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HITOPADESA
A NEW
LITERAL TRANSLATION FROM THE SANSKRIT TEXT
OF PBOF. F. JOHNSON.
FOB THE USE OF STUDENTS.
BY
FREDERIC PINCOTT, F.R.A.S.
LONDON:
W. H. ALLEN AND CO., 13, WATERLOO PLACE. S.W.
PUBLISHERS TO THE INDIA OFFICE.
1880.
(AU riflkU Ttwratf^
IV PREFACE.
MS. No. 2885), also a Hindi version, one in Bang&li, and another in
Braj Bh&kh&. A manuscript version in TJrdft, in my own possession,
has been of singular assistance throughout, by frequently supplying
Semitic equivalents for the Aryan words of the original. This MS.
deserves editing, for it differs markedly from most native translations,
inasmuch as it is a precise line for line rendering of the original,
without amplification or curtailment. It is also remarkable to find
a Muhammadan spend so much labour on anything Hindft.
The five translations thus availed of, were made in different
provinces, at different times, by different men, probably, nay almost
certainly, in profound ignorance of each other's performances. There-
fore, whenever I have found five native scholars, unknown to each
other, unite in ascribing a given sense to a given passage, I have felt
constrained to yield some deference to their opinion.
The main point aimed at throughout has been accuracy. Fluency
and elegance have been disregarded, from the assurance that any
English person, with the precise rendering here supplied, can clothe
the sentences in such Shakesperian or Johnsonian phraseology as his
taste may suggest.
FREDERIC PINCOTT.
L
I
introduction:.
1. May there be success, for the good, in what is to be accomplished, through the
favour of that Dhurjati,* on whose brow (there is) a digit of the Moon, like a streak
of foam of the Jahnavi.f
2. This Hitopadesa,J attended to, gives skill in Sanskrit speaking, variety of
expression universally, and the knowledge of policy.
3. A wise man should think of knowledge and wealth as though (he were) unde-
caying and immortal ; he should practise virtue as though seized in the hairs of the
head by Death.
4. Among all things knowledge, they say, (is) truly the best thing ; from, at all
times, its unstealableness, its unpurchaseableness, and its indestructibility.
5. Knowledge truly unites a man with a king difficult of access, as a descending
river (unites with) the ocean ; hence (results) exceeding prosperity.
6. Knowledge gives prudence, from prudence one attains fitness (for work), from
fitness one attains wealth, from wealth the (power of) doing good ; thence (arises)
happiness.
7. Arms and literature (are) both (kinds of) knowledge, (they are) the two (kinds
of) knowledge (conducive) to celebrity ; the first (leads) to ridicule in old age, the
second is honoured always.
8. Since the pattern impressed on a new (earthern) vessel cannot become otherwise
(than it is at the time of manufacture), therefore, by the artifice of fables, the moral
guidance of youths is here set forth.
9. The Acquisition of Friends, the Separation of Friends, War, and Peace, — having
been abstracted from the Panchatantra and another book, — is written (here).
There is on the banks of the Bhagirathif a city named Pataliputra§ : a king named
Handsome, possessed of every lordly virtue, was there. This king once heard these
two verses being recited by somebody : —
10. The resolver of many doubts, the revealer of invisible objects, the eye of all
(is) learning ; of whom it is not, he truly (is) blind.
* The god Siva. t The river Ganges. J Meaning " friendly advice."
§ The present Patpuw
1
prastavanA.
11. Youth, riches, power, and inconsiderateness, each singly (lead) to disadvan-
tage ; how much more (so) where all four (are united) !
Having heard this, the king, distressed in mind by the inattention to books of his
own sons, unread in literature, (and) ever following improper courses, reflected : —
12. What advantage accrues by a son born who (is) neither wise nor virtuous ?
what, by a sightless eye ? Truly (such) an eye (is) trouble merely.
13. Of unborn, dead, (or) foolish (sons), better the two first, and not the last ; the
two first cause pain once, the last day by day.
Further : —
14. He (is really) born by whom (when) born the family attains exaltation ; in
the revolving world,* who, (when) dead, is not born (again) ?
Besides : —
15. If a mother (be accounted) the mother of a son by (reason of) him whose
chalk does not fall quickly in beginning the enumeration of a number of the virtuous,
say, what (woman) is barren ?
Also : —
16. He whose mind (is) not intent on liberality, sanctity, heroism, learning, and
the acquisition of wealth, truly he (is his) mother's excrement.
Furthermore : —
17. Better one accomplished son: not even by a hundred fools (is there ad-
vantage); one Moon dispels darkness ; (it is) not (dispelled) by even hosts of stars.
18. The son of him by whom, in some holy place, a very arduous penance has been
performed, should be obedient, wealthy, virtuous, (and) wise.
And it has been said : —
19. The influx of wealth, continual healthfulness, a beloved (wife), a sweet-
speaking wife, an obedient son, and profitable knowledge, (are) the six felicities of life,
Oking!
20. Who (is) fortunate by (the possession of) many sons, (no better than empty)
measures filling the granary ; better one family-supporter, by whom the father is
renowned.
21. A debt-contracting father (is) an enemy, and (so is) an unchaste mother ; a
beautiful wife (is) an enemy, an unlearned son (is) an enemy.
22. In the absence of practice, knowledge (is) poison ; in (a state of) indigestion,
food (is) poison ; the (royal) court (is) the poison of the poor ; a young wife (is) the
poison of an old (man).
23. Of whomsoever the son is gifted, (that) man is honoured ; what will a bow
effect, faultless (as to) cane, (but) stringless ?
24. Alas, O son ! (who hast) without study passed these nights ! In consequence
thou sinkest in the midst of the wise, like a cow in a quag-mire.
• The revolving series of births and deaths.
PRASTAVANA. 3
Then how can these my sons be rendered accomplished?
25. Food, sleep, fear, and sexual intercourse, this (set is) the common property of
men with beasts. Virtue is their great distinction. Deprived of virtue (men are)
equal with brutes.
For : —
26. He of whom there is not one of (the attributes) virtue, wealth, pleasure, (or)
liberation (from transmigration), his birth (is) worthless like (that) of the pimples on
a goat's neck.
And (as to) what is said: —
27. Life, (destined) acts, wealth, knowledge, and death, these five are created
for a corporeal being (while in) the embryo state.
Again : —
28. There are states of what is to be inevitably even of the great, (to wit) the
nakedness of Nilakantha* (and) the sleep of Hari on the great serpent.f
And also : —
29. What is not to be will not be ; if (it is) to be, it (will) not (be) otherwise
(than as is foreordained). Why is not this anxiety-destroying medicine drunk ?
This (is) the speech, arising from idleness, of certain persons incapable of what
should be done.
30. Having thought even upon fate, one should not abandon one's own exertion ;
without exertion one cannot obtain oil from (even) sessamum seeds.
Besides : —
31. Prosperity attends upon the energetic lion of a man. Abject fellows say, " It
is given by fate." Having resisted fate act (with) manliness with (all) thy strength.
If, on effort being made, (the deed) is not accomplished, what fault (is) there?
32. Just as with one wheel there can be no motion of a chariot, so without the act
of man destiny (itself) is not accomplished.
Also : —
33. An act done in a former birth is called " Fate " ; therefore, unwearied, one
should manfully make effort.
34. As from a lump of clay a workman produces whatever he wishes, so a man
obtains the destiny prepared by himself.
Besides : —
35. Though perceiving a treasure in front, obtained like the fruit of the palm
[which unexpectedly fell and revealed its rich contents to] the crow,} Fate itself does
not pick it (up), it waits for man.
36. Deeds are accomplished by effort not by wishes ; verily deer do not enter
into the mouth of a sleeping lion.
37. A child trained by mother and father attains eminence ; a son does not become
wise by being merely born.
• The god Siva, t The god Vishnu. $ Alluding to a fable* ^
4 pbastavanA.
So also : —
38. The mother (is) an enemy, the father (is) a foe, by whom a child is not in-
structed ; he [the child] shines not in company, (he is) like a heron amongst crows.
39. Possessed of beauty (and) youth, born of noble family, (but) destitute of
knowledge, they shine not. (They are) like scentless kimSuka flowers.
40. Even a fool shines in an assembly just as (he may be) dressed ; thus-long a
fool shines, so long as he says nothing.
Having reflected thus the king convoked an assembly of the learned. The king
(then) said : O Pandits, listen. Is there any one so learned who (is) able now, by
instruction in politic science, to effect the regeneration of my continually wayward
and ignorant sons ?
For:—
41. Glass by association with gold acquires an emerald lustre ; so, by proximity to
the good, a fool attains cleverness.
And it is said : —
42. The mind is indeed lowered, son, from associated with the low; with
equals it reaches equality ; but with the distinguished (it attains) distinction.
Hereupon a great scholar named Vishnuforman, like Vrihaspati, conversant with
the gist of all books on policy, said : Sire ! these princes born in a high family can be
caused to acquire policy by me. For : —
43. No labour whatever bestowed on a worthless object can be fruitful : even by
a hundred efforts a crow is not made to talk like a parrot.
Moreover: —
44. But in this family worthless offspring is not born : In a mine of rubies whence
(can arise) the production of crystal P
Hence I, in the period of six months, will make your sons conversant with works
of policy. The king courteously replied: —
45. Even a worm by association with a jasmine ascends (above) the head of the
good: even a stone attains divinity, (when) consecrated by the great.
Besides : —
46. As, upon the eastern mountain an object shines by the drawing near (of the
sun), so by the proximity of the good even an out-caste is enlightened.
47. The virtuous are discriminators of right and wrong; should they acquire vice
they become faulty: rivers arise (having their) waters sweet; having reached the
ocean they become undrinkable.
Therefore you (are) the authority for the instruction in politic science of these my
sons. Having said thus, with much courtesy he consigned his sons to Vishnuforman
Then, in the presence of the princes, comfortably seated on the terrace of the palace, by
PBA8TAVANA.
way of introduction, the Pandit said : O princes, listen —
48. With the enjoyment of poetic works the time of the wise passes, and (that)
of fools with vice, sleep, or contention.
Therefore, for the gratification of your Highnessess, I (am about to) relate the
wonderful story of the crow, the tortoise, Ac. The princes said : Sir, let it be related.
Vishnu£arman said : Listen now ; the " Acquisition of Friends " is commencing, of
which this (is) the first verse : —
ACQUISITION OF FRIENDS.
1. The wise and very friendly Crow, Tortoise, Deer, and Mouse, without means,
(and) destitute of wealth, speedily accomplished (their) purposes.
The princes said : How is that? VishnuSarman relates (as follows) : — There is
on the bank of the Godavari* a large silk-cotton tree ; there, having assembled from
various quarters and countries, birds at night are roosting. Now on a certain night
being ended, when the revered Moon, the friend of the lotus (was) resting on the
summit of the western mountain, a crow, named Gently -alighting, being awake, saw a
fowler approaching snare in hand like a second Death. Having seen him, he reflected
(thus) : To-day, even betimes, an unwished for sight has appeared. I do not know what
undesired (circumstance) it will reveal. So saying, following him gradually, he moved
perplexed.
For:—
2. Thousands of occasions of grief, and hundreds of occasions of fear, day by day
approach the fool, not the wise.
Moreover : —
By worldlings this indispensably should be done : —
3. Each day one rises, it should be thought, a great danger is imminent ; of death,
sickness, or sorrow, which will happen to-day ?
Now having scattered grains of rice, a net was spread by the fowler, and he being
concealed remained (waiting). Just at that time, the king of the pigeons, named
Speckled-neck, gliding in the sky with (his) retinue, saw those grains of rice. Then the
king of the pigeons, perceiving the pigeons covetous of the grains of rice, remarked :
Whence (comes) the origin of grains of rice here in (this) deserted wood ? Let this be
investigated a little. 1 do not look upon this (as) fortunate. Haply by this covetous-
ness for grains of rice, we also in like manner may become —
4. As the traveller, sunk in an impassable quag-mire, seized by an old tiger,
perished, through covetousness of a bracelet.
• In the Dakkhan.
i
6 MITRALABHA.
The pigeons said : How (was) that ? The king of the pigeons relates (as follows) :
Once, while feeding in the Southern forest, I observed an old tiger, (who had) bathed,
with kuia- grass in (his) paw, on the banks of a lake, was saying : Ho, ho, traveller,
let this golden bracelet be accepted. Then, attracted by avarice, a certain traveller
(thus) reflected : This arises by good luck ; — but in this (enterprize entailing) risk
within itself an attempt is not to be made.
For: —
5. In the acquisition of the desired from the undesired, a felicitous result does
not arise ; where there is the presence of poison, there even ambrosia (tends) to death.
But everywhere in the acquisition of wealth, the attempt (is) a risk. Thus it has
been said : —
6. Not having surmounted doubt a man sees not good things ; on the contrary,
having overcome doubt, if he lives, he sees (them).
Therefore, I (will) investigate a little. He says aloud, Where (is) thy bracelet ?
The tiger having stretched forth (bis) paw shows (it). The traveller said : How (is)
confidence to be placed in thee, a ferocious (animal)? The tiger said: Listen,
traveller-fellow ! formerly, of a truth, in a youthful state, I was excessively wicked.
Through the slaughter of many cows, Brahman s, and men, my numerous children are
dead, and (my) wife (also). Now I am without family. Therefore, by a certain vir-
tuous (person) I was advised (thus) : Let your honour practise the duty of liberality.
In consequence of his advice now I (am) a practiser of ablutions, a bestower (of alms),
old, (and) with decayed claws and teeth ; how (am I) not a (fit) object of confidence.
It is said : —
7. Sacrifice, study, alms-giving, self-mortification, truth, fortitude, patience, and
contentment, — this, it is said, (is) the eight-fold path of duty.
8. The former four-fold class is practised in this world even for ostentation ;
but the latter four-fold class dwells only in the magnanimous.
And my freedom from cupidity (is) such that the golden bracelet belonging even
to my own arm, I am willing to give to anyone soever. Still (it is) really hard to
remove the common imputation to the effect that tigers cat men. For : —
9. The world, following precedent, does not constitute a good-counselling bawd
an authority in virtue, as (it does) even cow-killing Brahman.
And by me religious books have been studied. Listen : —
10. As rain on a desert place so (is) food (bestowed) on one pained by hunger.
A fruitful gift is (one) bestowed on the poor, O son of Pandu !
11. As one's own vital airs [life] are cherished, so also (should be) those of
(other) creatures. By reason of self-likeness* the good exercise compassion on (other)
beings.
Besides : —
12. Both in refusing, and in bestowing, in pleasure and pain, in the agreeable
and in the disagreeable, by self-likeness a man attains a (good) authority.
• Referring all things to self as a standard.
mitbalAbha. 7
Again : —
13. He who looks upon another's wife as a mother, on another's wealth as a
clod, on all beings as himself, he (is) wise.
And thou (art) unfortunate ; therefore I (am) aniious to give to thee. And it is
said: —
14. Nourish the poor, O son of Kunti ; do not give wealth to the wealthy.
For the sick, medicine (is) beneficial ; but what (do) the healthy (want) with me-
dicines ?
Besides : —
15. "It is to be given," thus (is the command; therefore) whatever gift is
bestowed upon the non-assistant, in a (right) place, time, and on a (proper) recipient,
that they esteem a virtuous gift.
Therefore, having bathed in the lake, accept this golden bracelet. Then, confiding
in his speech, as soon as he had entered the lake to bathe, immediately he sank into a
great quag-mire, (and) was unable to escape. Seeing him fallen into the quag-mire
the tiger said : Ha ! thou are fallen into a great quag-mire, therefore I (will) lift thee
up. Having said thus, (and) having cautiously approached, — the traveller, seized by
the tiger, reflected (thus) :
16. " He reads the Dharma-£astras," this is not the operative cause ; neither (is)
the repetition of the Veda. The natural disposition of the wicked truly here pre-
dominates ; just as by (its) nature the milk of the cow is sweet.
Again: —
17. The act of those whose senses and heart are not under control (is) like the
washing of an elephant.* Knowledge without practice (is) a burden, like ornaments
on an ill-disposed wife.
Therefore it was not well done by me, that confidence was here reposed in a
ferocious (animal). Thus truly is it said : —
18. Confidence should never be placed in rivers, in those with weapons in their
hands, in those with claws or horns, in women, and in kings' families.
Besides : —
19. Of everyone, indeed, the natural dispositions are tested, not the other qualities;
transcending all (other) qualities the natural disposition is at the head.
Moreover : —
20. Truly he, sporting in the sky, destroying darkness, possessed of ten hundred
beams, moving in the midst of stars, even the Moon, by reason of destiny, is
swallowed by Eahu.f Who is able to avoid what is written on the forehead ?
While reflecting thus he was killed and eaten by the tiger : hence I say, "By
covetousness of a bracelet," &c. Therefore a not properly considered act ought, by no
means, to be done.
For: —
21. Well-digested food, a circumspect son, a well-governed wife, a well-served
king, a well-considered speech, and a well-deliberated act, in a very long time under-
goes no change.
* Unefficaciona in character. f Is subject to eclipse. ^|
8 MITRALABHA.
Having heard this speech a certain pigeon haughtily said : Ah ! what indeed is
being said?
22. On the time of adversity being imminent, the speech of the aged ought to
be received everywhere, indeed, with consideration : it is not concerned in eating.
For :—
23. All food and drink is beset, on the face of the earth, with doubts : where is
anything to be done ? or how (is) the possibility of living ?
And it is said : —
24. The envious, the censorious, the discontented, the passionate, the ever-
suspicious, and he who lives on another's fortune, — these six have misery for their
portion.
Having heard this, all the pigeons alighted there. For : —
25. The very learned, resolvers of doubts, versed in even the greatest sciences,
(when) fascinated by covetousness are afflicted.
Again: —
26. From covetousness proceeds anger ; from anger lust is produced ; from
covetousness (arises) both infatuation and perdition. Covetousness (is) the cause of sin.
Again: —
27. The production of a golden deer (is) an impossibility ; still Rama lusted for
the deer*; oft-times, at a season of impending calamity, even the intellects of the
masculine become clouded.
Presently they were all caught in the net. Then all the birds abuse him through
whose speech they had alighted there. Thus it is said : —
28. One should not go in front of the troop, — when the act has succeeded the
profit (is) equal; should there be a disaster in the affair, the leader is killed on
the spot.
And it is said : —
29. Unrestraint of the senses is said (to be) the path of misfortune ; the conquest
of them (is) the path of success : go by whichever (path) is desired (by you).
Hearing the abuse of him Speckled-neck said : This (is) not his fault. For : —
80. Even a friend becomes the cause of misfortunes which happen: even a
mother's leg becomes a post on the binding of a calf .f
. Again: —
81. He is a friend who (is) able to remove the calamity of the unfortunate;
but not (he who is) skilful in censuring means for deliverance from what is appre-
hended.
And in time of misfortune of a truth perplexity is the sign of a coward ; therefore
now, resting (on) fortitude, let a remedy be thought of. For : —
82. In misfortune firmness, in prosperity meekness, in the assembly eloquence, in
war valour, in fame desire, perseverance in study, — this (is) the perfection of the nature
of the magnanimous.
i
• The magioal appearance of a golden deer deluded him. f At the time of milking.
mitralAbhA. 9
83. Of whom, in prosperity, (there is) no exaltation, (nor) dejection in adversity,
and (who is) firm in battle, — a mother rarely gives birth to that son, the ornament of
the three worlds.
Besides : —
34. Six faults should be here shunned by a man wishing for dignity, — sleep,
sloth, fear, anger, laziness, (and) prolixity.
Now let it thus be done, — being of one mind, the net being taken up by the whole,
let (us) fly away.
For:—
35. The combination of even little things (is) effective of what is to be done : by
grasses (which have) become cord furious elephants are bound.
36. The best combination for men (is) with their own families, although small ;
stripped of their husks grains of rice do not germinate.
Having reflected thus, all the birds, taking up the net, started up. Hereupon
the fowler from afar having seen those removers of the net, running after (them)
reflected —
37. Those travellers of the air, combined, are carrying off my net ; when they
alight then they will come (into) my power.
