) speech is that which seeks (to express) elements as bind his friends (to himself) and is so delivered as to make even his enemies desire (his friendship)

Pope (1886)Speak words adapted well to various hearers' state; No higher virtue lives, no gain more surely great

MeaningUnderstand the qualities (of your hearers) and (then) make your speech; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth

Pope (1886)Charming each hearer's ear, of others' words to seize the sense, Is method wise of men of spotless excellence

MeaningIt is the opinion of those who are free from defects in diplomacy that the minister should speak so as to make his hearers desire (to hear more) and grasp the meaning of what he hears himself

Pope (1886)Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech,'Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach

MeaningIt is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid

Pope (1886)Swiftly the listening world will gather round, When men of mighty speech the weighty theme propound

MeaningIf there be those who can speak on various subjects in their proper order and in a pleasing manner, the world would readily accept them

Pope (1886)Who have not skill ten faultless words to utter plain, Their tongues will itch with thousand words man's ears to pain

MeaningThey will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones

Pope (1886)Like scentless flower in blooming garland boundAre men who can't their lore acquired to other's ears expound

MeaningThose who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance

Pope (1886)From action evermore thyself restrainOf glory and of good that yields no gain

MeaningMinisters should at all times avoid acts which, in addition to fame, yield no benefit (for the future)

Pope (1886)Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be wonAll deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun

MeaningThose who say, "we will become (better)" should avoid the performance of acts that would destroy (their fame)

Pope (1886)Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do, Whose eyes the ever-during vision view

MeaningThose who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers)

Pope (1886)Do nought that soul repenting must deplore, If thou hast sinned, 'tis well if thou dost sin no more

MeaningLet a minister never do acts of which he would have to grieve saying, "what is this I have done"; (but) should he do (them), it were good that he grieved not

Pope (1886)Though her that bore thee hung'ring thou behold, no deedDo thou, that men of perfect soul have crime decreed

MeaningThough a minister may see his mother starve; let him do not act which the wise would (treat with contempt)

Pope (1886)Than store of wealth guilt-laden souls obtain, The sorest poverty of perfect soul is richer gain

MeaningFar more excellent is the extreme poverty of the wise than wealth obtained by heaping up of sinful

Pope (1886)To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thingWhat prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring

MeaningThe actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will, even if they succeed, cause them sorrow

Pope (1886)What's gained through tears with tears shall go; From loss good deeds entail harvests of blessings grow

MeaningAll that has been obtained with tears (to the victim) will depart with tears (to himself); but what has been by fair means; though with loss at first, will afterwards yield fruit

Pope (1886)In pot of clay unburnt he water pours and would retain, Who seeks by wrong the realm in wealth and safety to maintain

Meaning(For a minister) to protect (his king) with wealth obtained by foul means is like preserving a vessel of wet clay by filling it with water

Pope (1886)What men call 'power in action' know for 'power of mind'Externe to man all other aids you find

MeaningFirmness in action is (simply) one's firmness of mind; all other (abilities) are not of this nature

Pope (1886)'Each hindrance shun', 'unyielding onward press, If obstacle be there,'These two define your way, so those that search out truth declare

MeaningNot to perform a ruinous act, and not to be discouraged by the ruinous termination of an act, are the two maxims which, the wise say, from the principles of those who have investigated the subject

Pope (1886)Man's fitting work is known but by success achieved; In midst the plan revealed brings ruin ne'er to be retrieved

MeaningSo to perform an act as to publish it (only) at its termination is (true) manliness; for to announce it beforehand, will cause irremediable sorrow

Pope (1886)The power in act of men renowned and great, With king acceptance finds and fame through all the state

MeaningThe firmness in action of those who have become great by the excellence (of their counsel) will, by attaining its fulfilment in the person of the king, be esteemed (by all).

Pope (1886)Whate'er men think, ev'n as they think, may men obtain, If those who think can steadfastness of will retain

MeaningIf those who have planned (an undertaking) possess firmness (in executing it) they will obtain what they have desired even as they have desired it

Pope (1886)Despise not men of modest bearing; Look not at form, but what men are:For some there live, high functions sharing, Like linch-pin of the mighty car

MeaningLet none be despised for (their) size; (for) the world has those who resemble the linch-pin of the big rolling car

Pope (1886)What clearly eye discerns as right, with steadfast will, And mind unslumbering, that should man fulfil

MeaningAn act that has been firmly resolved on must be as firmly carried out without delay

Pope (1886)Though toil and trouble face thee, firm resolve hold fast, And do the deeds that pleasure yield at last

MeaningThough it should cause increasing sorrow (at the outset), do with firmness the act that yield bliss (in the end)

Pope (1886)The world desires not men of every power possessed, Who power in act desire not,- crown of all the rest

MeaningThe great will not esteem those who esteem not firmness of action, whatever other abilities the latter may possess

Pope (1886)Slumber when sleepy work's in hand beware Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care

MeaningSleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over

Pope (1886)When way is clear, prompt let your action be; When not, watch till some open path you see

MeaningWhenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method

Pope (1886)With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing, If you reflect, like smouldering fire, 'twill ruin bring

MeaningWhen duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire

Pope (1886)Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act These five, till every doubt remove, think o'er with care exact

MeaningDo an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz money, means, time, execution and place

Pope (1886)Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won By effort these compare,- then let the work be done

MeaningAn act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion)

Pope (1886)Who would succeed must thus begin first let him ask The thoughts of them who thoroughly know the task

MeaningThe method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof

Pope (1886)By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment; So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent

MeaningTo make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another

Pope (1886)Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do, Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you

MeaningOne should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends

Pope (1886)The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread, Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head

MeaningMinisters of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation

Pope (1886)Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things, Should he possess who speaks the words of kings

MeaningLove (to his sovereign), knowledge (of his affairs), and a discriminating power of speech (before other sovereigns) are the three sine qua non qualifications of an ambassador

Pope (1886)Mighty in lore amongst the learned must he be, Midst jav'lin-bearing kings who speaks the words of victory

MeaningTo be powerful in politics among those who are learned (in ethics) is the character of him who speaks

Pope (1886)Sense, goodly grace, and knowledge exquisiteWho hath these three for envoy's task is fit

MeaningHe may go on a mission (to foreign rulers) who has combined in him all these three viz, (natural) sense, an attractive bearing and well-tried learning

Pope (1886)In terms concise, avoiding wrathful speech, who utters pleasant word, An envoy he who gains advantage for his lord

MeaningHe is an ambassador who (in the presence of foreign rulers) speaks briefly, avoids harshness, talks so as to make them smile, and thus brings good (to his own sovereign)

Pope (1886)An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eyeWho speaks right home, prepared for each emergency

MeaningHe is an ambassador who having studied (politics) talks impressively, is not afraid of angry looks, and knows (to employ) the art suited to the time

Pope (1886)He is the best who knows what's due, the time considered well, The place selects, then ponders long ere he his errand tell

MeaningHe is chief (among ambassadors) who understands the proper decorum (before foreign princes), seeks the (proper) occasion, knows the (most suitable) place, and delivers his message after (due)

Pope (1886)Integrity, resources, soul determined, truthfulnessWho rightly speaks his message must these marks possess

MeaningThe qualifications of him who faithfully delivers his (sovereign's) message are purity, the support (of foreign ministers), and boldness, with truthfulness in addition to the (aforesaid) three

Pope (1886)His faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing, Who stands, with steady eye, to speak the mandates of his king

MeaningHe alone is fit to communicate (his sovereign's) reply, who possesses the firmness not to utter even inadvertently what may reflect discredit (on the latter)

Pope (1886)Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring; To envoy gains assured advantage for his king

MeaningHe is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign's good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message)

Pope (1886)To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize, The king himself abundant wealth supplies

MeaningFor ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth

Pope (1886)Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware; To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare

MeaningMinisters who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it

Pope (1886)All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress, In presence of the men who kingly power possess

MeaningWhile in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others

Pope (1886)Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear; But if he lets the matter forth, give ear

Meaning(When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by

Pope (1886)Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care, Things not displeasing, needful things, declare

MeaningKnowing the (king's disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable

Pope (1886)Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word; Not though by monarch's ears with pleasure heard

MeaningMinisters should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so)

Pope (1886)Say not, 'He's young, my kinsman,' despising thus your king; But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring

MeaningMinisters should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!"

Pope (1886)'We've gained his grace, boots nought what graceless acts we do', So deem not sages who the changeless vision view

MeaningThose whose judgement is firm will not do what is disagreeable (to the sovereign) saying (within

Pope (1886)Who think 'We're ancient friends' and do unseemly things; To these familiarity sure ruin brings

MeaningThe (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin

Pope (1886)Undoubting, who the minds of men can scan, As deity regard that gifted man

MeaningHe is to be esteemed a god who is able to ascertain without a doubt what is within (one's mind)

Pope (1886)Who by the sign the signs interprets plain, Give any member up his aid to gain

MeaningThe king should ever give whatever (is asked) of his belongings and secure him who, by the indications (of his own mind) is able to read those of another

Pope (1886)Who reads what's shown by signs, though words unspoken be, In form may seem as other men, in function nobler far is he

MeaningThose who understand one's thoughts without being informed (thereof) and those who do not, may (indeed) resemble one another bodily; still are they different (mentally)

Pope (1886)By sign who knows not sings to comprehend, what gain,'Mid all his members, from his eyes does he obtain

MeaningOf what use are the eyes amongst one's members, if they cannot by their own indications dive those of another ?

