the king is called a shepherd so that he may investigate the details of his subjects affairs and the hidden intentions of their people. when the king neglects to investigate the secrets of his subjects and search for their news he will have nothing of the name of shepherd except his image and nothing of the king except his mention.
وإنما سمي الملك راعيا، ليفحص عن دقائق أمور الرعية وخفي نياتهم. ومتى غفل الملك عن فحص أسرار رعيته، والبحث عن أخبارها، فليس له من اسم الراعي إلا رسمه، ومن الملك إلا ذكره.