Then, upon the birds passing beyond the range of sight, the fowler desisted.
Now having seen (that) the fowler had desisted, the pigeons said : Sire ! what now (is)
proper to be done ? Speckled-neck said : —
38. A mother, a friend, and a father, — from natural disposition (form) a friendly
trio ; and others from special cause are friendly-minded.
My friend, then, named Well-to-do, the king of the mice, dwells in Pretty-wood,
on the banks of the Gandaki ; he will sever our bonds by the strength of his teeth.
Having decided thus, all went near to the burrow of Well-to-do. But Well-to-do,
through continual apprehension of danger, having constructed a burrow with a hun-
dred entrances, is dwelling (therein).
39. Perceiving danger not yet arrived, an old mouse, skilled in books of policy,
occupied there a burrow with a hundred openings.
Then Well-to-do, startled by the descent of the pigeons, remained silent.
Speckled-neck said : friend Well-to-do, why art thou not conversing (with) us ?
Well-to-do having heard his observation (and) recognised (him), ran out hastily
(and) said : Ah ! I am fortunate, my dear friend Speckled-neck (is) come !
40. Who has converse with a friend, who has (his) abode with a friend, who has
condolence with a friend, — there is none here more fortunate than he !
Seeing them bound in a snare, remaining a moment with amazement, he said :
friend ! what (is) this P Speckled-neck replied : This (is) the result of our conduct
in a former birth.
10 MITEALABHA.
41. From whomsoever, and by whomsoever, and howsoever, and whensoever, and
whatsoever, and how much soever, and wheresoever — good and evil (there may happen
to be, it is) one's own act, and comes from the predominance of Fate.
42. Sickness, sorrow, regret, bonds, and afflictions, — these (are) the fruits of the
tree of the personal offences of corporeal beings.
Hearing this Well-to-do hastily drew near to sever the bonds of Speckled-neck.
Thereupon Speckled-neck says : friend, by no means so ; first just sever the snare
of these my dependants. Well-to-do replied : I (am) weak, and my teeth are soft ;
then how am I able to cut the noose of these many ? Therefore, as long as my
teeth do not break so long (will) I cut thy noose ; after that, to the utmost of my
power, I will sever the bonds of the others also. Speckled-neck said : Be it even
so ; still to the utmost of thy power break the bonds of these. Well-to-do replied :
The preservation of followers by the abandonment of self (is) not approved by those
who are conversant with policy.
For:—
43. (A man) should preserve his wealth on account of misfortune, with his wealth
also he should preserve (his) wife ; both by wealth (and) by wife he should always
preserve himself.
Again: —
44. The vital airs (are) the causes of the continuance of virtue, wealth, pleasure,
and (final) deliverance ; by destroying these [vital airs] what (is) not destroyed, by
preserving (them) what (is) not preserved ?
Speckled-neck said : friend, policy, truly, (is) just such as this ; but I am not
able to endure the affliction of my dependants ; therefore, I say this. For : —
45. A wise man would relinquish riches and even life on account of another:
death being certain, better the abandonment (of life) in a good cause.
And this (is) another especial reason : —
46. Among these, there is community of race, wealth, and qualities with me;
state (then) the advantage of my sovereignty ; when and what will that be ?
Besides : —
47. Of a truth, these without recompense do not quit my vicinity ; therefore, even
at the expense of my life preserve these my dependants.
Again: —
48. Abandoning solicitude on (account of) this perishable body, formed of flesh,
urine, excrement, and bone, preserve my reputation, friend !
And see further : —
49. If eternal unsullied fame can be obtained by the transitory body charged with
impurities, why, then, should (it) not be obtained ?
For:—
50. Between the body and the virtues (there is) an exceedingly wide difference ;
the body (is) perishable in an instant, the virtues endure to the end of time.
MITBALABHA. 11
Hearing this, Well-to-do, being delighted in mind (and) having the hairs of the
body erect (with pleasure), replied : Good, friend, good ! by this tenderness for thy
dependants the sovereignty of even the three worlds is suited to thee. Having said
so, the bonds of all the pigeons (are) cut (by him). Then Well-to-do, having cour-
teously congratulated all (of them), replied : Friend Speckled-neck, here the binding
in the net being altogether fate, disparagement is not to be cast on thyself (from)
suspecting a fault.
For:—
51. The bird who from more than a hundred leagues sees here the prey, even he
at the appointed time, sees not the thong of the noose.
And also : —
52. The Rahu- paining of both Moon and Sun, also the binding of both elephant
and snake, and the poverty of the intelligent, — having seen (all these), " O fate (is)
powerful," this (is) my opinion.
Again: —
53. Even birds, solitary wanderers in the air, meet with misfortune ; also fish are
caught by the skilful from the sea (whose) waters (are) unfathomable. On fate (being)
really unpropitious, whence (comes benefit from) good conduct? what advantage (is
there) in obtaining a position ? Truly Time, with hand stretched out for destruction!
seizes even from afar.
Having thus counselled, exercised hospilality, and embraced, Speckled-neck, dis-
missed by him, with (his) retinue went to the place (he) desired.
54. Whoever (they may be) friends should be made, and hundreds (of them) :
behold, by the friendship of a mouse the pigeons are released from bonds.
Well-to-do, also, entered his burrow. Now the crow named Gently-alighting, a
spectator of the whole occurrence, with astonishment said this : 0, Well-to-do ! thou
art to be be praised : therefore I also desire to form friendship with thee, hence thou
shouldst favour me with (thy) friendship. Hearing that, Well-to-do, remaining in the
interior of his burrow, said ; Who (art) thou, Sir ? The crow replied : I am the crow
called Gently-alighting. Then Well-to-do laughing said : What friendship (can there
be) with thee ?
For:—
55. What, with whatever is concordant in the world, that the wise should asso-
ciate therewith : I (am) the food, you (are) the eater ; how shall there be friendship
(between us) ?
56. Friendship between the food and the eater, (is) assuredly the cause of
misfortune. The deer caught in a noose through a jackal was rescued by a crow.
The crow asked : How (was) that ? Well-to-do relates (as follows) : —
There is in the country of Magadha* a forest called Champakavati ; in it for a
long time, with great friendship, a deer and a crow dwelt ; and the deer, delighted and
plump, roaming about by its own inclination, was seen by a certain jackal. Having
seen him, the jackal reflected (thus) : Ah ! how (may) I devour this delicate flesh of
the deer f Be it as it may, I (will) just excite (his) confidence. Having reflected thus
• The modern Bihir.
12 MITBALABHA.
(and) drawn near, he said : Friend ! prosperity to thee ! Quoth the deer : Who (art)
thou ? The jackal replied : I am the jackal named Little-sense ; here in the forest,
destitute of friend and relation, like one dead, I am dwelling alone ; but now having
met with you (as a) friend, I have again entered the land of the living ; now by all
means, let me become a dependant of thine. The deer said : Let it be so. After-
wards, as soon as the glorious (sun) wreathed in scorching rays, had reached the western
mountain, the deer and the jackal went towards the dwelling-place of the deer. There,
upon the branch of a Champaka-tree, the crow named Intelligent, long the friend of
the deer, was dwelling. Seeing those two, the crow exclaimed : friend deer ! who
(is) this second (person) ? The deer replied : This (is) a jackal come seeking my
friendship. Says the crow : Friend, confidence, all of a sudden, with a new-comer is
not, indeed, proper. That (is) not propitious behaviour.
Thus it is said :
57. Of whomsoever the race and disposition are unknown, (to him) house-room
should not be given. Through the fault of a cat, the vulture Old-ox was killed.
They both asked : How (was) that ? The crow relates:
There is on the banks of the Bhagirathi,* on a mountain called Vulture-peak, a
large waved-leaf fig-tree. In a hollow of it, by the cruelty of fate (with) decayed
claws and eyes, an old vulture named Old-ox is dwelling. Now compassionately, for
his support, the birds dwelling in that tree give (him) each a little from his own food :
with that he lives. Now, once upon a time, a cat named Long-ear came there to
devour the young birds. Then, having seen him approaching, the young birds agitated
by fear made an uproar. Hearing that, Old-ox said : Who (is) this coming p Long-ea
perceiving the vulture timidly said : Ah ! I am killed !
For:—
58. As long as danger is not imminent, so long (is) the fear of danger to be
entertained ; but having perceived danger at hand a man should act becomingly.
Now from extreme nearness flight is impossible, therefore as it is to be, so let it
be; I (will) go near him. Having rosolved thus (and) approached, he said : Sir, I
salute thee. The vulture cried out : Who art thou ? He replied : (It is) I, a cat.
Says the vulture : Ah, miscreant ! go away to a distance, otherwise thou wilt be killed
by me. The cat (then) said : Just let my speech be heard, afterwards if I deserve
death, then let (me) be killed.
For:—
59. Whoever is, anywhere, killed or honoured merely on account of birth ? having
scrutinized the conduct, he should be either killed or honoured.
Says the vulture : Tell me, of what sort (is thy) conduct ? He replied : Here
I am dwelling on the bank of the Ganges, continually performing ablutions, eating
k •. ■ • The river Ganges.
MITRALABHA. 13
no flesh, as a religious student practising the Chandrayana vow.* The birds, the objects
of the love and confidence of you (who are) conversant with the law, are for ever
before me praising thy manifold virtues, hence I am come here to listen to an expo-
sition of the law from your Honour, advanced in knowledge and years ; and (doth)
your Honour so understand the law as (to be) ready to slay me, a guest? But
this has been declared the duty of a householder —
60. On even an enemy arrived at the house becoming hospitality should be be-
stowed ; the tree does not withdraw its sheltering shadow from the wood-cutter.
Moreover, if there is no food in the house, then with very kind language at least
a stranger should be entertained. For it is said : —
61. Grass, a space, water, and, fourthly, courteous language, — these are never
withheld in the house of the good.
Besides : —
62. If either a child, or an old man, or a youth, come to the house, respect
should be shown for him. The guest is everyone's superior.
Again : —
63. The good show pity upon even worthless beings : the moon does not withdraw
(its) light from the house of the Chandala.f
Further : —
64. From whose house a guest turns away disappointed, he [the guest] goes
having given to him [the householder] his (own) misdeeds, and having taken away
his [the householder's] virtue.
Moreover : —
65. Even a low person come to the house of one of even the highest caste should
be suitably entertained : a guest consists of all the deities.];
The vulture replied : since cats are delighters in flesh and young birds live here,
therefore I speak thus. On hearing this the cat having touched the earth, touches
both (her) ears, and says : By me, with extinguished passions, studying the books of
the law, this very arduous task, the Chandrayana, has been undertaken. For of the
mutually discordant works of sacred authority (there is) unanimity on this point, that
inoffensiveness (is) a paramount duty.
For:—
66. The men who abstain from injury to all, who patiently endure all, and who
(are) the asylum of all, those men go to heaven.
Again : —
67. Virtue (is) truly the one friend which follows after (its possessor) even in
death ; but all else attains equal destruction with the body.
Moreover : —
68. When anyone eats the flesh of another, behold ye the difference of the two : of
the one (there is) momentary gratification, the other is abandoned by the vital airs.§
And also : —
69. The pain which is produced for a man (by the thought, U I) must die," by
that reflection another (person) ought to be preserved.
• A fast enduring for a month. t A member of the lowest cast.
J Is an impersonation of all the deities. § ».«., is deprived of life.
14 MITEALABHA.
Listen again : —
70. It [the stomach] is thoroughly satisfied even by vegetables spontaneously pro-
duced in the wood ; on account of this craving stomach what man would commit sin ?
Having thus inspired confidence the cat remained in the hollow of the tree. Then
in succeeding days, attacking the young birds and bringing (them) into the hole, day
by day he devours (them). Now by those disconsolate birds whose young had been
devoured an investigation was commenced here and there. Perceiving that, the cat
slipping out of the hole fled. Afterwards, by the birds searching hither and thither,
there, in the hollow (of the tree), the bones of the young ones were found ; and im-
mediately concluding that their young ones had been eaten by him, the vulture was
killed by the birds combined together. Hence I say, " Without knowing family and
disposition," Ac. Having heard this the jackal angrily said : On the first day of the
Deer's seeing (you) your Honour also was unknown as to disposition ; then how (is
it that) even to the present day the course of this great affection with your Honour
increases more and more ?
71. Where there is not a wise person, there one of even little sense is commend-
able ; in a country devoid of trees even the castor-oil plant ranks as a tree.
Besides : —
72. " (Is) he of my country or a stranger?" such is the calculation of the narrow-
minded: the earth itself (is) the family of the noble-hearted.
And as this deer (is) my friend so (is) your Honour also. Says the deer : What
(is to be effected) by this debating ? let us all remain with confidential discourse
enjoying happiness together. For : —
73. Noone (is) the friend of anyone, noone is the enemy of anyone j by conduct
friends are produced, so (are) enemies.
The crow replied : Let it be so. Now in the early morning all went to the place
they liked best. One day the jackal secretly says : In one part of this forest there is
a field full of corn ; having taken thee there I (will) show (it). Upon (this) being so
done, the deer every day going there eats the corn. Then, in the course of a few
days, having noticed him, by the owner of the field a snare was fixed there. After-
wards, the deer came again, (and) grazing there, was caught by the snare. Who,
thought he, other than a friend (is) able to draw me hence from the snare of the
hunter so like the noose of Death ? Hereupon the jackal having approached there
stood near (and) reflected : Ah ! successful so far (is) our deceitful plot, the fulfil-
ment of my wishes will also be abundant ; for his flesh-and-biood stained bones on
being cut up are certainly to be obtained by me. But on seeing him the deer
delighted said : Friend Jackal, just sever my bonds ; speedily deliver me.
For:—
74. In misfortunes one may know a friend, in battle a hero, in debt an honest
person, in decaying fortunes a wife, and kinsmen in afflictions.
mitralabhA. 15
Moreover : —
75. He (is) a kinsman who stands (with one) in festive seasons, and also in afflic-
tion, in famine, in tumult of the country, in the king's porch, and in the cemetery.
The jackal, having inspected the snare again and again, thought (within himself) :
This deer is so far fast bound in the snare, and says : Friend deer, these thongs are
formed of sinews, therefore how (can) I touch them with (my) teeth now on a sacred
day. (My) friend! let us think (quite) otherwise. Therefore to-morrow morning
whatever (shall) be suggested by thee that (will) be done by me. Having spoken thus
he remained silently waiting in [the cover] of a thin bush. Meanwhile the crow, in
the evening, finding the deer had not returned, searching hither and thither, having
seen him in above-described condition, said : friend, what (is) this ? The deer
replied : This (is) the result of despising a friend's counsel. As it has been said :
76. Misfortune (is) near him who hearkens not to the voice of well-wishing
friends : that man (is) the delight of his enemies.
The crow says : Where (is) the jackal ? The deer replied : Truly here he stands
in the little grove waiting for my flesh. Says the crow : Friend, as much was said
by me before.
77. " I have done no wrong," — this (is) not a reason for confidence : there ever
exists danger to the virtuous from the vicious.
78. One departing this life neither smells the stench of an expiring lamp, nor
hears the advice of a friend, nor sees the star Arundhati.*
79. One should avoid that kind of friend (which) behind the back injures (one's)
purposes, and before the face speaks sweetly. (He is) a dish of poison with milk on
the surface.
Then the crow sighing deeply (said) : wretch, what has been done by thee, agent
of wickedness !
For:—
80. What (great affair) is it for those talked over with honied words, for those
subdued by false services, and for hopeful and trusting suitors, to be deceived in this
world !
Again: —
81. venerable Earth ! how art thou supporting that treacherous man who prac-
tises wickedness upon an unsuspecting pure-minded benefactor !
82. One should bring about neither friendship nor even acquaintance with a
wicked person : charcoal (when) hot, burns ; (when) cold it blackens the hand.
For this (is) the habit of wicked people, —
83. First he falls at the feet, (then) he bites the back-flesh, in the ear some
charming tune or other he gently murmurs ; having detected an opening he suddenly
enters without fear. The mosquito practises every act of the vile.
• The morning itar. Mythologically, the daughter of Daksha and wife of Dharma or vWishtha.
16 MITRALABHA.
And thus —
84. A wicked person (may be) sweetly spoken, but that is not a reason for col-
liding (in him). He has sweetness on the tip of the tongue, (but) in the heart virulent
poison.
Now early in the morning, the owner of the field, staff in hand, coming to that
place, was descried by the crow. Perceiving him the crow said : Friend deer, making
thyself appear like dead, filling (thy) belly with wind, (and) stiffening the legs, remain
(still). When I make the sound " Caw," then hastily starting up thou wilt flee away.
The deer remained just as directed by the crow. Then (he) was perceived by the
owner of the field with eyes expanded with joy. Seeing the deer in the above-described
condition, "Ah ! this deer has died of itself," exclaiming thus, the owner of the field,
having released the deer from the bond, began to fold up the snare. Then, on the
owner of the field being retired a little distance, the deer hearing the noise of the crow
hastily got up (and) fled away. Aiming at him, the staff was thrown by the owner of
the field ; (and) the jackal was killed by the blow of the staff hurled by him.
Thus it is said : —
85. Within three years, within three months, within three fortnights, within three
days, one enjoys, even here, the fruit of extraordinary vices and virtues.
Hence I say, "Confidence between the food and the eater," Ac. The crow
replied : —
86. Even by thee (being) eaten (there would) not (be) a complete meal for me :
on thee living I live, (thou) harmless as Speckled-neck !
Again : —
87. Even among brutes, whose actions (are) pure and single, confidence (is) seen ;
from the excellent disposition of the good, the natural quality varies not.
Moreover : —
88. The mind of the good even (when) angered undergoes no change : the water
of the ocean cannot be made hot by a wisp of straw.
Well-to-do says: Thou (art) fickle (and) friendship with the fickle should by
no means be formed. Thus it is said : —
89. A cat, a buffalo, a ram, a crow, and a base man ; these through confidence are
ascendent, therefore confidence (in them is) inexpedient.
Furthermore you (are) on the side of our enemies ; and it is said —
90. With an enemy one should not ally oneself, at least with a closely cemented
union : even well heated water quenches the fire.
91. A bad person is to be avoided even although adorned with knowledge: the
serpent (is) ornamented with a jewel ; (but) is not he dangerous ?
92. What is impossible that cannot be, what is possible that truly can be : a cart
goes not on the water, a ship goes not on the land.
MITBALABHA. 17
Besides : —
93. He who, through great affluence of wealth, confides in enemies and in an
alienated wife, — that (is) the end of his life.
Gently-alighting says : All has been heard by me ; still such (is) my determina-
tion that friendship with thee must absolutely be formed by me, otherwise, by my
abstention from food, at thy door my body (is) to be abandoned. Thus, indeed —
94 A bad person is like an earthen vessel easy to break and difficult to repair ;
but a good person, like a vessel of gold, (is) hard to break and quick to be united.
Moreover : —
95. Union of all metals (is) from fluidity, of beasts and birds from instinct, of
fools from fear and avarice, of good people from merit.
Moreover : —
96. Good people are seen to be formed like the cocoa-nut ; others, formed like the
jujube, (are) charming enough externally.
Knowing this, the society of the good is desired.
For:—
97. Even, upon an interruption of friendship, the qualities of the good undergo
no change : even when broken the fibres of lotus-stalks are connected.
Besides : —
98. Purity, liberality, heroism, community of pleasures and pains, kindness,
attachment, and truthfulness, (are) the qualities of a friend.
What friend other than yourself can be found by me endowed with these
qualities ? Having heard this and more (of) his discourse, Well-to-do, issuing forth,
said : I (am) invigorated by this nectar of your Honour's words ; for it is said : —
99. Neither bathing with very cool waters, nor a pearl necklace, nor sandal-oint-
ment although applied to every limb, so gratifies one distressed by heat, as the conversa-
tion of good people, adorned with good taste (and) resembling an attracting charm,
has power for the gratification of the mind of the virtuous.
Besides : —
100. Betrayal of confidence, importunity, harshness, fickleness of mind, anger,
untruthfulness, and gambling, — this (is) the spoiling of a friend.
Not even one fault, then, throughout the course of this speech, is perceptible in
thee.
