Without a minister, survival is impossible. It is far-fetched to believe in your trustworthiness. The burden of ministers has exhausted you. No one can exist without the sky, just as there is no land without the sky. Yes, your thinking is limited to what is achievable through seeking guidance, as if the minister's position is a step below the king's rank. And as the ministry was of this magnitude, it must be believed that it is honored in its position. And the human being is tested in his affairs. Prophecy, then the caliphate, then the ministry. The Greek covenants were a reflection of what was prevalent in Greece, honoring the ministry and honoring it above all other positions. I say, except for the caliphate, as previously mentioned. And to undertake it requires a standing or a position worthy of honor and consultation. The Sultan was among the greatest witnesses to the Sultan's freedom and the virtue of precedence. It was said, "The first thing we will ask the Sultan about is his discernment, the soundness of his mind, and his good intellect." The pride of ministers, the disdain of those who sit, and the conversation of the wise. The Greek covenants require that whoever is appointed to them must have strength and sound judgment to manage what is difficult for the king, so that it comes out in the best form. Among these qualities is not to be arrogant, and to be knowledgeable, and to know what people want, the conduct of kings, and the policy of the state, and the etiquette of service, and knowledge of writing and accounting. It is also important that he be good at understanding matters, so that he can manage them discreetly and judge them according to what is due to them. Among these is intelligence and compassion, so that he does not overlook the affairs of the servants and is aware of them. And among these is a strong memory, so that he remembers what is conveyed to him or what is kept from him, so that he can witness it and act upon it. And the condition of diligence with its related duties is to perform and bear them. Among these is knowledge of the various types of benefits, so that the interest in them is not hidden from him, and the subjects are not wronged. And according to the policy established by Aristotle, if the servant knows that the minister is knowledgeable in his work, they will proceed to introduce treachery. And among these is shrewdness and experience, which lead to sound opinion and correct management. And among these is patience with what he undertakes for his sultan, especially dealing with the public. All the eloquence requires broad chests and the cultivation of patience in bearing the initial reactions of the public, due to their ignorance. Satisfying the one who is judged and preventing what is forbidden, and compensating him for what he is judged for and prevented from, and clearing his path. And among these is strength of resolve to do what is right, so that nothing difficult or impossible deters him, nor does greed embolden him to be reckless. And among these is love for justice and its people, and hatred for injustice and those who fight for it. He intercedes for the oppressed and supports them, even if the oppressor is displeased and it is difficult for him, for the sake of truth and the fulfillment of the mission. Among these is his mercy towards creation. And because of this, the Sultan may be deprived of his harshness. Mu'awiyah, may God be pleased with him, said to his son Yazid: "We should not rule the people with a single year's rule, for we will all be destroyed. So let the people be the ones who decide."