Chapter 27. How Far It Is Fitting for the King to Employ the Sword and Punishments

¹ And I do not mean by this to blunt the sword entirely—let no one seize upon my words for that, or tear my meaning to pieces. For I know well, most mighty emperor, that your scarlet shoes and garments are symbols of fire. Fire’s power is twofold: to give light, and to burn—that is to say, beneficent and punitive. Use punishments, then, but as sparingly as possible. Give light continually; burn only reluctantly. This is also the wish embodied in the torch that is carried before the emperor: it is used only to give light, never to burn. Shine, then, you too, in your good deeds.