For:—
101. Eloquence (or) truthfulness is known by the appropriateness of the state-
ment ; unsteadiness (or) unwaveringness is ascertained by observation.
Again : —
102. The friendship of one whose heart is pure is, indeed, of one kind; the
speech of one whose mind is affected by deceit acts in a quite opposite way.
3 i
I
18 MITRALABHA.
103. In the mind of the wicked (there is) one thing, in the word something else,
in the deed something else : in the mind of the large-souled (there is) singleness,
in the word singleness, in the deed singleness.
Then let it be even as your Honour wishes ; saying this Well-to-do, having esta-
blished friendship, (and) having gratified the crow with choice food, entered (his) burrow.
The crow also departed to his own place. After that some time passes away with their
mutual presents of food, inquiries after health, and confidential conversation. One
day the crow said to Well-to-do : Friend, this (is) a place (in which) the food of a
crow is very hard to be procured ; therefore, quitting this, I wish to go to another
place. Well-to-do says : —
104. Teeth, hair, nails, (and) men, removed from their place, are not beautiful ;
knowing this, the wise should not abandon his own place.
The crow says : Friend, this (is) the speech of a coward.
For:—
105. Lions, good men, (and) elephants, having abandoned a place go (onwards in
life) ; crows, cowards, (and) deer, meet death at the same spot.
Besides : —
106. What (is) recognised by an intelligent hero as his own country ? or what as a
foreign land ? Whatever country he resorts to, even that he makes (his own), acquired
by strength of arm. Whatever forest the lion ranges, striking with teeth, claws, and
tail, in that same he slakes his thirst with the blood of stricken elephants.
Well-to-do asks : Whither must (we) go ? For thus it is said : —
107. The wise man moves with one foot, (and) rests still with one foot : without
having inspected another place, he should not abandon a former station.
The crow says : Friend, there is a well inspected place ; I am (about to) lead
you there. Well-to-do said : What (is) that ? The crow relates : There is in the
Dangaka-forest a lake called Oamphor-wbite. There, a beloved friend of mine, acquired
a long time ago, the innately virtuous tortoise named Torpid, dwells. For : —
108. In advising others, wisdom may l>e easy for all ; but in the (path of) duty
the following oneself (is) for one of exalted mind.
And he will regale me with choice fish-diet. Well-to-do said : Remaining here,
what is to be done by me ? For : —
109. In whatever country (there is) neither respect for the good, nor the means of
livelihood, nor friends, nor the advance of knowledge : anyone should abandon that
country*
Besides : —
110. A rich man, a religious teacher, a king, a river, and fifthly a physician ; —
MITRALABHA. 19
where (these) five are not one should not make (one's) abode.
Again: —
111. Traffic, fear, modesty, honesty, (and) generosity, — where (these) five are not,
there one should not make an abiding-place.
Again: —
112. There, Friend, one must not dwell, where this quarternion is not — a payer
of debts, a physician, a religious teacher, (and) a river of wholesome water.
Hence conduct me also there. The crow replied : Let it be so. Now the crow
set out towards that pool with that friend, happy in discoursing on various subjects.
Then Torpid even from afar perceiving Gently-alighting, rose up, (and) having accorded
(him) a suitable welcome, performed the duties of hospitality also for the mouse.
For :—
113. The preceptor of the twice-born (is) fire ; a Brahman (is) the preceptor of
(other) castes ; a husband (is) the sole preceptor of women : a guest (is) the preceptor
everywhere.
The crow said : Friend Torpid, render especial honour to this one ; for he is the
chief of virtuous actors, an ocean of compassion, named Well-to-do, king of the
mice. The praise of his virtue not even the Serpent-king with (his) two thousand
tongues is able to celebrate. Having said this, he related the anecdote of Speckled-
neck. Then Torpid, having respectfully saluted Well-to-do, said : Sir, thou shouldst
state the reason of your coming to (this) desolate wood. Well-to-do replied : I am
(about to) relate (it) ; listen. There is, in a town called Champaka, a residence for
mendicants. A mendicant is dwelling there named Tufted-ear ; and he goes to sleep
(after) having placed on a peg (his) alms-dish, containing the food given in alms, the
remains of meals ; and 1, having leaped up, each day used to eat this food. After-
wards his beloved friend, a mendicant named Lute-eared, arrived. Engaged with him
in various topics of conversation, for the purpose of frightening me, with a piece of
split cane, Tufted-ear kept striking the earth. Perceiving this, Lute-eared said : Friend*
how is it that, inattentive to my conversation, you (are) intent on something else P
For:—
114. A pleased countenance, and a clear eye, attention to conversation, and sweet
speech, exceeding kindness, and a ready aspect, (is) ever the mark of an attached
person.
115. Giving dissatisfaction, ungratefulness, disrespect, publishing (one's) failings,
the forgetting (one's) name during conversation, (is) the mark of a person of estranged
nature.
Tufted-ear said : Dear Sir ! I (am) not inattentive. But see, this mouse, my
injurer, continually devours the alms-food remaining in the dish. Lute-eared, having
examined the peg, said : How (is it that) this very weak mouse jumps so far ? there-
fore, here there must be some cause.
Thus it has been said : —
116. A young woman suddenly having seized the hair (and) unmercifully em-
i
20 MITRALABHA.
braced, kisses (her) old husband: here there will be a cause.
Tufted-ear asks : How (is) that ? Lute-eared relates (as follows) : There is in
Gaur a city called Kau£ambin*; in it dwells a very wealthy merchant named Sandal-
slave ; and by him, when in the latter part of life, with mind overpowered by desire,
through pride of wealth, was espoused a merchant's daughter named Wanton. But
she was (in) the bloom of youth, like the banner of Cupidf; and an old husband was
not to her satisfaction. For : —
117. The heart of those pinched by cold delights not in the moon, (nor) of those
oppressed by heat in the sun, (so, the hearts) of women (take no delight) in a husband
whose sensual organs are impaired by age.
Moreover : —
118. Upon the grey hairs of a man appearing, what passion forsooth (can there
be) ? since women, with hearts fixed on others, esteem (him) as a drug.
But the old husband was exceedingly attached (to) her. For : —
119. The hope of wealth, and the love of life (are) always important among living
creatures ; for an old man, a young wife is more important than life itself.
Also: —
120. A decrepit man is neither able to enjoy nor to renounce sensual objects ; (as)
a toothless dog only licks a bone with (his) tongue.
Now this Wanton, from the rashness of youth, overstepping family bounds,
became in love with a certain merchant's son. For : —
121. Liberty, residence in a father's house, attendance at festive processions,
unrestraint in the presence of tribesmen, also residence in a foreign country, the
repeatedly consorting with unchaste women, the wasting away of her own means of
subsistence, the old age, jealousy, (and) sojourn abroad of the husband, (are) the cause
of the destruction of women.
Besides : —
122. Drinking, associating with bad people, and absence (from) the husband,
roaming about, sleep, and dwelling in another's house, (are) the six faults of women.
Moreover : —
123. There is no place ; there is no opportunity ; there is no male a suitor ; —
through that, O Narada, the chastity of women arises.
Again: —
124. Among women, no male is either agreeable or disagreeable ; like cows in a
forest they seek grass fresh and fresh.
125. Women, truly, (are) ever inconstant, (this is) notorious even among the
celestials ; lucky (are) those men of whom they (are) preserved (pure).
• Meaning " possessed of grass and water." t *•*•> was beautiful
MITRALABHA. 21
126. (It is) not modesty, nor decorum, nor honesty, nor timidity ; — truly, the lack
of a suitor, this (is) the cause of a woman's chastity.
Besides : —
127. A woman (is) like a jar of butter, a man (is) like glowing charcoal ; therefore
the wise should not place both butter and fire in one place.
Again : —
128. The father preserves in girlhood, the husband preserves in youth, and
children (preserve) in the aged condition : a woman is not fit (for) liberty.
129. With mother, sister, or daughter, one should not be sitting sequestered ;
powerful (is) the aggregate of the senses, it draws even the wise (into danger).
Once, this Wanton, seated at her ease on a couch variegated with strings of jewels,
(in) familiar intercourse with the merchant's son, the husband approached unperceived ;
seeing him (she) hastily arose, caught (him) by the hair, (and) ardently hugging,
kissed (him) ; and hereupon the gallant got up (and) escaped. It is said : —
130. Whatever science Usanas* knows, and whatever (science) Vrihaspatif knows ;
all that, even by nature, is firmly implanted in the understanding of women.
Seeing that embracing, a procuress, passing near, thought : Without cause she is
embracing him. Afterwards, discovering the gallant (to be) the cause, Wanton was
fined secretly by that procuress. Hence I say, " Suddenly a young wife," &c. Here
there must be some cause sustaining the strength of the mouse. Having considered a
moment, the mendicant said : And the reason here appears to be really the abundance
of wealth. For : —
131. Every wealthy person in the world is everywhere always strong ; even the
power of kings arises, founded on wealth.
Then taking a pick-axe, (and) digging up the burrow, my long-hoarded wealth was
seized by that mendicant. Then daily deprived of my strength, bereft of courage and
energy, unable to obtain proper food, timidly and softly creeping about, I was seen by
Tufted-ear. Then he said :
132. By wealth everyone (is) strong ; from wealth one becomes wise ; behold, this
wicked mouse has attained the level of his species.
Again: —
133. All the acts of a man of little understanding, deprived (of) wealth, are
destroyed, like rivulets in the hot season.
Moreover : —
134. Of whom (there are) riches, of him (there are) friends; of whom (there
are) riches, of him (there are) relations ; of whom (there are) riches, he (is) a man in
the world ; of whom (there are) riches, he (is) wise.
• The learned regent of the planet Venus ; also, the author of a law-book, still extant,
f The preceptor of the gods, the ruler of speech and understanding.
22 MITEALABHA.
Again : —
135. The house of the childless (is) empty, (so is the house) of one destitute of a
true friend ; for a fool the regions of space (are) empty ; totally blank (is) poverty.
Verily : —
136. Between poverty and death, poverty is acknowledged the worse ; death (is
attended) with (but) little affliction ; poverty (is) exceedingly hard to bear.
Besides : —
137. Those senses (are) unimpaired ; so also (is) the name ; this understanding
(is) uninjured ; so also (is) the voice : — deserted by the warmth of wealth, the man, of
a truth, instantly becomes a different person. — Strange this.
Having heard all this I reflected : My remaining here (is) now improper ; and as
regards relating this incident to another, that also (is) improper.
For:—
138. A wise person should not divulge the loss of wealth, distress of mind,
malpractices at home, the being cheated, and disgrace.
Also: —
139. Age, wealth, family dissension, private counsel, sexual intercourse, medicinal
remedies, penance, almsgiving, and disgrace, (are) nine things to be carefully con-
cealed.
And it is said : —
140. On fate (proving) exceedingly unpropitious, and on manliness being exerted
in vain, whence, except from the forest,* (can there be) happiness for the sensible
poor ?
Again: —
141. A wise man dies pleasureably, but reaches not penury (pleasureably). Fire
experiences even extinction, but approaches not coldness.
Moreover : —
142. As of a bunch of flowers, (there are) two states of a wise man ; he should
either remain on the head of all, or he should wither in the forest.
And as to living here by mendicancy, that (is) exceedingly despicable. For : —
143. Better the (funeral) fires were satisfied with the vital airsf by one deprived
of wealth, (but) not the soliciting a churlish sordid person.
Besides : —
144. From poverty one reaches shame, overcome with shame he is deprived of
spirit, (being) spirit-less he is despised, from contempt he approaches despondency,
(being) despondent he goes on to misery, afflicted by misery he is deserted by intel-
ligence, (being) sense-less he goes to destruction : alas ! poverty (is) the seat of every
calamity.
Moreover : —
145. Better (for) silence to be kept, but not a word uttered which (is) untrue;
better impotency for me, but not intercourse with the wife of another ; better the
abandonment of life, but not delight in the words of a slanderer ; better a subsistence
on alms, but not the pleasure of feasting on another's wealth.
* t.e. voluntary banishment. f i.e. one were better dead.
MITRALABHA. 23
146. Better an empty hall, but a wicked leader (is) certainly not good; better
a harlot (for) wife, but not a re-married woman of (even) good family ; better residence
in the forest rather than in the city of a stupid king ; better the abandonment of life
rather than consorting among the vile.
Also: —
147. As service (takes away) all respect; as moonlight (removes) darkness; as
old age, beauty ; as tales of Vishnu and S'iva, sin ; so also beggary takes away a
hundred (good) qualities.
Having reflected thus, how, afterwards, (shall) I feast myself with the food of
another ? the wretchedness ! that surely (were) a second Death's door !
For:—
148. Superficial learning, sexual intercourse purchased with a price, and subsisting
subject to another, (are) three miseries of men.
Besides : —
149. The sick, the long exiled, the eater of another's food, the sleeper in another's
house, what (part of life) he lives, that (is) death ; what (is) death, that (is) his repose.
Though I reflected thus, still, from cupidity, again I made effort to take his food.
Thus it is said : —
150. Through covetousness the intelligence wavers ; covetousness begets insati-
ability ; tormented with insatiability a man experiences misery here and in the other
world.
Afterwards, struck by Lute-eared with that piece of split-cane, I reflected : —
151. One greedy of wealth, of unrestrained spirit, of unsubdued senses, (is)
indeed discontented; truly every misfortune (is) his, of whom the mind (is) not
contented.
In like manner : —
152. Every success (is) his, of whom the mind (is) contented ; for one whose feet
are covered with shoes (is) not the earth covered with leather ?
Besides : —
153. What happiness (there is) for the tranquil-minded, satisfied with the nectar
of content, whence (comes) such for those running hither and thither greedy of
wealth?
Moreover : —
154. By him (everything) has been duly read, by him heard, (and) by him
practised, who, having placed expectation behind his back, has relied upon non-
expectancy.
And also : —
155. Happy (is) the life of anyone not spent at the door of the great, which has
not experienced the pain of separation, (and) which has not uttered an unavailing
word.
For :—
156. A hundred leagues (is) not far for one being borne along by desire ; for the
contented there is no regard for even the wealth held in the hand.
Therefore here the adoption of acts suitable to (one's) condition (is) best.
i
24 MITRALABHA.
And it is said :
157. What (is) religion P Kindness to creatures. What (is) happiness ? The
healthiness of a living being in this world. What (is) kindness ? Good nature. What
(is) wisdom? Discrimination.
In like manner : —
158. Discrimination (is) indeed wisdom when a calamitous circumstance has
occurred: for those incapable of exercising discrimination there are calamities step
by step.
For instance : —
159. (A man) should abandon one (person) for the sake of a family ; for the sake
of a village he should abandon the family ; the village (he should give up) for the
sake of the country ; for the sake of (his) soul he should abandon the earth.
Moreover : —
160. Either water without effort, or delicate fare followed by danger, — having
well reflected (on this alternative) I perceive (that) that (is) happiness where (there
is) repose.
Having reflected thus I am come to (this) deserted wood. For: —
161. Better a forest haunted by tigers and elephants, trees for shelter, ripe fruits
and water for food, grass for a bed, bark for clothing; (but) not deprived of wealth,
living amidst relations.
Afterwards, through the uprising of my good fortune, I have been favoured by
this friend with a succession of favours ; and now, by a continuation of good fortune,
your Honour's protection, a very heaven, has been obtained by me. For : —
162. Of the poison-tree of the world (there are) indeed two sweet fruits, — the
relish of the nectar of poetry, (and) association with good people.
Moreover : —
163. Society, the worship of Vishnu, (and) immersion in the water of the Ganges,
one should esteem three essential essences in (this) purely insipid world.
Torpid said : —
164. Eiches (are) like the dust of the feet. Youth (is) like the rush of a moun-
tain torrent. Manhood (is) fickle (and) unsteady as a drop of water. Life (is) like
foam. He who with unwavering mind does not perform the duties (which are) the
key of the gate of heaven, struck with remorse (and) bent down with decay, he is
consumed by the fire of grief.
An excessive accumulation was made by you ; that (was) your fault. Listen : —
165. The very abandonment of accumulated riches (is) really (their) preservation ;
as a pipe (is) of the waters stored in a tank.
Besides : —
166. The wealth which the miser buried deep down in the earth, that constructed
before-hand a path to reach a mansion below.
For:—
167. He who, obstructing his own happiness seeks the accumulation of wealth,
like the bearer of another's goods, he is a vessel of misery.
Thus it is said : —
168. If (we are) rich with the wealth deprived of liberality and enjoyment ; then
MITBALABHA. 25
we (are) rich with the wealth buried in the caves of the earth.
169. (He) of whom the days pass without giving (or) enjoying, he though puffing
like a blacksmith's bellows, does not live.
170. What (profits one) with wealth who neither gives nor enjoys? and what,
with strength, who does not repel enemies ? and what, with learning, who does not
practise religion ? what, with a soul, who has not conquered his senses P
Moreover : —
171. Through non-enjoyment (there is) common property in wealth, of a miser
with others. " This (was) his, 9 ' such connection (with it), on (its) loss, is attained with
misery.*
Also: —
172. Neither to God, nor to a Brahman, nor to relations, nor to himself, does the
wealth of a miser go. By fire, thieves, (or) the king (it is consumed).
Moreover : —
173. Distribution, enjoyment, (and) loss, are the three courses of wealth; the
third course is his who neither gives, nor enjoys.
And it has been said : —
174. Liberality with kindly speech, knowledge without pride, bravery followed by
compassion, and wealth accompanied by its abandonment; — these four excellencies
(are) hard to be found.
And it is said : —
175. Accumulation should always be made, excessive accumulation should not be
made ; behold, that jackal of acquisitive disposition was killed by a bow.
Well-to-do said : How (was) that ? Torpid relates (as follows) : There was a
hunter named Terrible, resident in the village of Prosperity ; and he once (being)
desirous of meat, taking (his) bow, went into the Yindhya-forest. There a deer was
killed by him. Having taken the deer, while going along he saw a pink-eyed boar of
an awful form. Then having placed the deer on the earth, the boar was hit by
him with a very sharp arrow ; also, by the boar approaching, making a roar dread-
ful as the clouds at the dissolution of the universe, the hunter was struck in the
groin, whereby he fell on the earth, like a tree cut down. For : —
176. Water, fire, poison, a weapon, hunger, sickness, a fall from a precipice; —
having met some cause or other, a corporeal being is deserted by the vital airs.
Now by the trampling of both their feet, a serpent also was killed. Hereupon a
jackal named Long-yell, wandering about in quest of food, saw these dead ones, the
deer, hunter, serpent, and boar. Having perceived them he reflected : the luck ! a
great feast is ready for me. For : —
177. Just as, for corporeal beings, unthought-of troubles are coming, so also
(come) pleasures. I think fortune is here predominant.
Be it so (or not), with the flesh of these, three months will pass pleasurably
for me.
• Wealth nnenjoyed is as much the property of a stranger as it is of the owner j on its being
lost, the connection of ownership is attended with a pain (which, of ooorse, the stranger never
experiences).
4
5i6 MlTRALABHA.
178. The man goes to one month ; two months, the deer and the boar ; the ser-
pent goes for one day ; to-day is to be eaten the string of the bow.
Therefore, in the first cravings of hunger I (will) eat this unsavoury sinewy thong
attached to the notch of the bow. Having said this, he did so. On that sinewy
thong being severed, by the bow quickly springing up, Long-yell was pierced in the
heart, (and) immediately attained the five-fold state.* Hence I say, " Accumulation is
always to be made," Ac.
So also: —
179. What he gives (and) what he enjoys, that truly (is) the wealth of the wealthy ;
others sport with the wife and with the riches of the deceased.
180. What thou givest to excellent persons, and what thou eatest day by day,
that (is) thy wealth, I think ; — (what) thou art keeping (is) the hoard of someone
else.
Let that pass now; what (advantage will arise) with extended description? For : —
181. Philosophic-minded men desire not the unattainable, they are not inclined to
bemoan the lost, they are not perplexed even in calamities.
Therefore, friend, thou shouldst be ever energetic. For : —
182. Even after studying the scriptures they are fools, but he who (is) practical,
he (is) the wise man. A well-devised medicine does not effectuate the health of those
in pain, with the name merely.