Pope (1886)As forms around in crystal mirrored clear we find, The face will show what's throbbing in the mind

MeaningAs the mirror reflects what is near so does the face show what is uppermost in the mind

Pope (1886)Than speaking countenance hath aught more prescient skill?Rejoice or burn with rage, 'tis the first herald still

MeaningIs there anything so full of knowledge as the face ? (No) it precedes the mind, whether (the latter is) pleased or vexed

Pope (1886)To see the face is quite enough, in presence brought, When men can look within and know the lurking thought

MeaningIf the king gets those who by looking into his mind can understand (and remove) what has occurred (to him) it is enough that he stand looking at their face

Pope (1886)The eye speaks out the hate or friendly soul of man; To those who know the eye's swift varying moods to scan

MeaningIf a king gets ministers who can read the movements of the eye, the eyes (of foreign kings) will (themselves) reveal (to him) their hatred or friendship

Pope (1886)The men of keen discerning soul no other test apply(When you their secret ask) than man's revealing eye

MeaningThe measuring-rod of those (ministers) who say "we are acute" will on inquiry be found to be their (own) eyes and nothing else

Pope (1886)Good men to whom the arts of eloquence are known, Should seek occasion meet, and say what well they've made their own

MeaningLet the good who know the uses of words speak with a clear knowledge after ascertaining the time (suited to the court)

Pope (1886)Unversed in councils, who essays to speakKnows not the way of suasive words,- and all is weak

MeaningThose who undertake to speak without knowing the (nature of the) court are ignorant of the quality of words as well as devoid of the power (of learning)

Pope (1886)Before the bright ones shine as doth the lightBefore the dull ones be as purest stucco white

MeaningMinisters should be lights in the assembly of the enlightned, but assume the pure whiteness of mortar (ignorance) in that of fools

Pope (1886)Midst all good things the best is modest grace, That speaks not first before the elders' face

MeaningThe modesty by which one does not rush forward and speak in (an assembly of) superiors is the best among all (one's) good qualities

Pope (1886)As in the way one tottering falls, is slip beforeThe men whose minds are filled with varied lore

Meaning(For a minister) to blunder in the presence of those who have acquired a vast store of learning and know (the value thereof) is like a good man stumbling (and falling away) from the path (of virtue)

Pope (1886)The learning of the learned sage shines brightTo those whose faultless skill can value it aright

MeaningThe learning of those who have read and understood (much) will shine in the assembly of those who faultlessly examine (the nature of) words

Pope (1886)To speak where understanding hearers you obtain, Is sprinkling water on the fields of growing grain

MeaningLecturing to those who have the ability to understand (for themselves) is like watering a bed of plants that are growing (of themselves)

Pope (1886)In councils of the good, who speak good things with penetrating power, In councils of the mean, let them say nought, e'en in oblivious hour

MeaningThose who are able to speak good things impressively in an assembly of the good should not even forgetfully speak them in that of the low

Pope (1886)Ambrosia in the sewer spilt, is wordSpoken in presence of the alien herd

MeaningTo utter (a good word) in the assembly of those who are of inferior rank is like dropping nectar on the ground

Pope (1886)Who what they've learned, in penetrating words heve learned to say, Before the learn'd among the learn'd most learn'd are they

MeaningThose who can agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned will be regarded as the most learned among the learned

Pope (1886)Many encountering death in face of foe will hold their ground; Who speak undaunted in the council hall are rarely found

MeaningMany indeed may (fearlessly) die in the presence of (their) foes; (but) few are those who are fearless in the assembly (of the learned)

Pope (1886)What you have learned, in penetrating words speak out beforeThe learn'd; but learn what men more learn'd can teach you more

Meaning(Ministers) should agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned and acquire more (knowledge) from their superiors (in learning)

Pope (1886)By rule, to dialectic art your mind apply, That in the council fearless you may make an apt reply

MeaningIn order to reply fearlessly before a foreign court, (ministers) should learn logic according to the rules (of grammar)

Pope (1886)To those who lack the hero's eye what can the sword availOr science what, to those before the council keen who quail

MeaningWhat have they to do with a sword who are not valiant, or they with learning who are afraid of an intelligent assembly ?

Pope (1886)As shining sword before the foe which 'sexless being' bears, Is science learned by him the council's face who fears

MeaningThe learning of him who is diffident before an assembly is like the shining sword of an hermaphrodite in the presence of his foes

Pope (1886)Though many things they've learned, yet useless are they all, To man who cannot well and strongly speak in council hall

MeaningThose who cannot agreeably speak good things before a good assembly are indeed unprofitable persons inspite of all their various acquirements

Pope (1886)Who, though they've learned, before the council of the good men quake, Than men unlearn'd a lower place must take

MeaningThey who, though they have learned and understood, are yet afraid of the assembly of the good, are said to be inferior (even) to the illiterate

Pope (1886)Who what they've learned, in penetrating words know not to say, The council fearing, though they live, as dead are they

MeaningThose who through fear of the assembly are unable to set forth their learning in an interesting manner, though alive, are yet like the dead