[963] He should not dally with the king's wives,
nor confer with them in secret;
he should not take wealth from the king's treasury —
such a one may dwell in the royal court.
He should not think much of sleep,
nor drink strong drink to intoxication;
he should not slay the deer in the king's preserve —
such a one may dwell in the royal court.
He should not mount the king's seat,
nor his couch, nor his chair of state,
nor his boat, nor his chariot,
with the thought, "I am held in esteem" —
such a one may dwell in the royal court.
The discerning man should attend upon the king
neither from too far away nor from too near;
he should stand within the king's gaze,
in plain view of his own master.
"The king is no friend of mine;
the king is no comrade of mine" —
kings grow angry swiftly,
as an eye struck by an awn of grain.
Though deeming himself honored,
a man of intelligence and learning
should not answer the king with harsh words
when the king has come into the assembly.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.