Besides : —
183. For one afraid of exertion, a precept of wisdom effectuates not even the
smallest advantage. For a blind person, what object in this world does a lamp make
clear, although standing on the palm of (his) hand ?
Therefore here, friend ! under existing circumstances tranquillity should be
maintained.
184 One should attend to pleasure (which) has come, also trouble (which) has
happened : troubles and pleasures revolve like a wheel.
Moreover : —
185. All riches unresistingly approach the energetic man ; as frogs, the pool,
(and) as fish, the full lake.
Also: —
186. Prosperity voluntarily goes, for an abiding place, (to) one endowed with
resolution, unprocrastinating, conversant with right principles of action, unaddicted to
vices, valorous, grateful, and firm in friendship.
And especially : —
187. Even without riches the firm (man) reaches a position of much honour and
elevation ; a mean (person), though endowed with riches, attains the status of contempt.
Can a dog, although wearing a golden collar, acquire the naturally lofty dignity in-
herent in a lion, having for object the acquisition of a multitude of (good) qualities ?
Moreover : —
188. "(I am) wealthy, 9 ' (this is) thy pride. What ? (thy) wealth being gone art
• ♦.«., was resolved into the five elements, earth, air, fire, water, and ether j that is to say,
he died.
MITRALABHA. 27
thou approaching despondency ? The falls and risings of men (are) like a hand-
tossed ball.
Besides : —
189. The shadow of a cloud, the friendship of the base, new corn, women, youthful
pleasures, and riches, (are) to be enjoyed for a certain time (only).
Moreover : —
190. One should not strive excessively for a subsistence, — that, verily, has been
provided by the Creator ; — as soon as a living being has dropped from the womb, both
teats of the mother stream.
listen, O friend !
191. He by whom swans were made white, and parrots were made green, and by
whom peacocks were diversified (in colour), he will provide thy subsistence.
And hear another secret of the good, friend !
192. They engender trouble in (their) acquisition, they inflict pain in disasters,
and they perplex in prosperity ; — how (then, are) riches vehicles of happiness P
Besides : —
193. The absence of desire (is) better for anyone that the desire of wealth for
(even) religious purposes. The non-contact of mud, (by keeping) aloof, (is) better
than washing (it) off.
For : —
194. As flesh is devoured by birds in the sky, by beasts on the earth, by fishes
in the water ; in a similar manner, a rich man (is devoured) everywhere.
Moreover : —
195. From the king, from flood, from fire, from robbery, from even their own folk,
there is continual fear for the wealthy ; as (there is fear) of death for living creatures.
In like manner: —
196. In a life abounding with troubles, what greater than (this) misery (can there
be) P — from which, the accomplishment of the wish is not, (and still) where the wish
ceases not.
Again, O brother ! hear : —
197. Wealth at first (is) not easily acquired ; (when) acquired it is preserved with
difficulty ; the loss of what has been acquired (is) like death ; therefore one should not
be anxious about it.
198. If this thirst were renounced who (would be) poor P who rich ? If its course
is allowed, slavery is placed on the head.
Moreover : —
199. Whatsoever has been desired, from that (fresh) desire proceeds ; that object
is really obtained wealth from which desire ceases.
What (advantage will accrue) with much (argumentation)? With affectionate
conversation, let the time be passed here with me. For : —
200. The friendships of the magnanimous last till death, (their) resentments (are)
vanishing momentarily ; and (their) liberality (is) without self-interest.
Having heard this Gently-alighting says ; Happy art thou, O Torpid ! thou art
ever to be resorted to (for protection). For : —
i
28 MITBAL&BHA.
201. The good truly (are) always able to bear the misfortunes of the good; of a
truth, elephants (are) the burden-bearers of elephants sunk in the mire.
And also : —
202. One appreciative of virtue delights in a virtuous person ; for one viciously
disposed (there is) no satisfaction in a virtuous person. A bee goes from the wood
(to) the lotus ; but not so a frog, although a co-habitant.
Again: —
203. He (is) the one to be praised on the earth, among human beings he (is) the
best, — a real man, — he (is) fortunate, — whose suppliants or refugees are not departing
disappointed in hopes (and) face-averted.
Then, in this manner, they, feeding and rambling at their own pleasure, lived at
ease contented. Now once (upon a time) a deer named Dapple-body startled by some-
body came there (and) joined (them). Then, supposing (that) the cause of the alarm
was coming after, Torpid entered the water, and the mouse went (to his) burrow, the
crow flying up perched on the top of a tree. Then Gently-alighting, after looking a
great distance, discovered no cause of fear whatever. Having come back, again all
met together (and) sat down. Torpid said : Friend deer ! prosperity to thee ! according
to thy desire let provender of water, &c., be enjoyed ! by residing here let this wood
be made to own a master ! Says Dapple-body : Alarmed by a hunter I am come (to)
the protection of your honours. For : —
204 Should one abandon, either from avarice or from fear, one come for pro-
tection, the wise have declared his sin (to be) equal to killing a Brahman.
And therefore I desire friendship with your honours. Well-to-do said : As to
that, the friendship of your honour with us (is) accomplished without effort. For : —
205. A friend (is) to be regarded (as of) four kind, — one's own offspring, also
one formed by connection, one come in the line of the family, one rescued from mis-
fortunes.
Here, then, stay, without difference from your own home. Having heard this, the
deer delighted fed at his pleasure, drank the water, (and) sat in the shade of a tree
near the lake. For : —
206. Well-water, the shade of the fig-tree, a dark woman, (and) a brick house, in
cold weather should be warm, and in warm weather cold.
Now Torpid says : Friend deer ! by whom wast thou alarmed ? In this deserted
wood what hunters ever are roaming ? The deer replied : There is, in the country of
Ealinga, a king named Gold-armlet ; and he, having arrived, in the course of (his)
occupation of subjugating districts, is encamped on the banks of the river Moon's-
portion ; but early (to-morrow), advancing here, he (is) to be in the vicinity of lake
Camphor, — thus, from the mouth of hunters, the rumour is heard. Therefore, con-
sidering the abiding hereabout (till) the morning a cause of alarm, let what should
be done be commenced. Hearing that, the a tortoise timidly said : Friend! I am going
(to) another water-tank. The crow and deer also both said: Friend, let it be so.
M1TEALABHA. 29
Well-to-do, haying reflected, said : On again having attained a water-tank (there is)
safety for Torpid ; what kind (of safety is there) for his going on land ? For : —
207. The chief strength of aquatic animals (is) the waters ; of residents in strong-
holds, a fortress ; of beasts of prey, their own ground ; of kings, an army.
Friend Gently-alighting ! by this counsel it will be thus —
208. As the merchant's son, haying himself seen (his) wife's budding bosom
pressed, became pained, just so thou wilt be.
They said: How (was) that? Well-to-do relates (as follows): There is in the
country of Hump-backed-girls, a king named Heroic-host. By him, in a town named
Hero-city, the prince called Exalted-might was made viceroy. And he (was) very rich
(and) handsome. Once (while) perambulating his city he perceived the wife of a
merchant's son named Loveliness, (in) the full flower of youth. Then, having gone
home, (his) mind distressed by passion, he sent a female messenger for her.
For:—
209. So long he continues in a good course, just so long a man has the mastery
of the passions, so long he shows modesty, just so long even he maintains decorum, —
as long as these arrows of the eyes of wanton women, drawn and shot from the bow
of the eye-brow, reaching the ear, feathered with black, stealing the steadfastness, fall
not upon the heart.
Loveliness also, from the moment of seeing him, with heart split by the blow of
love's arrow, became fixed in thought upon him. And thus it is said : —
210. Untruthfulness, precipitancy, delusion, envy, and excessive avarice, want of
principle, (and) impurity, (are) the innate faults of women.
Now, having heard the messenger's discourse, Loveliness said: How (can) I
engage in this wickedness, transgressing (against my) husband ? I, faithful to (my)
lord, do not so much as touch another man. For : —
211. She (is) a wife who (is) clever in the house ; she (is) a wife who (is) prolific ;
she (is) a wife who (is her) husband's life ; she (is) a wife who (is) faithful.
212. Of cuckoos the voice (is) the beauty; woman's beauty (is) faithfulness;
knowledge (is) the beauty of the ugly ; patience (is) the beauty of ascetics.
Again: —
213. She (is) not to be styled a wife in whom the husband delights not ; when
the husband of women is pleased, all the deities should be satisfied.
Therefore whatever my life's lord points out, even that I unhesitatingly do. The
messenger said: (Is) that true P Loveliness replied: Indeed that (is) certainly true*
30 MITEALABHA.
Then all that had been said by Loveliness, the messenger departing related before
Exalted-might. Hearing that. Exalted-might said : Heart-stricken by Vishameshu, #
without her how shall I live ? The procuress said : Brought by (her) husband, (she)
should be surrendered (to you). He exclaimed : How (is) that possible ? The pro-
curess replied : Let stratagem be employed. For : —
214. Truly that (is) possible by stratagem which (is) not possible by prowess ; by
a jackal going along a miry road, an elephant was killed.
The prince asks : How (was) that ? She relates (as follows) : — There is in the
forest of Brahma an elephant named Camphor-marked; having seen him all the
jackals reflected (thus) : If he by any means were to die, then with his body there
would be four months' desirable provision for us. Thereupon, from among them, an
old jackal made (this) promise : His death is to be accomplished by me through the
energy of (my) intelligence. Accordingly the deceiver, going near to Camphor-marked,
fell prostrate (and) reverentially said : Sire! grant the favour of a look. Says the
elephant : Who (art) thou ? whence (art thou) come ? He replied : I (am) a jackal,
by all the assembled beasts, dwellers in the forest, despatched to your honour. Since
to remain without a king (is) not proper, therefore your honour, endowed with every
princely virtue, has been selected to be here inaugurated in the sovereignty of the
forest. For : —
215. (He who is) immaculate by (reason of) family duties and social duties,
majestic, just, (and) skilful in polity, he is fit (to be) a ruler in the earth.
Observe further : —
216. First one should find a king, then a wife, then wealth ; on the non-existence
of a king in this world, whence a wife ? whence wealth ?
Besides : —
217. Like a cloud, a king (is) the sustainer of creatures ; even on the failing of a
cloud one may live, but not on a king (failing).
Moreover : —
218. In this (one-to-)another-subjectt world, for the most part one abides in his
proper sphere through the application of punishment ; (for) a virtuous person (is)
hard to be found. Through fear of punishment a virtuous woman obeys (her)
husband, although (he be) weak or failing, or sick or poor.
Therefore having so acted that the auspicious time does not pass away, let your
Majesty come quickly. Having said this (he) arose (and) departed. Then this
Camphor-marked, drawn by the lust of sovereignty, running along the road indicated
by the jackal, sank into a great bog. The elephant called out : Friend jackal ! what
(is) now to be done ? I, fallen in a great bog, am dying. Turn back (and) see. The
jackal laughingly said : Sire ! apply (your) trunk on the tip of my tail (and) get up.
This (is) the recompense of him on whose word confidence was placed by thee.
And thus it is said : —
219. As often as thou shalt be deprived of the society of the good, so often wilt
thou fall among companies of the wicked.
i
* The god with odd arrows, the Indian Cupid being supposed to be armed with five arrows,
f In which one person is subject to another person throughout all stages of society.
MITBALABHA. 31
Then the elephant sunk in a great bog was devoured by the jackals. Hence I
say : " What is possible by merely a stratagem," <&c. Then by the advice of the pro-
curess, the prince made that merchant's son named Pretty-gift (his) servant. Then
this (servant) was employed by him in all confidential matters. Once, by advice of
the procuress, the prince, anointed after bathing (and) wearing golden ornaments,
said : O Pretty-gift, by me, during one month, a vow to Gauri should be performed ;
therefore, beginning to-day, bring (and) consign (to me) every night a young woman
of (good) family ; and she shall be honoured by me with due ceremony. Accordingly
Pretty-gift, bringing a young woman of that description, presents (her) ; afterwards,
being secreted, he watches to see what he would do. # But Exalted-might, without
even touching the young woman, having done homage at a distance, with clothes,
ornaments, perfumes, and sandal, (and) having provided a guard, dismissed (her) im-
mediately. Now that having been seen by the merchant's son, with the confidence
engendered (and) with mind attracted by avarice, his own wife was brought (and)
presented. But Exalted-might, having recognised Loveliness, the delight of his heart,
hastily having arisen, ardently embraced (her, his) eyes expanded with joy, (his) heart
delighted, indulging in many kinds of amorous dalliance, he sported with her on the
couch. Having seen this, the merchant's son, (motionless) as a picture, bewildered as
to what was to be done, experienced excessive dejection. So also, will it be with thee.
However, disregarding that speech, with great trepidation Torpid, quitting (his) watery
asylum, started off. Well-to-do and the others, from friendship apprehensive of
(something) disagreeable, followed him. Presently, whilst going on dry land, Torpid
was caught by a certain hunter scouring the wood. And he having captured him,
picked (him) up, fastened (him) on (his) bow, (and) saying " I am lucky," started
towards his own house. Now the deer, crow, and mouse, experiencing extreme dejec-
tion, followed after him. Then Well-to-do mourned : —
220. Ere I reach the end of one trouble like the further shore of the ocean, lo, a
second (trouble) is ready. For my faults, troubles are multiplied.
221. He who (is) a natural-born friend is truly produced by good fortune ; his
inartificial friendship, even among misfortunes, he renounces not. For : —
222. Not in a mother, nor in a wife, nor in a full brother, nor in a son, (is there)
such confidence for a man, as (there is) in a natural-born friend.
Having reflected thus repeatedly, (he exclaimed), Alas, my ill-luck ! For : —
223. The effects of the offspring of my own acts, both good and bad, occurring
after intervals of time, — even in this world, these different conditions have been ex-
perienced by me, like different births.
But even so it (is) : —
224. The body (is) near its dissolution ; successes (are) the seat of misfortunes ;
meetings have (their) departures ; all that springs up (is) evanescent.
Lit. " What is he doing P " thus he watches.
I
82 MITBALABHA.
Again having reflected, he said : —
225. By whom was created this two-syllable jewel " Mitram,"* the preserver from
sorrows, enemies, and fears, the depository of affection and confidence ?
Moreover : —
226. The friend who may be the elixir-like delight of the eyes, the joy of the
heart, the participator of pleasure and pain with a friend, he (is) hard to be acquired ;
but others, friends in the time of prosperity, filled with the greed of pelf, they are
everywhere to be found : — but their touchstone (is) affliction.
Thus having deeply lamented Well-to-do said to Dapple-body and Gently-alight-
ing : Ere this hunter passes out from the wood, let an effort be made to release Torpid.
They replied : Quickly point out what is to be done. Well-to-do says : Let Dapple-
body, having gone near the water, make himself appear motionless, as if dead ; and let
the crow, placing (himself) above him, scratch somewhat with (his) beak. Assuredly,
the hunter, desirous of venison, having left the tortoise there, will hastily approach ;
then I will sever the bond of Torpid. Thereupon Dapple-body and Gently-alighting
having hastily gone, upon its being done as agreed the weary hunter, having drunk
water (and) being seated under a tree, in the manner indicated having perceived the
deer, placing the tortoise near the water (and) taking a hunting-knife, with a joyful
heart went towards the deer. In the interim the tortoise (whose) bond had been
severed by Well-to-do, (who) had approached (him), hastily entered the water ; and
the deer, seeing the hunter close by, sprang up (and) quickly fled away. When the
hunter, turning back, approaches the foot of the tree, then not seeing the tortoise he
reflected (thus) : This is just the fitting (recompense) for my incircumspect acting.
For: —
227. Whoever, quitting certainties, pursues uncertainties, his certainties are being
lost, (and) the uncertainties are actually lost.
He then, through his own act, entered the village disconsolate ; and Torpid and
the rest, all free from danger, went to their own place, and remained with corre-
sponding happiness. Now the Princes joyfully said : We have heard all, we (are)
delighted ; our desire has been accomplished. Vtahnuiarman replied : With this much
the wish of your Honours has been realized ; and may this other also: —
228. May you, the good, acquire a friend! May prosperity be obtained by
populous communities ! May kings continually firm in their duty, nourish the earth !
May your Policy endure for the gratification of the mind of the virtuous, like a newly-
wed wife! May the revered Half -moon-Crested onef effect the prosperity of the
people!
Here ends the first chapter, called " the Acquisition of Friends," in the " Friendly
Advice " collected by Vislmuiarman.
• • A friend." f The God S'iva.
SUHRIDBHEDA. 33
SEPARATION OF FRIENDS.
Afterwards the Princes said : Sir, the " Acquisition of Friends " has been heard
thus far by us, now we are desirous to hear the " Separation of Friends." Vishnusar-
man replied : Let the " Separation of Friends " be heard, of which this (is) the first
yerse: —
1. The great and increasing friendship of a lion and a bull, in a wood, was
destroyed by an envious and very greedy jackal.
' The Princes said : How (was) that P Vishnusarman relates (as follows) : On the
southern road* there is a city named Golden ; (and) there a very wealthy merchant,
named Prospering, dwells. Although his wealth was ample, (yet) seeing others (his)
relatives extremely opulent, (his) opinion was that a further increase of wealth should
be effected. For : —
2. Whose greatness is not enhanced (by) looking lower and lower? Of a truth
all are becoming poor (by) looking higher and higher.
Moreover : —
3. A man of whom there is abundant wealth is honoured, even the murderer of a
Brahman ; although equal in race to the Moon, (if) penniless he is despised.
Again : —
4. The non-persevering, the lazy, the fatalist, and one destitute of courage, Pros-
perity does not desire to embrace ; just, indeed, as a young woman (does not desire to
embrace) an old husband.
Moreover : —
5. Laziness, uxuriousness, sickness, tenderness for one's native place, contentment,
(and) timidity, (are) the six obstacles to greatness.
For:—
6. He who is content with even very little wealth, — Providence, I think, having
done what was to have been done,f does not increase that (wealth) for him.
Moreover : —
7. May no woman whatever give birth to such a son as this — unenergetic, cheer-
less, non-courageous, the delight of his enemies.
Thus truly has it been said : —
8. One should desire to gain (what is yet) unobtained ; one should preserve with
care (what) has been obtained; one should increase properly (what) has been pre-
served ; one should spend upon places of pilgrimage (what) has been increased.
And unincreasing wealth, in time, with even very little expenditure, like coUyrium,
goes to waste ; and (the wealth) not being enjoyed (is) wholly useless.
• M. the Dakkhan. t *•*• having made him oontented.
5
/
34 SUHB1DBHEDA.
Thus, indeed, has been said : —
9. Having observed the wasting of collyrium, and the increasing of an ant-hill,
one should make time fruitful, with alms-giving, study, and (virtuous) acts.
For :—
10. A pitcher is filled gradually by falling drops of water : this (is) the cause of
all sciences, of religion, and of wealth.
Having thus reflected, Prospering, having attached two bulls, named Lively and
Gladdening, to the pole, (and) having laden (his) cart with various kinds of goods,
started towards Kashmir for traffic. For : —
11. What (is) an excessive burden for the powerful? what (is) distant for the
enterprizing ? what (is) foreign for the educated P who (is) a stranger for those who
speak kindly ?
Now going along, in the great forest called Hard-to-pass, Lively fell down (and)
broke his knees ; seeing that, Prospering (then) reflected :
12. Truly, let the prudent man act energetically hither and thither ; still the
result will be just that which rested in the mind of the Creator.
Moreover : —
13. Dismay, the obstacle to all enterprizes, (is) by all means to be eschewed ;
therefore, having discarded dismay, success in what is to be accomplished is attained.
Having thus reflected, leaving Lively there, Prospering went on. Lively, also,
somehow or other resting (his) weight on three hoofs, remained there in the forest.
For:—
14. The (allotted) age preserves the vital members of one plunged in the abyss
of the ocean, of one fallen from a mountain, (and) of one bitten by even a venomous
snake.
Moreover : —
15. Though pierced by a hundred arrows at the wrong time an animal dies not ;
touched by only the point of a blade of grass, at the appointed time, he lives not.
16. An unguarded object remains (safe, if) protected by destiny; stricken by
destiny it perishes (though) well guarded. One lives, though abandoned in a wood
without a protector ; one lives not in a house, though precaution be taken.
Afterwards, as the days were passing, Lively, by the obtention of food, Ac., such
as he desired, roaming the woods frisky and fat bellowed lustily. In that wood, a
lion named Tawny remained enjoying the pleasure of sovereignty acquired by his own
arm. As it is said : —
17. No inauguration, nor consecration, is performed by beasts for the lion : lord-
ship over brutes (is) the natural right of him who has acquired the sovereignty by
prowess.
He [the lion] once, distressed by thirst, went to the banks of the Jumna to drink
water ; and there, the bellowing of Lively, hitherto unexperienced by the lion, was
heard by him, like the roar of thunder-clouds at the dissolution of the universe.
Hearing that, without drinking the water, alarmedly retreating, (and) returning to his
SUHRIDBHEDA. 35
own place, reflecting on what it could be, (he) remained silent ; and in this condition
he was seen by two jackals, named Karafaka and Damanaka, the sons of his minister.
Seeing him in that plight, Damanaka said to Karajaka : " Friend Karataka, how (is it)
that this (our) master, being desirous of water, withdraws stealthily without drinking
the water? " Karataka says : " Friend Damanaka, with my concurrence service is not
performed for him ; therefore what (advantage will result) by investigating his actions?
for great trouble is endured by us two through being neglected by this king.
18. Behold what is done by servants seeking wealth by service, — whatever personal
independence (they possess), even that is lost by the blockheads.
Moreover : —
19. They who (are) the dependants of another suffer cold, wind, heat, and fatigue ;
even with a fraction of it a wise man doing penance, might be blest.
Again: —
20. As much as independence (extends) so far is birth profitable ; (if) those who
are (in) subjection to others live, who (are) dead P
Moreover : —
21. " Come, go, fail, stand up, speak, keep silence," — in this way the wealthy
sport with the needy, held in the grasp of expectancy.
Moreover : —
22. Idiots adorning themselves carefully make themselves subservient to others,
for the acquisition of pelf ; just (as is done) by harlots.
Again: —
23. Servants esteem highly even the look of (their) master, — which (being) by its
very nature fickle, falls also upon the impure.
And especially : —
24. He stoops for the sake of rising; for the sake of living he resigns (his)
breath ; he becomes miserable for the sake of pleasure. Who (is) a greater fool than
a servant ?
Moreover: —
25. From silence (he is esteemed) a fool ; (if) eloquent, (he is) crazy or a chatter-
box ; by patience (he is thought) timid ; if he cannot bear (patiently, he is) for the
most part not well-bred ; he remains at (your) side, (then he is) certainly impudent
(and) from (keeping) distant, (he is) irresolute ; — the most embarrassing duty of a
servant is unattainable even for Yogins."*
Damanaka said : " Friend, such things are by no means to be done even mentally .
26. How, forsooth, are not those great lords to be diligently served, who, in a
very short (time), when satisfied, satisfy the wishes of the heart?
Moreover : —
27. Whence (can come) the exalted honours of the chaurt,f the upraised white
umbrella, the horse, the elephant, and the carriage, — for those destitute of employ ? "
* Saints who hare acquired supernatural power. f P&rt of the insignia of royalty.
I
36 SUHEIDBHEDA.
Says Karataka : " Still what (have we to do) with this (which is) not our affair ?
Interference in affairs with which one has no concern must be avoided by all means.
For: —
28. The man who desires to interfere in affairs which do not concern him, lies
struck down on the earth, like the monkey who pulled out the wedge."
Damanaka asked : " How (was) that ? " Karataka relates (as follows) : There
was in the country of Magadha, on land in the vicinity of the forest of Virtue, a plea-
sure-house begun to be built by a man of the writer-caste, named Auspiciously-given.
There, between the two parts, split up a little way, of a wooden post (that was) being
cut up by a saw, a wedge had been inserted by the carpenter. There (also) a large
herd of monkeys inhabiting the wood came for pastime. One monkey among them,
as though sent by the wand of Fate, grasping that wedge with both hands sat down ;
then his testicles hanging down entered between the two pieces of wood. Hereupon,
with his natural restlessness, with a great effort he pulled the wedge ; and, upon the
wedge being drawn out, both testicles being crushed by the two pieces of wood, he
perished. Hence I say : " Interference in affairs which do not concern one," <&c Da-
manaka said : " Nevertheless, an investigation into the actions of a master should surely
be made by a servant." Karataka replied : " He who is engaged in general superinten-
dence (is) prime-minister ; let him do it ; for interference in the department of others
should not be attempted by a subordinate. Behold : —
29. He who should interfere in the department of another, through desire to
benefit (his) master, he rues it ; like the donkey beaten through braying."
Damanaka asked : " How (was) that ? " Karataka related (as follows) : — There is,
in Benares, a washerman named Camphor-cloth ; and he once, having sported for a long
time with his very young wife, slept soundly. Hereupon a certain thief entered his
house to steal the goods. In his court-yard a donkey was standing tied up, and a dog
was sitting. Perceiving that thief, the donkey said (to) the dog : " This (is) your
affair'; then how (is it) thou art not awakening the master by making a loud noise ? "
Says the dog : " It behoves thee not to trouble about this business ; thou knowest how
I pro tec t ; this (fellow's) house, hence he, for a long time free from care, does not know
my value, so that now (he is) remiss even in giving my food ; without the appearance
of [(some) d Qger, masters become inattentive (to) their dependants." Says the ass :
" Listen, blockhead —
30. What servant (and) what friend (is) he who makes demands in the time for
action? "
The dog rejoins : —
" What master (is) he who, in the time for work, should not maintain servants ?
Moreover : —
31. In the maintenance of attendants, in the service of a master, in the practice of
virtue, and in the begetting of a son, there are no proxies."
SUHRIDBHEDA. 37
Then the ass angrily said: " Ah ! most wicked (art) thou who art neglecting (thy)
master's affairs. Well, I must so act that the master (will) awake. For : —
32. One should serve the sun with the back ; fire, with the belly ; a master, with
all the soul ; (and) the next world, with sincerity."
Having said this, he brayed excessively. Then the washerman, aroused by that
noise, getting up enraged at the disturbance of (his) slumbers, beat the ass with a
stick. Through that beating the ass perished. Hence I say, " Interference in the de-
partment of another," Ac. See, the searching after beasts (is) our affair ; therefore, let
(us) be busy about our own employment. Having reflected (he continued) — But to-day
no advantage (can arise) by even thy solicitude (on this account) ; since abundant
leavings of food remain for us two." Damanaka angrily said : " How, art thou serving
the king merely for the sake of food ? That was unbecomingly uttered by a servant.
For:—
33. For the sake of the assisting of friends, also for the sake of the injuring of
enemies, the favour of a monarch is desired by the wise. Who does not merely
nourish the belly ?
34. In the life of whom, Brahmaus, friends, and relations live, his life (is) profit-
able. Who does not live for himself ?
Besides : —
35. But let him live, in whom, living, many live. Does not even the crow fill his
own belly with (his) beak ?
Behold :—
36. One man goes (to) servitude for five puranas*; another, clever one, for hun-
dreds of thousands j another is not obtained for even hundreds of thousands.
For:—
37. In the equal human race service is exceedingly degrading. Who (is) not
the first there, even he is reckoned among the (merely) living.
Thus it is said : —
38. Between a horse, an elephant, and iron ; between wood, stone, and clothes ;
between women, men, and water ; — the difference (is) a great difference.
For instance : —
39. A dog having obtained even a fleshless bone, smeared with fat, with a few
sinews, attains delight, but it (may) not (suffice) to the satisfaction of his hunger ; —
the lion, quitting the jackal already (in his) grasp, slays the elephant. Every person,
though reduced to difficulties, desires again according to his nature.
Further, behold the difference between the server and the served —
40. A dog wags his tail, crouches down at the feet, and falling on the ground
shows his face and belly, for the giver of a mouthful ; but the noble elephant looks
gravely, and (only) with a hundred coaxings, eats.
• Small coins.
38 SUHEIDBHEDA.
Moreover : —
41. Even an instant lived here, renowned by men, (as) being associated with learn-
ing, valour, and fame, that the knowing call truly living. Even a crow lives for a
long time, and eats the offerings.*
Moreover : —
42. What (is) the difference between a brute and the beast of a man (whose)
reason is devoid of the discrimination between evil and good, (who is) excluded by
many (conversant) with sacred affairs, (and who is) desirous merely of filling his
belly ?
Says Karataka : " Both of us, at least, (are) without authority ; then what have
we (to do) with this affair ? " Damanaka replied : " In how little time may a minister
attain supremacy or subordination ! For : —
48. No one in this world becomes esteemed, (either) respected of any, or vile ; in
the world, his own actions lead a man (to) dignity or disgrace.
Moreover : —
44. As by a great effort a stone is raised on a hill, and is made to descend down
instantaneously, so the soul in virtue and vice (ascends and descends).
Therefore, friend, dependent on self -effort (is) the soul of everyone.
45. A man by his own acts goes down and down, (or) moves upwards ; just as the
digger of a well, or the builder of a wall."
"Now," said Karataka, "what is your Honour (about to) say?" Damanaka
replied: "This master Tawny from fear from some quarter, without drinking the
water, has timidly returned, and is seated (at home)."
Karataka asked : " How art thou knowing that P "
Damanaka replied : " What is unknown to the wise P It is said : —
46. The uttered meaning is apprehended even by a brute ; horses and elephants
(when) bidden move forwards; a wise person guesses what is even not uttered.
(Acute) intellects (are) successful in understanding the gestures of others.
Besides : —
47. By external appearances, by gestures, by the gait, by a movement, by a word,
by a change of eye (or) mouth, the inward thought is indicated.
So here, on an occasion (arising from his) fear, I, by aid of my knowledge, will
make him my own. For : —
48. He is wise who knows the speech suitable to the occasion, the affection
appropriate to the good-nature (of the recipient), and resentment proportioned to his
strength."
Karataka (then) said : " Friend, thou art ignorant of service. Behold: —
49. He who should enter uncalled, (who) speaks much unasked, (and) thinks him-
self a favourite of the king, — he (is) dull-witted."
Damanaka asked : " Friend, how (am) I ignorant of service ? Behold : —
50. Is there anything naturally beautiful or not beautiful P Whatever is pleasing
to anyone, that (is) beautiful for him.
• Accounted a discreditable manner of subsistence.
8UHBIDBHEDA. 39
Moreover : —
51. Whatever (be) the natural disposition of anyone, a wise man, having insinu-
ated (himself) by that quickly leads that man (into) his own power.
Again: —
52. " Who (is) here ? " (having heard this) "I," he should say, and "Command
(me) wholly." To the utmost of his ability he should execute the exact command of
the king.
Moreover : —
53. Desiring little, steadfast, wise, always following like a shadow, not hesitating
(when) commanded, — he may dwell in the king's palace."
" Suppose," says Karafaka, " the master is displeased with thee for unseasonable
intrusion ? "
Damanaka replied : " Let it be so ; still an attendant should certainly present
(himself). For : —
54. Non-commencement from fear of (committing) a fault, (is) the mark of a
coward. O brother, by whom is food renounced from fear of indigestion P
Behold :—
55. The king favours the man (who is) near (him, though) unlearned, of low
family, or unpolished ; for the most part, kings, women, and tendrils, entwine around
him who remains at (their) side."
Karataka asked : " Now having gone there, what (wilt) thou say P "
Damanaka said: "Listen ; I will just ascertain (this : Is) the master favourable
or unfavourable (to) me? "
Karataka asked : " What (is) the sign for ascertaining that P "
Damanaka replied : " Listen.
56. A look from a distance, an exceedingly courteous smile on inquiry, the praise
of qualities even in (one's) absence, (and) remembrance among agreeable things.
57. Attachment to one not serving, liberality, increasing affection, the remem-
brance of virtues even on a fault (being committed), are the signs of an attached
master.
58. Procrastinating, the raising hopes, the withholding rewards, — a wise man
would recognize (as) the signs of a disaffected master.
Having ascertained that, I will speak so that he shall become subservient (to) me.
Since : —
59. The wise are exhibiting, — as if bursting forth (as) the result of the precepts
of polity,— disaster arising from the exhibition of helplessness, (and) success arising
from the exhibition of contrivance.
Moreover : —
60. Qualities (are) of three kinds in (the estimation of) a master ; faults (are)
virtues, virtues (are) faults, faults (are) faults (and) virtues (are) virtues, — in (the
opinion of) an attached, estranged, (and) impartial (master respectively)."
Say 8 Karataka : " Nevertheless, on an opportunity not occurring thou shouldst not
speak. For : —
61. Even Vrihaspati* uttering an unseasonable speech would incur contempt (for
his) understanding, and eternal disgrace."
• See p. 21.
i
L
40 SUHBIDBHEDA.
Damanaka replied : " Friend, do not fear. I will not atter an unseasonable
speech. For : —
62. In calamity, in straying from the road, and on the opportunities for action
passing away, a servant desiring (his master's) good should speak, even unasked.
And if upon a proper opportunity counsel is not to be uttered by me, then, truly,
my ministerial office (is) worthless. For : —
63. That quality by which one obtains a living, and by which one is praised by
the good in the world, ought to be preserved and increased by its possessor.
Therefore, friend, permit (me to) go to Tawny."
Karataka exclaimed : " May it be fortunate ! May the result be as desired !
64. May (you) go for the acquisition of wealth, for prosperity, for conquest, for
the destruction of the enemies faction, and for a (safe) return ! "
Then Damanaka, as if amazed, went to Tawny. Now seen by the king even from
afar, (and) allowed to enter, (the jackal) having reverentially saluted him, sat down.
The King said : " Thou art seen after a long (interval)."
Damanaka replied : " Although for the feet of your revered Highness there is
no need whatever (of) me (your) servant, still, on a suitable occasion, a dependant
should surely present (himself) ; (hence) I am come.
65. O king ! the work of grandees is (done) by a straw, for the picking of the
teeth or for the tickling of the ear ; how (much more can be done) by a man pos-
sessed of body, speech, and hands.
Although a loss of intelligence in long-despised me is suspected by (my) master,
still it (is) not the fact. For : —
66. A jewel dangles at the feet ; glass is placed on the head. At the time of buy-
ing and selling, glass (is) glass, a gem (is) a gem. Again : —
67. Loss of intelligence is not to be apprehended (in) one of resolute habits,
although ill-treated. A flame of fire though reversed never goes downwards.
Sire, by all means a master should be discriminative. For: —
68. When a king indiscriminately acts to all alike, then the efforts of those
capable of exertion is prostrated. Moreover : —
69. Men (are) of three kinds, O king ! superior, inferior, (and) middling ; thus,
therefore, he should employ them in three kinds of work. For : —
70. In (their) proper place, both servants and ornaments are becoming : a crest-
jewel (is) not (worn) on the foot, nor an ankle-ring on the head. Besides : —
71. If a jewel worth placing in a golden ornament is set in lead, it neither tinkles
8UHEIDBHEDA.
4i
nor shines ; (this) is the fault of the setter.
Again : —
72. (If) glass (be) mounted on a crown, and a jewel on a foot-ornament, it is not
the fault of the jewel, but the gaffer's ignorance.
Observe: —
73. " This (is) an intelligent fellow; (that) a faithful one ; here (is) one (possessed
of) both qualities " : — a king (who) thus discriminates among servants, is well-supplied
with good servants.
Thus, also : —
74. A horse, a weapon, a book, a lute, speech, a man, and a woman, become use-
ful or useless according to the peculiarities of the person who has obtained them.
Besides : —
75. What (benefit accrues) by one faithful, without ability ? What, by one able
(but) antagonistic P Me, both faithful and able, O king ! thou shouldst not despise.
For:—
76. From the king's contempt, (his) retinue becomes devoid of understanding;
therefore, from that principle, no sensible person is (likely to be) near. On the
kingdom being deserted by the wise, the policy is not good ; on the policy being
weakened, the whole world necessarily sinks.
Moreover, Sire ! —
77. Subjects always respect a man respected by the king; but he who (is) de-
spised by the king, everybody despises.
Moreover : —
78. By wise people an appropriate observation is accepted even from a child. On
the invisibility of the sun, is not the light of a lamp (availed of) ? "
Tawny exclaimed : " Worthy Daman aka! how (is) this P Thou the intelligent son
of our prime-minister, from some slanderous speech, hast passed all this time without
coming near. Now speak as you please."
Damanaka boldly replied : " Sire ! I ask you just to tell me,* why the master
desirous of water, leaving the water undrunk, remained as if astonished P "
Tawny said: "Well spoken by thee; but we have no trustworthy person (for)
this secret affair. Thou, indeed, (art) such a one ; therefore, listen (and) I (will)
relate (it) : — This forest (is) now occupied by an extraordinary creature; hence (it)
must be forsaken (by) us. And by thee, also, was heard likewise the unprecedented great
noise. According to the noise, that creature must be (endued) with prodigious
strength."
Damanaka remarked : " Sire! this is, to an extent, a great cause of fear. By us,
also, the noise was heard ; but is he a minister who, at first, without consultation,
advises the king (to) abdicate (or) prepare for warp Besides, Sire ! in this doubtful
affair the utility of servants (is) to be ascertained. For : —
79. On the touchstone of misfortune a man ascertains the strength of the intellect
* Lit. " I am asking ; let it just be said."
42
SUHRIDBHEDA.
and goodness of the relation, wife, and servant class, and of himself."
Says the lion : " Friend, a great fear oppresses me." Damanaka said within him-
self : " Otherwise, how speak to me (of) abandoning the sweets of royalty to go to
another place?" Aloud he says: "As long as I live, fear is not to be entertained.
But let Karafaka and the rest be encouraged ; whence (will arise) a hard-to-be-obtained
body of men for the removal of the misfortune." Then both Damanaka and Karafaka,
honoured with great favour by the king, having promised to counteract the danger,
departed. (While) going along Karajaka said to Damanaka : " Friend ! without
knowing whether this cause of fear is capable of counteraction, or incapable of counter-
action, how (is it that), promising the removal of the danger, this great favour has
been accepted p For, without having done a service, a present should not be accepted
from anyone ; especially from a king. Observe : —
80. In whose favour prosperity is seated, in (whose) prowess is victory, and in
(whose) anger resides death, — he surely (is) all-glorious.
Thus also : —
81. Although a child, a king is not to be despised, like an (ordinary) man ; (for)
a great divinity (is) this, residing in human form."
Says Damanaka laughingly : " Friend! remain silent ; the cause of alarm is known
by me (to be) the bellowing (of) a bull ; and bulls (are) food for us ; how much more
so for a lion!"
Karataka asked : " If so, then, why was not the master's fear removed on the
spot?"
Damanaka replied: " If the master's fear had been removed on the spot, then how
would there have been the acquisition of this great favour ? Besides : —
82. A master should never be made free from solicitude by servants ; a servant
having made (his) master free from solicitude would be like Curd-ear."
Karataka asked: " How (was) that ? "
Damanaka relates (as follows) : — There is, in northern parts, on a mountain
named Million-peaked, a lion called Great- valour, the tip of whose mane, as he lay
sleeping (in) the mountain cavern, a certain mouse (habitually) nibbles. The lion,
perceiving the tip of his mane cut, was angry, (and) the mouse, (having) slipt into his
hole, (and) being unattainable, he reflected (thus), — What (is) to be done here ? Well,
it is well known —
83. He of whom there should be an insignificant foe, (that foe) is not overcome by
valour ; to capture him a combatant like himself should be employed.
Having thus reflected, (and) gone to a village, (and) gratified with flesh and other
kind of food, (and) with much pains brought (him), a cat named Curd-ear was
placed by him in his cave. Then from fear of that (cat) the mouse did not come out.
In consequence the lion slept tranquilly with his mane unclipped. Whenever he hears
the noise of the mouse, then especially he pampers the cat with a gift of animal food.
