Chapter 74: The Land

731.
Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a ' land.'

732.
That is a ' land ' which men desire for wealth's abundant share,
Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare.

733.
When burthens press, it bears; yet, with unfailing hand,
To king due tribute pays: that is the ' land.'

734.
That is a ' land ' whose peaceful annals know,
Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe.

735.
From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the ' land.'

736.
Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace;
Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase.

737.
Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence;
These make a land, with fortress' sure defence.

738.
A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth.

739.
That is a land that yields increase unsought,
That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought.

740.
Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace.