Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/456

accomplishing thy purpose, shouldst thou, in all sincerity, consult with the Brahmanas. When thou art fallen, thou shouldst raise thyself by any means, gentle or violent; and after thou hast raised thyself, thou shouldst practise virtue. He that hath never been afflicted with calamity can never have prosperity. This may be seen in the life of one who surviveth his calamities. He that is afflicted with sorrow should be consoled by the recitation of the history of persons of former times (like those of Nala and Rama). He whose heart hath been unstrung by sorrow should be consoled by hopes of future prosperity. He again who is learned and wise should be consoled by pleasing offices presently rendered unto him. He who having concluded a treaty with an enemy reposeth at ease as if he hath nothing more to do, is very like a person who awaketh having fallen down from the top of a tree whereon he had slept. A king should ever conceal his counsels without fear of calumny, and while beholding everything with the eyes of his spies, he should take care to conceal his own emotions before the spies of his enemies. Like a fisherman who becometh prosperous by catching and killing fish, a king can never grow prosperous without tearing the vitals of his enemy and without doing some violent deeds. The might of thy foe, as represented by his armed force, should ever be completely destroyed, by ploughing it up (like weeds) and mowing it down and otherwise afflicting it by disease, starvation, and want of drink. A person in want never approacheth (from love) one in affluence; and when one's purpose hath been accomplished he hath no need to approach him whom he had hitherto looked to for its accomplishment. Therefore when thou dost anything never do it completely, but ever leave something to be desired for by others (whose services thou mayst need). One who is desirous of prosperity should with diligence seek allies and means, and carefully conduct his wars. His exertions in these respects should always be guided by prudence. A prudent king should ever act in such a way that friends and foes may never know his intent before the commencement of his acts. Let them know all when the act hath been commenced or ended. As long as