Now once the mouse pained by hunger, coming out, was caught by the cat, killed and
eaten. Afterwards the lion heard no more the sound of the mouse ; then, from
SUHRIDBHEDA. 43
want of (farther) use, lie became remiss in presenting the cat's food. Hence I say
"( A master) should not be made free from solicitude," Ac.
Then both Damanaka and Karafaka went near Lively. There Karataka seated
himself, with stateliness, at the foot of a tree, (and) Damanaka, going towards Lively,
said : " Hulloh, bull-fellow, I (am) he appointed by King Tawny for the protection oi
the forest. General Karataka orders (thus), — Gome quickly ; if not, move off to a
distance from this forest ; otherwise the consequences will be disagreeable to you. I
know not what (my) angered master will do. For : —
84. For kings, the breach of commands ; for Brahmans, disrespect ; for women, a
separate bed, — (each is, as it were,) death without a weapon.
Then, ignorant of the customs of the country, Lively, having timidly advanced,
profoundly saluted Karataka. Thus it is said : —
85. " Reason, indeed, (is) stronger than force, for, in (its) absence, this (is) the
condition of elephants ": — thus proclaims, as it were, the souncftng drum of an ele-
phant, struck by the elephant-driver.
Then Lively said with alarm. — General! let what (is) to be done by me be
declared.
Karataka replied : " Bull ! if there exists a wish to remain here in the forest, then
go (and) salute the lotus-foot of the king."
Says Lively : " Then give a promise of safety, (and) I (will) go."
Karataka said : " Listen, bull- fellow ! enough (of) this apprehension. For : —
86. KeSava* gave no reply to the King of Chedi (when) cursing ; for the maned
(lion) roars responsive (to) the noise of the thunder-cloud, not (to) jackal-yells.
Besides : —
87. The tempest does not uproot tender grasses, (which) bend quite low. It
throws down, indeed, lofty trees. The great expend valour only on the great.
Then they, having placed Lively at no great distance, went towards Tawny ; then,
having been courteously regarded by the king, (they) saluted (him, and) sat down."
The king asked : " Was he seen ? "
Damanaka replied : " Sire ! (he) was seen. What was heard by the king, (is)
indeed correct. He (is) very strong, (and) he wishes to see the king's feet.f Let the
king be prepared (and) seated ; but, from a mere sound, (one) should not be afraid.
88. By water an embankment is broken; so, also, (is) unkept counsel; from
backbiting friendship is broken ; a coward (is), indeed, to be broken by words.
Thus it has been said : —
89. Not knowing the cause of the noise, (one) should not be timid from a mere
sound. Having ascertained the cause of a sound, a bawd attained respectability."
The king asked : " How (was) that ? "
Damanaka related (as follows) : — There is, in the midst of the Holy Mountains,
a town called the City of Brahma. A popular rumour was current that there, on
the mountain's top, a goblin named Bell-ear was dwelling. Once, having taken some-
* Krishna, the handsome-haired god (Wa«hair). The allusion is to the capture of Rukminl.
f i.e. to pay his respects to the long.
44 SUHBIDBHEDA.
body's bell 9 while making off, a certain thief was killed by a tiger; the bell fallen
from his hand was picked up by the monkeys; and those monkeys every minute
were ringing that bell. Then it was perceived by the townspeople that a man had
been devoured, and the noise of the bell is incessantly heard ; thereupon the people
declaring that Bell-ear, enraged, is devouring men and ringing the bell, all fled
from the town. After (a time) the king was (thus) addressed by a procuress
named Gaping, who, having reflected, had satisfied herself (that) monkeys were
ringing the bell : " Sire ! if a certain outlay of money be made then I (will) finish
this Bell-ear." Then money was given to her by the delighted king. The pro-
curess, having drawn a (magic) circle, and having shown homage to Gane£a and
other (gods), taking (with her) fruits liked by monkeys, entered the wood alone
(and) scattered the fruit about. Then abandoning the bell, the monkeys were at-
tracted (by) the fruit ; and the procuress, picking up the bell, returned to the town
(and) was honoured by all the people. Hence I say, " From a mere sound one
should not be alarmet!," Ac.
Then having brought Lively, they effected an interview. Afterwards, he
dwelt most affectionately for a long time there in the forest. Now once, the brother
of the lion, named Stiff-ear, came (there). Having made him welcome, and seated
(him), Tawny next sallied forth to kill beasts for a repast. Hereupon Lively said :
" Sire ! where (is) the flesh of the beasts killed to-day ? " The king replied : " Da-
Tnflnft.Vft. and Karataka know." Says Lively : " Let it be ascertained whether there is
(any) or not." The lion laughingly said: "Then, there is none." Says Lively:
44 What ! all that meat eaten by those two ! " The lion said : " Eaten, given away, and
wasted : this (is) the course daily." Lively says : " What ! is this done without the
knowledge of your highness P " The lion said : " Truly, it is done without my know-
ledge." Says Lively : " That is not proper. Thus it has been said : —
90. One should not, of himself, do any act for a master, without informing (him
thereof), — other than the prevention of misfortune.
Besides : —
91. A minister, O king ! (is) like an ascetic's gourd, — letting out little (and)
taking in much. What's-a-moment (is) a blockhead ; What's-a-cowrie (is) poor.*
92. He truly (is) always the best minister who increases (the revenue) by even one
Jcdkini.f The treasury (is) the life of a king possessed of a treasury ; the vital airs
(are) not the life.
93. Moreover, a man does not, by caste-observances, attain the state of being
honoured by others : destitute of wealth he is deserted by his own wife ; how much
more by strangers !
And this (is) a grave fault in government. Observe : —
94. Extravagance and want of investigation, also unrighteous acquisition, (and)
peculation by those residing at a distance (from the capital, are) called the bane of the
treasury.
• Kimkshana and himvarA(dka may be adjectives; thus, "Despising a moment (the minister is)
a blookhead ; despising a cowrie (he is) poor."
t Very small coin.
SUHRIDBHEDA. 45
For :—
95. Even a rich man, equal to Ugly-ears,* inconsiderately spending (his) income
according to his inclination, is speedily beggared."
Having heard that, Stiff-ear says : " Listen, brother ! These two old dependants
(are) the administrators of the affairs of peace and war ; an administrator of the exe-
cutive should not be appointed controller of the treasury. Moreover, on the subject of
public functionaries, what little I have heard I (will) relate :
96. A Brahman, a soldier, (or) a relative, is not commended in authority ; a
Brahman does not give even the wealth provided (for the purpose), except reluctantly.
97. A soldier employed quickly shows the sword in a money matter ; a relative*
encroaching from relationship, swallows all the money.
98. A long-employed servant (is) fearless although in fault, and disregarding
(his) master, he acts without restraint.
99. One who has done a service, (when) possessed of power, heeds not his own
wrong-doing ; making (his) service a banner, he plunders everything.
100. A minister jested with privately himself reigns unchecked ; from familiarity
contempt is always quickly shown by him.
101. One inwardly wicked, endued with patience, (is) assuredly the cause of every
evil ; S'akuni and S'akataraf (are), in this matter, two illustrations.
102. Every minister to be appointed should never be wealthy. This (is) a maxim
of the accomplished — Wealth (is) a perverter of the mind.
103. Not securing the advantage gained ; the bartering of property ; compliance ;
neglect ; want of judgment ; (and) pleasure ; (are) the ruin of a minister.
104. To kings belong the expedient of seizing the wealth of officials ; constant
inspection ; the gift of preferment ; and also change of office.
105. Officials are generally like a hard tumour; unsqueezed they do not give
forth the inner store of kings.
106. Officials, custodians of the king's treasure, are to be repeatedly cleared out.
(Only) once squeezed, would a bathing-dress give out much water P
Knowing all this (the subject is) to be dealt with as occasion may require."
Says Tawny : " That is indeed so ; but these in all respects do not execute my
commands." Stiff-ear replies : " That is every way improper.
* Vaitfravana (Ugly-ear) or Kuvera (Ugly-body), are names of the god of wealth.
f S'akuni, the counsellor of Doryodhana, who led the Pan^ava princes into gambling and the
consequent loss of their possessions. S'akat&ra, the minister of Nanda, who helped the Brahman
Ch&nakya to pat Chandragupta on the throne.
I
46 SUHBIDBHEDA.
For :—
107. A king should not tolerate even (his) children breaking his commands ; else
what difference (is there) between a king and the picture of a king.
Besides : —
108. Of the stubborn, the glory perishes ; of the inconstant, the friendship ; of
one deprived of sensual organs, the family (perishes) ; of one intent on wealth, the
virtue ; the fruit of knowledge, of the vicious ; of a miser, the peace ; of a king with a
careless minister, the kingdom (perishes).
Especially : —
109. From thieves, from officials, from enemies, from the king's favourite, and
from his own avarice, a king should protect (his) subjects, like a father.
Brother ! by all means, let my advice be acted on. We have made our meal to-day;
let this corn-eating Lively be appointed to the care of the food." On his suggestion being
carried out, Tawny and Lively, giving up all (other) connections, are passing the
time with great friendship. By and by, from perceiving a slackness in serving out
the food of the dependants, Damanaka and Karataka communed with each other.
Then said Damanaka : " What (is) here to be done P This (is) a blunder committed
by ourselves. On a fault being committed by oneself, grieving (is) improper. Thus it
is said: —
110. I, having touched Gold-streak; and the messenger (who) bound herself;
and the merchant who wished to take the jewel ; — these from their own fault were
pained.
Karataka asks : " How (was) that ? " Damanaka relates (as follows) : — There is, in
in a city named Golden-town, a king called Hero- valour. (While) his minister of justice
was leading a certain barber (to) the place of execution, a wandering mendicant named
Cupid' s- banner, accompanied by a trader, held on to the skirt of (his) dress, exclaim-
ing, " This one (is) not to be executed." The king's officers said: "Why (is) he
not to be executed ? " He said : " Let (this) be heard " : He (then) recites (the verse)
" I having touched Gold-streak," Ac. Said they : " What (is) that ? " The mendicant
relates (as follows) : — I (am) Cupid's-banner, the son of Cloud-banner, king of Ceylon.
Now, once while in the pleasure-garden, from the mouth of a sea-faring merchant
(it) was heard by me, that, in the midst of the sea (which was) near, on the fourteenth
(day of the month), at the foot of an apparent Kalpa-tree,* seated on a couch varie-
gated with radiant strings of jewels, adorned with every ornament, like Lakshmi,f
playing the lute, a certain girl was to be seen. Then I, taking that sea-going merchant,
having embarked (on board) a ship, went there. Thereupon (upon) going there she was
seen by me exactly (as described) ; then, attracted by the nature of her beauty, a plunge
was taken by me after (her). Immediately, having reached a golden city, in a palace
of gold, attended upon by fairies in the bloom of youth, she was beheld by me, seated
on a couch just (as described). Having seen (me) from a distance, she sent a friend,
(and) I was courteously accosted. And then her friend, questioned by me, explained ;
• A tree of Paradise, fulfilling all wishes. f The goddess of prosperity, wife of Vishnu.
StJHRIDBHfiDA. 4?
'.' This, truly, is Jewel-stalk, daughter of Cupid-sport, emperor of the fairies. She has
promised (thus) : Whoever, having come, shall see the golden city with his own eyes,
he, even in the absence of (my) father, shall marry me." Thereupon (I) married her
with the G-andharva ceremony.* Then, on the Gandharva ceremony being completed,
I remained sporting with her a long time. One day she said to me in private : " Hus-
band, all this (is) to be freely enjoyed ; but this depicted fairy named Gold-streak (is)
never to be touched." Afterwards, through the curiosity (thus) engendered, that Gold-
streak was touched by my hand ; and, (for) acting thus, I was spurned by that picture
with (its) lotus-foot, so that I alighted in the country of Surat. Since then, I, a
wretched mendicant wandering the earth, have reached this city ; and now, the day
being far advanced, in a cowherd's house (I) slept, (and there) beheld (the following
adventure) : — In the evening, having entertained (his) friends, the cowherd returned
from the pasture (and) saw his wife conversing with a procuress. Then, having
beaten the cowherdess, (and) tied her hands to a post of the house, (he) went to sleep.
In the middle of the night the messenger, this barber's wife, came again, (and) said to
the cowherdess : " The worthy fellow, consumed by the fire of thy absence, is as though
about to die ; therefore, I, having bound myself, (will) remain here ; do thou go, con-
verse with him, (and) return quickly." On this being done, the cowherd waking,
said : " Why now art thou not going to (thy) gallant ? " When the procuress said
nothing, then exclaiming, " From pride thou art giving no answer to my speech," the
wicked fellow, through mistaking (her for) his wife, straightway cut off her nose.
Having done so, the cowherd again laid down (and) went to sleep. Now having con-
versed with the gallant, the cowherdess returned, (and) quickly asked the procuress,
close in (her) ear, " Goody, what news ? " The procuress said : " Behold, my face indeed
tells the news." The cowherdess, then, having bound herself just as before, stood
(there) ; and the procuress, taking the severed nose, entered her own house, (and) re-
mained (there). Early in the morning, the razor-case was asked for by this barber,
to make his rounds in the town ; she, not giving to him the razor-case, gave a single
razor. Thereupon this barber, angry at not receiving the whole of the case, threw the
razor from some distance at (his) wife. Then she, making cries of pain, (and) ex-
claiming, " Without any fault my nose has been cut by him," led him before the
magistrate. (On the other hand) the cowherdess, on being questioned by the cowherd,
said : " O wretch ! who (is) able to disfigure me, most chaste ? The eight guardian
(deities) of the world are aware of my conduct. For : —
111. "Sun and moon, wind and fire, heaven, earth, the waters, the heart, and
Yama,t day and night, both twilights, and justice, are cognizant of man's conduct.
" If, then, I should be perfectly chaste, (and) leaving thee, know not another,
(and) not even in a dream have enjoyed another man, then let my face be uninjured."
Accordingly, as soon as the cowherd brought a light (and) examines her face, at once,
seeing the face with a prominent nose, (he) fell at her feet (and) having ardently em-
• That is, without any ceremony at all, see Mann iii. 82. f The judge of the dead.
i
fc
4& StfHRIDBHEDA.
braced her, apologised. And as to this trader standing (here), listen also to his story.
He started from his own house (and) after twelve years (he) came from the neighbour-
hood of Malaya to this city. Here he slept in a harlot's house. On the head of a
demon carved out of wood, placed by the harlot at the house-door, is a valuable jewel.
Perceiving that, this trader, greedy of gain, having risen in the night, to ascertain how
much this valuable jewel might be worth, placed (his) hand on the gem, and pulled the
jewel forcibly. Instantly being squeezed by the arms of the demon moved by wires,
he roared with pain. Thereupon the harlot getting up said : " Son, thou art come from
the neighbourhood of Malaya ; therefore, give up ail (your) jewels, otherwise thou art
not to be released by him. Just thus, this servant (always acts)." Then all (his) jewels
were surrendered by him ; and now he, stripped of his ail, is found among us (mendi-
cants). Having heard ail this, justice was administered by the king's officers. The
barber's wife was shaved ; the cowherdess was banished ; the procuress was fined ; (and)
the wealth of the trader was restored. Hence, 1 say, " I, having touched Gold-streak,"
Ac. From this (it is evident that) this blunder was committed by ourselves. In this
case regret (is) absurd. Having reflected a moment (Damanaka added), " Friend, as
the friendship of these two was brought about hastily by me, so also is a separation to
be effected. For : —
112. The dexterous make even untruths appear truths ; as people skilled in paint-
ing (can make) hollows and eminences on a level (surface).
Beside: —
113. On even the happening of emergencies he whose mind is not confused, gets
quit of difficulties ; like the cowherdess (and) the pair of gallants.
Karataka says : " How (is) that ? " Damanaka relates (as follows) : — There is, in
the city (named) Many -gated, an unchaste woman the wife of a certain cowherd ; and
she amuses herself with the magistrate of the village and his son. Thus it is said : —
114. Fire is not satisfied with wood ; nor the ocean with rivers ; nor Death with all
creatures, nor bright-eyed women with men.
Again : —
115. Not by liberality, nor by honour, nor by rectitude, nor by homage, nor by
punishment, nor by precept (can they be made faithful) : women (are) altogether bad.
For: —
116. Women, abandoning a husband, virtuous, famous, handsome, skilled in love,
wealthy, and young ; straightway betake themselves to a man destitute of amiability,
merit, and so forth.
Moreover : —
117. A woman does not experience such satisfaction, even sleeping at ease on an
embroidered bed, as the pleasure she attains from the companionship of a strange lover,
on the (mere) ground strewed with durva grass, and the like.
Now she, on an occasion, was sitting sporting with the son of the magistrate ;
thereupon the magistrate also arrived. Perceiving him, having placed his son in a
•tore-room, she played in the same manner with the magistrate. In the meantime!
StJHBIDBHEDA. 49
ner husband the cowherd returned from the pasture. Seeing him, the cowherdess
said : " Magistrate, having taken thy stick, seeming to be angry, hastily go." On this
being done, the cowherd coming there questioned (his) wife : " Through what business
came the magistrate here?" Says she: "He, for some reason or other, is angered
with his son, and (the son) being pursued, came here and entered through fear. Put-
ting (him) into the store-room, he was saved by me ; and (he) was (therefore) not
seen in the house by his father seeking (for him) ; hence the latter is going away
angry." Then, having brought the son down from the store-room she showed (him).
Thus it is said : —
118. The food of women is known (to be) two-fold ; their wit four-fold ; (their)
ingenuity six-fold ; and (their) lust eight-fold.
Hence I say, " Even upon the occurrence of emergencies," Ac.
Karataka said : " Be that as it may ; but how can their great natural affection be
severed ? " Damanaka replied : " A stratagem (is) to be devised. Thus it is said : —
119. What is possible by a stratagem, is not possible by valorous deeds. A she*
crow caused a black snake to be killed by a gold chain."
Karataka asked : " How (was) that ? " Damanaka related (thus) : — In a certain
tree dwell a pair of crows ; and their young were devoured by a black snake living in a
hollow of the tree. Then, breeding again, the she-crow says : " Husband, this tree
should be abandoned ; as long as the black snake (is) here, so long will there never be
offspring. For : —
120. A wicked wife, a false friend, a servant giving (saucy) answers, and residence
in a house with a snake (in it, is) death, without doubt.
Says the crow : " Beloved, (it is) not to be feared ; repeatedly his great offence
has been borne by me ; now (it is) not to be again endured." The she-crow said :
" How (is) your honour able to contend with this powerful black snake? " Says the
crow : " Enough (of) this anxiety. For : —
121. He who (has) intelligence (has) strength ; whence (comes) the strength of
the senseless? Behold ! the lion intoxicated by pride, was overthrown by a hare.
The she-crow said : " How (was) that ? " The crow relates (as follows) : There
is, on the mountain called Bulky, a lion named Hard-to-tame ; and he is constantly
engaged in the slaughter of beasts. Then the lion was (thus) addressed by all the
beasts assembled together : " Sire, for what purpose is a slaughter of all the beasts
made at once ? Truly we, for your honour's food, every day (will) present a beast."
The lion said : " If that (is) the desire of your honours, then let it be so." Now all
by regular succession, each day are giving a beast; (and) thenceforward, every day he
7
L
50 sOhridbheM.
is accustomed to eat, one by one, the beast allotted. Now, on a certain day, the turn
of an old hare (being) come, he reflected (thus) : —
122. Because of fear, homage is rendered, (in) hope of life ; if I must go to de-
struction, what (advantage will result) to me by civility to the lion ?
Therefore I (will) approach very leisurely. Then the lion, pressed by hunger,
angrily said to him : " Wherefore art thou come tardily ? " The hare said : " I (am)
not faulty ; on the way (I was) forcibly detained by another lion. Having sworn to
come again before him, I am come here to inform (my) master." The lion angrily
said : " Go quickly ; show me, where is this villain ? " Then the hare, having taken
him, came close to a deep well. Having said, " Let (my) master come here (and) see,"
he showed (him) his own reflection in the water of that well. Then he, inflated with
anger, from pride casting himself upon that (reflected image), attained destruction.
Hence I say, " He who (has) intelligence," <fcc. Says the she-crow : "(What you have
been saying has been) heard by me, say (what is) to be done." The crow said : " My
dear, the king's son comes constantly (and) bathes in the adjacent pool. Having seized
and conveyed with (thy) beak the gold chain taken from his body (and laid) on that
stone thou wilt place (it) in this hollow." Now, on a certain day, as soon as the king's
son, having placed the gold chain on a stone, had entered (the water) to bathe, that
(plan) was executed by the she-crow. Then the black snake being discovered by the
king's officers engaged in searching for the gold chain, was put to death. Hence I
say, " What is possible by a stratagem," Ac.
Karataka (then) said : " If so, then go. May the paths be prosperous to you ! "
Then Damanaka, having approached Tawny, said respectfully : " Sire, thinking over a
certain urgent and most alarming affair, I am come to impart (it). For : —
128. In (case of) misfortune, in going on a wrong course, and on the opportunities
for (efficacious) action passing away ; a friendly man, even unasked, should utter use-
ful advice.
Besides : —
124. The king (is) a vessel of enjoyment ; the minister a vessel of work : from
failure of the king's affairs the minister incurs blame.
This (is) the (proper) course for ministers —
125. Better resigning life,* or even decapitation, but not the tolerance of one
meditating the crime of usurping the dignity of (his) master.
Tawny respectfully says : " Now what does your honour desire to say ? " Dama-
naka said : " This much : Lively manifests improper behaviour towards thee ; and also,
in my presence, having despised the master's triple power, f even lusts for sovereignty."
Having heard this, Tawny stood mute with fear (and) astonishment. Damanaka con-
tinued : " Sire, having discarded every (other) minster this one has been appointed to
the superintendence of all affairs by thee. And this (is) a grave error. For : —
• Euphemism for " suicide."
f 1. prdbhutwa, the majesty of the king ; 2. mantra, the force of good counsel ; 8. ub&ha, the force
of energy.
SUHRIDBHEDA. 51
126. When a minister and a king is (each) excessively exalted, Prosperity, having
fixed both (her) feet, stands (firmly) ; she, from (her) female nature, impatient of the
weight of both (at once), abandons one or the other of the two.
Again: —
127. When a king makes one sole minister in the kingdom, from infatuation pride
approaches him, and he is estranged by the indolence of pride ; in the heart of the
estranged, a hankering for independence makes a foot-hold ; thence, through a desire
for independence, he plots the death of the king.
And it is said : —
128. The complete removal* of poisoned food, a loose tooth, and a wicked minister
(gives) ease.
Moreover : —
129. The king who makes prosperity dependent on a minister, he, on the happen-
ing of calamity sinks, like the blind without guides.
And he acts in all affairs according to his own inclination. Here, your Majesty
(is) the authority.! But this I know from experience,
130. There is not the man in the world, who does not desire fortune. Who does
not look wishfully at another's charming young (wife) ? "
The lion, having reflected, said : " Friend, although (that is) so, still my friendship
with Lively (is) great. Observe : —
181. Although committing faults, he who (is) beloved is indeed beloved ; (to)
whom (is) the body not dear, although defiled by endless imperfections.
Besides : —
132. Although doing unfriendly (acts), he who (is) beloved, is indeed beloved ; on
even the finest house being burned, who (feels) disrespect (for) fire ? "
Says Damanaka : " Sire ! that (is) indeed a fault. For : —
133. On whom the king much casts an eye, on a son, a minister, or on a stranger,
that person is courted by Fortune. Mark this, Sire !
134. The end of what is salutary, although unpleasant, brings happiness ; where
there is both a speaker and a listener, there successes disport (themselves).
But, having cast aside hereditary servants, this stranger has been advanced by
thee ; and this was improperly done. For : —
135. Through the fault of hereditary servants (a king) should not cherish
strangers ; there is no other greater cause of dissension in a kingdom than this."
Says the lion : " Mighty strange ! since, after giving an assurance of safety, he
has been brought and promoted by me, how, then, is he plotting ? "
Damanaka replied : " Sire !
136. A bad person reverts (to his) natural character even (while) being assiduously
• Lit. " tearing up from the root."
f That is, " your inclination, not his, should be the guiding principle."
1
52 SUHEIDBHEDA.
well treated : as a dog's tail, with 4 (all) expedients of warming and anointing (remains)
bent.
Again: —
137. Warmed, pressed, and even swathed with bandages, (when) liberated, after a
dozen years, a dog's tail resumed (its) natural character.
Again: —
138. How (can) the promotion and honour of the vile * (conduce) to conciliation ?
poison-trees, though watered with nectar, do not bear wholesome fruits.
Hence I say :
139. Even unasked (a man) should utter what is friendly for one whose ruin he
may not desire ; this, indeed, (is) the law of the good ; the reverse of it (that) of the
wicked.
And it is said : —
140. He (is) kind who shields from harm ; that (is) a (real) action which (is)
pure ; she (is) a wife who (is) obedient ; he (is) wise who is honoured by the good ;
that (is) prosperity which does not cause pride ; he (is) happy who (is) free from han-
kering ; he (is) a friend who (is) inartificial ; he (is) a man who is not tormented by
(his) passions.
If the master, injured by the wickedness of Lively, although warned, does not
desist, then (it is) no fault of the servant. Also : —
141. A king devoted to pleasure values neither duty nor interest ; he rambles as
he pleases, following his own inclinations, like an infuriated elephant. At length,
when puffed up by pride he falls into an abyss of distress, then he casts the blame on
the servant, and perceives not his own indiscretion."
Tawny (aside).
142. (A king) should not inflict punishment upon others through the accusation
of another ; after personal investigation, he should imprison or honour.
Thus it is said : —
143. (The distribution of) favour and punishment (when) not having considered in
due form merit and blame (tends) to one's own destruction ; as (when) the hand from
conceit is placed on the mouth of a serpent.
(Aloud). — " Then should Lively be admonished P "
Damanaka (hastily). — " Not so, on any account. A breach of counsel is (in that
way) produced. And it is said thus : —
144. This seed of counsel should be so preserved as that it should not be ever so
little broken ; (when) it is broken it grows not.
Moreover : —
145. Time drinks up the flavour of what ought to be received, to be given, or of
an act to be done, (when it is) not being done speedily.
Then, surely, what has been commenced, with great diligence should be completed.
Moreover: —
146. Counsel, like a wavering soldier, even with all (his) limbs covered, cannot
bear to remain long, through fear of injury from the enemy.
• The instrumental oase here has the sense " in despite of."
SUHRIDBHEDA. 53
If he, detected in a fault, having turned from the fault (is) to be re-instated, that
(is) exceedingly improper. For : —
147. He who wishes to re-establish a friend who has once offended, receives death ;
like a she-mule a foetus."*
Says the lion : "Let it be known, at all events, what he (is) able to do against us."
Damanaka replied : " Sire !
148. The nature of the body and its connections being unknown, how (can there
be) a demonstration of ability P Behold ! the sea was confounded by a mere sand-
piper."
The lion asked : " How (was) that ? " Damanaka related (as follows) : — On the
shore of the sea, a pair of sandpipers are dwelling. Now the hen, being about to lay,
said (to her) husband : " Master ! let a place suitable for laying be sought for." The
sandpiper said : " Is not this very place suitable for laying ? " Says she : " This place
is overflowed by the waves of the sea." He replies : " My dear ! am I without resource
(that) eggs deposited in my house are carried away by the sea ? " The hen smiling
said : " Master ! between thee and the sea the difference (is) great. Now : —
149. " (Am I) myself able to mitigate (this) misfortune, or not ? " — of whom
there is such discrimination, he sinks not even in a difficulty.
Also: —
150. The commencement of an improper act, opposition to one's own folk, rivalry
with the stronger, (and) confidence in womankind, (are) the four gates of death.
Then, by direction of her mate, she laid (in) that very place. Having heard all
this (and) intent on knowing his strength, his eggs were removed by the sea. Then
the hen, afflicted with grief, said (to her) husband : " Master ! a misfortune has hap-
pened, my eggs are lost." The sandpiper replied: "My dear! fear not." Having
said this (and) having convened an assembly of the birds, (he) went (to) the presence of
Garuda, lord of winged creatures ; (there) he relates the tale of the destruction of his
eggs. Then, having heard his statement, the revered lord Narayana, cause of creation,
preservation, and destruction, was informed (thereof) by that winged-one. Thereupon,
obeyingf the Lord's command, he went to the sea, (and) the sea, having heard his
command, surrendered those eggs. Hence I say, " Without knowing the nature of the
body and its connections," <fec.
The king asked : " How (is) he to be known as treacherous ? " Damanaka replied :
" When he comes prepared to strike with the points of (his) horns, as if apprehensive,
then the master will know."
Having spoken thus, (he) went towards Lively; and being gone there, slowly
drawing near, made himself appear as though amazed. Then said Lively courteously :
" Friend Damanaka ! prosperity to thee ! " Damanaka replies : " Whence (comes) the
prosperity of dependants ? For : —
151. Their successes (are) subject to others, (with) mind ever unquiet, even un-
certain in (regard to) their own life, (such are) they who depend on kings.
* Bef erring to the notion that gestation kills a mule,
f <&& " having plaoed the lord's command on his head."
I
54
8UHE1DBHEDA.
k
Again: —
152. Who having acquired riches (is) not proud ? Of what wordling (are) the
troubles gone to their setting ? Of whom upon the earth (is) not the mind distressed
by women ? Who, indeed, (is) beloved (by) kings ? Who has not gone into the arms
of death ? What supplicator has attained dignity ? Or what man, fallen into the toils
of the wicked, has escaped with safety ?
Lively said : "Friend, tell (me) ; what (is) this?"
Damanaka replied : " What (shall) I say, unhappy wretch (that I am) ! See : —
153. As (when) sunk in the ocean, (and) having obtained the support of a
serpent, one neither lets go nor retains hold, so now am I perplexed.
For: —
154. On the one hand, the king's confidence is lost ; on the other hand, a friend.
What (shall) I do, where (shall) I go, fallen into a sea of trouble ! "
Having said this, sighing deeply, (he) sat down.
Lively (then) says : " Nevertheless, friend, let what is passing in the mind fc e
related in detail."
Damanaka said whisperingly : " Although the king's confidence must not be
divulged to another, still your honour, through my promise, came and remained,
therefore, (what concerns) thy welfare should be imparted by me, desirous of the next
world. Listen. This master estranged from thee* declared privately — Having killed
Lively, I (will) satisfy my retinue.
Hearing this Lively became exceedingly dejected.
Damanaka continued: "Enough of dejection! let an action appropriate to the
time be adopted."
Lively, reflecting awhile, said : " This, indeed, is plainly declared : —
155. Women (are) accessible to the wicked ; the king is often a supporter of the
unworthy ; wealth (is) an attendant on the niggardly ; Devaf rains upon rock and sea.
Also : —
156. LakshniiJ consorts with the base ; Saras wati,§ with the plebeian ; a woman
courts the unworthy ; Vasava|| rains on a mountain.
{Aside). — Whether this (be) his doing or not, cannot be ascertained from his
behaviour. For : —
157. Any bad person acquires lustre from the beauty of (his) patron ; like smutty
collyrium applied to the eye of a lovely woman.
Then having reflected, (he) exclaimed : Alas ! what (is) this that has happened ?
For:—
158. A king being served assiduously does not attain satisfaction : (have we) here
a wonder ? But this (is) an unprecedented kind of object, who, being served, (actually)
attains enmity.
Here, then, diligence (is) unavailing. For : —
159. He who is angry for a cause, on the removal of that (cause) is speedily tran-
quillized ; but how, forsooth, shall a man satisfy him whose mind is inimical without
cause?
* Lit. Upon thee. f A name of Indra, the giver of rain. J The goddess of prosperity.
§ The goddess of eloquence. || A name of Indra.
SttHRlDBHEDA. 55
What has been done by me against the king? or (are) kings causelessly injurious?
Damanaka said; " It (is) even so. Listen : —
160. Even a service (performed) by the discreet (and) affectionate incurs odious-
ness, whilst an injury (done) by others openly finds favour. How surprising, then, is
the conduct of those who resort to the fickle ! The pre-eminently difficult duty of
service (is) unattainable even (to) Yogins.
Moreover : —
161. A hundred acts (of kindness are) lost upon the wicked : a hundred fine
speeches (are) lost upon the stupid: a hundred maxims (are lost) upon the dis-
regarder of advice : a hundred (wise) thoughts (are) lost upon the thoughtless.
Again: —
162. In sandal-trees (there are) serpents. In the waters, lotuses ; but there are
(also) alligators. Spiteful detractors (are) in (our) enjoyment. (There are) no unob-
structed pleasures.
Again: —
163. The root (swarms) with serpents ; the blossoms with bees ; the branches with
monkeys ; the upper parts with bears. There is not, truly, that (part) of a sandal-
tree which (is) not infested by the vilest impurities.
That this (our) master, says Damanaka, (is) honey-spoken (and) poison-hearted is
known by me. For : —
164. The hand outstretched from afar — the eye suffused — half the seat relin-
quished — intent on a close embrace — respectful in kind conversation (and) inquiries —
concealed poison within, honied without — beyond measure an adept in deceit ; — what
a wondrous art of mimicry truly (is) this, learned by the wicked !
In like manner : —
165. A boat (is the expedient) in traversing a mass of water difficult to cross ; a
lamp (is the expedient) on the approach of darkness ; in a calm, a fan ; a hook, for
curbing the fury of an elephant blind with passion. Thus there is nothing upon
earth for which the thought of an expedient has not been taken by the Creator : I
think (that) even the Creator (is) baffled in removing the inward purpose of the
wicked."
Lively (said) to himself : O misery ! how (is it that) I, a corn-eater (am) to be
slain by the lion ? For : —
166. Truly between two equal (in) wealth, (and) between two equal (in) strength,
a controversy may be imagined; (but) nowhere between two, (one) high (the other)
low.
Having reflected again, he said : " By whom has this king been made to change
towards me ? From a king close upon a rupture, fear (is) ever to be entertained.
For:—
167. (If) the mind of the king (is) anywhere severed, like a bracelet of .crystal, who
(is) the master to join (it) together ?
Again: —
168. A thunderbolt and the king's severity, (are) both exceedingly terrible : one
falls on a single spot, the other falls all around.
I
56 8UHKIDBHKDA.
Therefore let death in battle be resorted to; now obedience to his command
(would be) improper. For : —
169. Either (by) dying he obtains heaven, or having slain the enemy (he obtains)
pleasures ; both these excellencies, very difficult of acquisition (are the prerogatives) of
heroes.
And this (is) the time for war : —
170. Where (in) peace (there is) certain destruction (and) in war a chance of life,
that, truly, the wise declare the time for war.
For:—
171. When in peace he should perceive nothing beneficial (to) himself ; then the
wise man dies combatting with the enemy.
172. In victory one obtains prosperity, also by dying (one obtains) a celestial
bride; bodies perish in a moment ; what anxiety (need there be) about dying in battle.
Having reflected thus Lively said : " O friend, how (is it) to be ascertained that
he (is) desirous to slay me ? " Says Damanaka : " When he looks at thee (with) ears
erect, tail elevated, claws raised, (and) gaping mouth, then wilt thou likewise display
thy bravery. For : —
173. Of whom (is) not one destitute of energy, although strong, an object of
humiliation ? Observe, the foot is fearlessly placed by people on a heap of ashes.
But all this (is) to be accomplished very secretly ; otherwise, neither thou nor I (will
prosper)." Saying this Damanaka went to Karafaka. Karataka said : " What (is) the
result? " Damanaka replied : " The result (is) mutual estrangement between them."
Karataka rejoined : " What doubt (can there be) here ? For : —
174. Who, indeed, (is) a friend of the wicked ? Who, excessively importuned, is
not angered ? Who is not rendered arrogant by wealth ? Who (is) not an adept in
villainy?
Again: —
175. An illustrious (person) is made infamous by rogues for their own advantage.
Does not, indeed, association with the vile act like fire ?
Then Damanaka having approached Tawny (said) : " Sire ! that evil-intentioned
(one) is come, therefore stand prepared." Having said which, he caused him to assume
the appearance stated above. Lively, also, having approached, (and) seeing the lion in
that way altered in appearance, showed fight after his own fashion. Then in the
great conflict between them Lively was killed by the lion. Now the lion having killed
(his) servant Lively sat resting sorrowfully, and he says : What a cruel deed has been
committed by me ! For : —
176. By others is the kingdom enjoyed ; he himself (is) a vessel of iniquity. By
outraging duty a king is like a lion after the slaughter of an elephant.*
Besides : —
177. In (estimating) the loss of a portion of territory, or of a virtuous (and) wise
minister, the loss of a minister (is) the death of kings.
* Because others appropriate the pearls said to be in the head of the dead elephant.
SUHBIDBHBDA. 57
Damanaka said : " O master ! what novel philosophy (is) this, that remorse is
experienced after slaying an enemy ! Thus, indeed, it has been said : —
178. If either father or brother, if either son or friend, (be) conspirators against
(his) life, (they) should be killed by a king desiring prosperity.
Moreover : —
179. (One) knowing the principles of duty, interest, and pleasure, cannot be purely
compassionate : a forbearing (person is) not able to preserve even the property (already)
in his grasp.
Besides : —
180. Forbearance towards both an enemy and a friend (is), of a truth, the ornament
of ascetics ; (but) towards offending beings it (is), verily, for kings, a defect.
Furthermore : —
181. For (one) desiring his master's dignity, through lust of dominion (or) through
conceit, forfeiture of life (is) the sole expiation ; (there is) no other.
Again: —
182. A compassionate king, a Brahman (who) eats everything, a disobedient wife,
an ill-natured friend, a refractory servant, an imprudent officer, and one who does not
acknowledge what has-been done,* these (are) to be avoided.
And especially : —
183. The policy of a king, like a courtezan, (is) many-shaped : true and false,
harsh and kind-spoken, cruel and merciful, parsimonious and generous, ever spending
yet (intent on) the influx of hoards of jewels and money."
Thus with deceitful speech tranquillised by Damanaka, Tawny regained his natural
temper (and) sat on (his) throne. Damanaka being overjoyed in heart, said to the
king : " May the monarch be victorious ! may the whole world be prosperous ! " Having
said this he continued at ease.
Vishnusarman said : " (You) have heard the Separation of Friends." The princes
replied : " We (are) gratified." Vishnuiarman said : In future let this also be, —
184. May the separation of friends be (found) only in the abode of your Honour's
enemies ! May the wretch, drawn by Fate, day by day approach destruction ! May
mankind ever be the abode of ail happiness and prosperity ! May (every) boy also
continually delight here in the charming garden of fable !
Here ends the Second Chapter of the Hitopadesa, called the Separation of
Friends.
* The ungrateful one.
8
1
58
WAR.
At the time for re-commencing the story the princes said : " Sir ! we (are) princes ;
therefore, there is curiosity among as to hear (about) war." Vishnusarman replied : —
I discourse (about) that which is agreeable to your Highnesses. Attend to War, of
which this is the first verse : —
1. In a war, equal in valour, of peacocks with geese, the geese, having been in-
duced to confide, were deceived by crows (who) had lived in the enemy's town.
The princes asked : " How (was) that ? " Vishnusarman related (as follows) : —
There is, in the island of Camphor, a lake named Lotus-sport. There a flamingo dwells
named Gold-egg ; and he was inaugurated in the sovereignty of the birds by all the
aquatic fowls assembled together. . For : —
2. H there be no king, wholly a leader, then the subjects would be tossed about
like a ship on the sea without a steersman.
Again: —
3. The king protects the subject ; the subject aggrandizes the king : protection
is better than aggrandizement ; in its absence, even that which (is) existent, (is) non-
existent.
Once upon a time this flamingo was sitting comfortably on a well-spread lotus-bed,
his retinue standing around. Thereupon a crane named Long-face, coming from some
country or other, having made obeisance, sat down. The king said : " Long-face ! thou
art come from a foreign land, relate the news." He replied : " Sire ! there is important
news; in (my) desire to tell it, I am come hastily. Let attention be paid. There
is in Jambudwipa a mountain named Vindhya, (and) there dwells a peacock named
Spotted-colour, king of the birds. In the midst of a parched wood while pecking
(food) I was seen and questioned by his attendants (thus) : " Who (art) thou ? whence
(art) thou come ? " Then I replied : " I (am) an attendant of Gold-egg, king of the
island of Camphor; from curiosity I am come to see a foreign country." Having
heard that the birds said : " Of the two, then, which country or king (is) the better? "
Thereupon I replied : " Ah ! what (is this which) is said ! Great (is) the difference !
for the island of Camphor is a district of heaven, and the king (is) a second lord of
Paradise. How can it be described P What are you doing here, alighted in a barren
place ? Come, let (us) go into my country." Then, having heard that speech, the
birds became angry.
VIGBAHA. 59
As it is said : —
4. Milk-drinking (is) for serpents only the increase of venom. Advice (leads) to
the exasperation, not to the tranquillization, of fools.
Again: —
5. A sensible (person) may be advised, but a blockhead, never. Birds having
advised (certain) stupid monkeys, experienced the destruction of (their) homes.
The king asked : " How (was) that ? " Long-face related (the following anec-
dote) : — There is on the banks of the Narmada, in the land skirting the hills, a large
silk-cotton tree. There, in a nest constructed by themselves (some) birds are residing
comfortably, even during the rains. Now, on the nether sky being overspread with
masses of cloud, like sheets of indigo, there was a great rain in torrents. Then, per-
ceiving the monkeys standing under the tree, pinched with cold, (and) shivering, the
birds compassionately said : " Ho, monkeys ! hearken :
6. Nests have been built by us with straws brought with (our) beaks merely ; how
(is it that) you, endowed with hands, feet, <fec., are dejected ? "
Hearing this, the monkeys with (their) anger aroused, looked up, (and cried) :
" Oh ! the comfortable birds, seated in the bosom of nests sheltered from wind, are
taunting us. Let it be so, until an abatement of the rain." Afterwards, when the
downpour of water had abated, the monkeys, having climbed the trees, broke all the
nests, and threw down all the eggs of those birds. Hence I say, " A sensible (person)
may be advised," Ac. The king said : " What was said then by the birds ? " Long-
face resumed : — Then the birds angrily exclaimed, " By whom was this flamingo made
king p " Then I with anger aroused, said : " By whom was this peacock of yours
made king ? " Upon hearing that the birds prepared to kill me ; whereupon I also
made a goodly display of valour. For : —
7. At another time, forbearance (is) the ornament of a man, as modesty (is) of
a woman. At an insult, valour (is appropriate), as (is) lasciviousness in sexual em-
braces.
The king, laughing, said : —
8. He who, having investigated the strength and weakness of himself and others
does not perceive the difference, he is scorned by the enemy.
Again: —
9. Grazing constantly for a very long time (on) the corn in a field, a stupid ass,
covered in a tiger's skin, was killed, through the blunder of speaking.
The crane asked: "How (is) that?" The king related (as follows): — There
was in Hastinapura a washerman named Frolic His donkey, from conveying ex-
cessive loads, was become weak (and) ready to die. Then the washerman, having
clothed (him) in a tiger's skin, turned him loose in a field of corn in the vicinity
of a forest. Then seeing him from afar, the owners of the field fled hastily away,
with the idea (that it was) a tiger. Now a certain watcher of the corn, with a
body-covering made of grey blanket, having prepared (his) bow and arrow, re-
mained, in a crouching position! in a retired spot. Then seeing him at a distance^
#
60 VIGfiAHA.
the donkey (with) recruited vigour, thinking him a female ass, trotted up to him
braying. Thereupon he was killed, through (his) gamesomeness, by that corn-
watcher, (when he) ascertained that it was (but) an ass. Hence I say that " For a
very long time continuously grazing," Ac. Long-face (then) resumed : — Afterwards
those birds exclaimed, " O wicked, vile crane ! (while) feeding on our ground thou art
reviling our sovereign ; that (is) not now to be endured." Saying which, all, striking
me with (their) beaks angrily exclaimed : " See, O fool ! this gander thy king (is)
altogether spiritless : sovereignty is not his; for one gentle to an extreme (is) unable
to retain the wealth already in his hand ; how is he (then) ruling the earth ? or what
kingdom (is) his ? But thou (art) a frog in a well, therefore thou advisest resort to
him. Listen : —
10. A great tree having fruit and shade (is) to be respected: if, through fate, there
be no fruit, by what (cause) is the shade withheld P
Again: —
11. The service of the base (is) not to be engaged in : resort (is) to be made to
the great. Even water, in the hand of a tavern-keeper, is thought (to be) spirit.
12. The she-goat, by favour of the lion, browses fearlessly in the wood. Vibhi-
shana, having met Rama, obtained sovereignty in Lanka.*
Again: —
13. The great (possessed of) abundant virtues attain littleness, when (depending)
on the worthless, through the relation of the receptacle and the object to be received ;
like an elephant in a (convex) mirror.
And especially : —
14. Even in a stratagem there may be success over an exceedingly powerful king.
By the stratagem of the Moon, the hares dwell happily."
I asked : " How (is) that ? " The birds related (this anecdote) : — Once upon a
time, from the absence of rain even in the rainy season, a herd of elephants, troubled
by thirst, said to the leader of the herd : " Sir, there is no means for our living.
(There are) bathing-places for the lesser animals, but we, from the absence of bathing,
• (are) like the blind, (crying) Where are we going ? What are we doing ? " Then the
elephant-king, having gone no great distance, pointed out a limpid pool. Soon after
the hares dwelling on its banks (are) crushed by blows from the feet of the herd of
elephants. Thereupon a hare named Blockhead reflected (thus) : " This herd of thirst-
afflicted elephants will come here daily ; hence our family (will be) destroyed."
Then an old buck named Victory said : " Be not dejected, a remedy (can) be devised
by me." Having thus promised (he) set out. Whilst going on (his) way he reflected
(thus) : " Having approached the leader of the herd of elephants, what (is) to be 'said
by me ? For : —
15. Even (when) touching, an elephant kills ; a serpent (when) smelling ; a king,
even (when) protecting ; the wicked, even (when) smiling.
Therefore having mounted to the summit of a hill, I (will) address the elephant-
leader." On this being done, the leader of the troop exclaimed : " Who (art) thou ?
* Vibhishana was a brother of Havana, who disapproving of his brother's wickedness, ultimately
' deserted his cause, and joining Kama, was placed by him upon the throne of Lanka or Ceylon.
VIGBAHA. 61
(and) whence come ? " He replied : " I (am) a messenger sent by the revered Moon."
The master of the herd rejoined : " Let (thy) business be declared." Victory said: —
16. "Even among uplifted weapons an envoy speaks not otherwise (than his
errand) ; through his inviolable character (he is) always a speaker of the truth.
Therefore, I speak by his command ; listen : Whereas these hares, guardians of
the Moon's lake, have been driven away by thee, — that was not rightly done ; for these
protectors, the hares, (are) mine ; for this (reason) my (title) Hare-marked (is) well-
known." As soon as the messenger had spoken thus, the leader of the herd timidly
said this : " Sire, this was done ignorantly ; I will not go again." The messenger
remarked : " Then, having here saluted and propitiated the revered Moon trembling
with anger on the lake, do thou depart." Then having conducted (him) at night, and
pointed out the reflection of the Moon quivering in the water, he caused the leader of
the herd to salute it. " Sire, the fault was committed by him through ignorance,
therefore, let it be forgiven," having said which the leader of the herd was dismissed
by the hare. Hence I say, " There may be success even by a stratagem," Ac. After
that I said : " Truly he our sovereign (is) most mighty and exceedingly powerful, the
sovereignty of the three worlds is appropriate to him ; what, then, (is) a kingdom ! "
Then I was led into the presence of king Spotted-colour by those birds, (they) crying
out, " Wretch ! how art thou at large in our territory ! " Then having exhibited me
before the king, after salutation, they said : " Sire ! let attention be paid. This vile
crane, even while travelling in our country, despises the royal feet." The king in-
quired : " Who (is) this ? whence has (he) come ? " They replied : " He (is) a follower
of the flamingo named Gold-egg ; (and) is come from the island of Camphor. Then
I was asked by the prime-minister, a vulture : " Who (is) there the prime-minister ? "
I replied : " A ruddy-goose named Know-all, thoroughly versed in all the sciences."
Says the vulture : " That is right ; he (is) a fellow-countryman. For : —
17. A fellow-countryman perfect in family observances, free from deceit, familiar
with the sciences, not attached to wicked inclinations, devoid of immorality, —
18. Well read in the body of laws, renowned, of pure blood, prudent, a producer
of wealth ; a king may properly appoint (such a one as his) minister.
Thereupon a parrot, the superintendent of justice, said : " The island of Camphor,
and the rest, (are) insignificant isles lying within Jambudwipa ; there also the sove-
reignty of the royal feet (extends)." Then the king also said : " Truly (that is) so."
For: —
19. A king, a madman, a child, a wanton, and a purse-proud (man), hanker after
even the unattainable ; how much more (after) what is procurable !
Then I said: " If, by mere talk, the authority of your Majesty's feet is established,
then the sovereignty of my lord Gold-egg also exists in Jambudwipa." The parrot
asked : " What demonstration (is there) in this case ? " I replied : " Even war." The
king jestingly remarked: "Go to your king, and make ready." Then said I : " Let
62 V1GBAHA.
your own envoy also be sent." The king remarked : " Who is to set out with the
message*; for a messenger of this sort should be appointed —
20. An envoy should be loyal, talented, pure, dexterous, brave, virtuous, patient, a
Brahman, conversant with the weak points of others, endowed with presence of mind."
Says the vulture : " There are many such ; still a Brahman should be made envoy.
For :—
21. Perspicuity effects the success of a king, not nobility. From association with
IsVara, the blackness of kalakutaf does not depart."
The king said : " Then let the parrot go. Parrot ! do thou, going with him,
declare our will." The parrot replied : " As your Majesty commands. But this (is) a
wicked crane ; (and) along with a wicked person I travel not. Thus it has been said : —
22. A vile person does a bad action ; surely (that bad action) produces its effects
among the good. Should the ten-headed onej carry off Sita there would be a bridging§
of the ocean. Besides : —
23. One should not stand, equally one should not go, with a wicked person any-
where. From association with a crow, a gander was killed standing, and a quail going.
The king asked : " How (is) that ? " The parrot (then) related : — There is, on the
road to Ujjain, in a lonely path, a great peepul-tree, whereon a gander and a crow are
dwelling. Once (upon a time), in the hot season, a certain wearied traveller, having
placed his bow and arrows under a tree, dropt asleep there. Then, after a little while,
the shade of the tree passed away from off his face. Thereupon, perceiving his face
overspread by the glare of the sun, through pity, the charitable-souled, inoffensive
gander, perched in the peepul-tree, having spread out (his) wings, again caused a shade
(to fall) upon his face. Afterwards, (while) enjoying sound sleep, the wearied traveller,
fatigued by travelling along the road, opened (his) mouth. Hereupon, through natural
malevolence, unable to endure the comfort of others, the crow, having voided excre-
ment into his mouth, flew away. Then, (the traveller) having arisen, looked up, (and)
immediately the gander is perceived by him. Now, through the anger generated by
thinking that the voidance of excrement into his mouth (was done) by this (gander),
(he) having pierced (him) with an arrow, killed (him). Hence I say, " Not to be
stood with," &c. For : —
24. Quit the society of the evil. Cultivate the society of the good. Practise
virtue day and night. Remember always (your) transitoriness.
Sire ! I am (about to) relate also the story of the quail. A crow is lodging on the
branch of a tree ; and a quail dwells on the ground beneath. Once upon a time, all
the birds, by engaging in a pilgrimage (in honour) of the Worshipful Qaruda,|| set off
(towards) the sea-shore. Thither the quail went with the crow. Now from a pail,
resting on the head of a dairyman going along on the road, (some) curds were again
and again pecked by the crow. Then as soon as he, having placed the pail of curds on
* Interrogative with imperative j lit. " Let whom go forth with the message ? "
f The name of a poison. In allusion to the blue neck of Siva caused by swallowing the poison
produced by the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons.
% An epithet of Havana, see Vishnu-Purana, Bk. iv. chap. iv.
§ The word bandhanam here means the " uniting " or " binding " of southern India with Ceylon,
by the chain of rocks obstructing the flow of the ocean. The Vishnu-Purana says, badhwA chdm-
bhonidhim, " having bridged the ocean/' and the Mahabharata, ill. 16312, setubandham ak&rayat, " he
caused a uniting causeway to be made."
|| Mythological chief of feathered creatures.
VIGRAHA. 63
the ground, is looking up, immediately the crow and quail are perceived. Thereupon
scared by him, the crow fled away ; (but) the slow-going quail was caught by him
(and) killed. Hence I say : " Not to be travelled with," <fcc. After that I said :
" Brother parrot ! why speakest thou so ? In my estimation your Honour (is) even as
the revered feet of Majesty." Says the parrot : " That may be so ; but —
25. Even kind (words) being uttered with smiles by the wicked, excite my fears ;
like unseasonable flowers.
And (thy) villany (is) made manifest even by thy conversation. For, in the
(event of) war between these two, your speech (will be) certainly the primary cause (of
it). See :
26. On a fault being committed even openly, a fool, by conciliation, is tranquillized.
A wheelwright placed on (his) head his wife and her paramour.
The king asked : " How (was) that ? " The parrot related (as follows) : — There
was, in the city of Prosperity, a wheelwright named Dull-wit ; and he knew his wife
(to be) unchaste ; but had not seen (her) alone with her paramour, with his own eyes.
Afterwards, the wheelwright, desirous to see, said : " To-day I shall go (to) another
village," (and) started out ; (but) having gone a certain distance, he returned secretly,
(and) getting under the bed in his own house, remained (there). Now through the
confidence engendered (by thinking) thus : " My husband (is) gone (to) another
village," the paramour was invited by the wife, in the evening. Afterwards the wheel-
wright's wife, whilst sporting fearlessly on the bed with that paramour, from a slight
touch of the body of her husband crouched under the bed, perceiving her roguish
husband, was dejected. The paramour then remarked : " How (is it) ? thou art not
sporting with me freely to-day ? thou appearest as it were dismayed." Then she
replied : " Thou (art) an ignorant fellow. He who (is) the lord of my life, (even) he
to-day (is) gone to another village. Without him, this village, though ever so full of
people, in my opinion appears like a wilderness. What will happen (to him) while
dwelling there among strangers ? what has he eaten, or where has he lodged ? (with)
such (thoughts) my heart is rent." Said the paramour : " Then (is) this thy quarrel-
some husband such an object of affection as this ? " " O blockhead ! what art thou
saying ? Listen : —
27. That woman (is) a virtuous wife who, even spoken to severely or looked at with
angry eyes, (maintains) a very placid countenance.
Besides : —
28. Beatific realms (are the portion) of those women whose husband (is) beloved,
whether (he be) citizen or forester, sinner or saint.
Again: —
29. A husband (is) indeed the best ornament of a woman, without (other)
ornaments. She, though ornamented, deprived of him, shines not.
Thou, an evil-minded paramour, from caprice of mind, art occasionally used, like a M
k
64 VIGRAHA.
flower, betel, (or) sandal- wood ; but be, my husband, the taker of my hand, although
far away (is) able to sell me to the gods or to give (me) to the Brahmans. What (need)
of much (argument) ? There is a promise (to this effect), — In him living I live, and
on his dying I will follow after. For : —
30. Three kroris and half a krort (are) the hairs which (are) on a man, — so many
years she dwells in Paradise who follows after her husband (in death).
Again : —
31. As a snake-charmer draws up a snake from (his) hole by force, in the same
manner, taking her husband from (Patala), she enjoys (felicity) with him.
Besides : —
32. The loving one who, having embraced (her) lifeless husband, resigns her body
on the funeral pile, having effaced even a hundred thousand sins, taking (her) husband,
she shall enjoy the realm of the gods.
For:—
33. To whom the father should give (her), or the brother with the father's consent,
him she should obey (while) living, and should not dishonour (when) dead.
Hearing all this, the wheelwright having settled (the matter) thus in (his) mind, —
" I (am) lucky who (have) such a wife as this, sweetly-spoken (and) affectionate to
(her) husband," — placing the bedstead with the man and woman in it on f(his) head,
Dull -wit danced about delighted. Hence I say, "On a fault being committed
openly," &c.
Then that king having honoured (me) in the usual manner, I was dismissed. The,
parrot also is now coming after me. Knowing all this, let what is proper to be done
be investigated." The prime-minister the ruddy-goose scoffingly said : " Sire ! (by)
just going to a foreign country, the king's work has been (indeed) executed by the
crane, to the extent of his ability. But such (is) the nature of fools. For : —
34. " One should yield a hundred (points), not quarrel," — such (is) the opinion of
the wise. " A contention without even a cause," — this is the sign of a fool.
The king said : " Enough (of) this censuring of by-gones ; let the matter in hand
be attended to." The ruddy-goose replied : " Sire ! I (will) speak in private. For : —
35. By colour, form, and sound, even by change in the eye (or) mouth, the wise
infer the thoughts (of others) : therefore, one should consult in secret.
The king and the minister then remained there ; the others went elsewhere.
Says the ruddy-goose : " Sire ! I am of opinion that by the instigation of some officer
of our own this has been done by the crane. For : —
36. A sick man (is) the best (subject) for physicians ; a profligate one, for the
officers ; a fool (is) a living for the wise ; a contentious person, for a king."
The king said : " Be it so ; the cause in this case should be investigated after-
wards ; at the present moment speak about what (is) to be done." The ruddy-goose
replied : " Let a spy just go there ; then we (shall) know his aim, strength, and weak-
ness. For indeed : —
VIGBAHA. 65
37. A spy should be (engaged) in discovering what (is) to be done and not to be
done in his own and foreign countries. He (is) the king's eye. He who has not one,
is indeed blind.
And let him go, taking (with him) a second, a confidential (assistant) ; so that, he
himself remaining there, having very secretly ascertained the counsels and actions
relating to that place, (and) imparted (them), let him send forth (that) second
(one). Thus it is said : —
38. (A king) should communicate with his emissaries, having the appearance of
ascetics, under the pretext of studying holy books, at places of pilgrimage, hermitages,
and temples.
And a secret emissary (is) one who travels by water or by land ; therefore, let this
same crane be appointed, (and) let just such another crane as he (is) be (also) sent as
a companion, and let the people of his household wait at the king's gate (as hostages);"
but, Sire ! this sort of thing must be done very secretly. For : —
39. Six-eared council is divulged and (is) picked up by common report : (therefore)
with himself and another (only) a king should take counsel.
Besides : —
40. The mischiefs which befall a king through breach of counsel, cannot be
repaired: Such (is) the opinion of those skilled in polity."
The king, having reflected, said : " I have found just such a spy." The minister
replied : " Sire ! victory in the war (is) already gained." Hereupon a warder having
entered (and) saluted said : " Sire ! let attention be paid. A parrot come from Jambu-
dwipa waits at the door." The king looks the ruddy-goose in the face. The ruddy-
goose said : " Let him go (and) remain awhile in an apartment ; by and by (he is) to be
brought in (and) seen." "As your highness commands," having said which, taking
the parrot, the warder departed. " So," said the king, " war (is) imminent." " Still,
Sire ! " replied the ruddy-goose, " hasty war (is) not the rule.
41. (Is) he a prudent minister who, at the very outset, without consideration,
recommends the king either preparation for war or abandoning the country ?
Besides : —
42. One should strive to conquer enemies, (but) never by war; because the victory
between two (parties) combating is seen (to be) uncertain.
Again: —
43. By conciliation, by bribes, by dissension, — by these (means), either combined
or separately, one should strive to overcome enemies ; (but) never by war.
For:—
44. Every person, forsooth, (is) a hero who has not engaged in war. Who, not
perceiving the strength of the enemy, may not be conceited P
Moreover : —
45. A block of stone is not so (well) lifted by a living being, as by a lever. From
a small expedient, a great result ; this (is) the great advantage of counsel.
9
I
66 VIGRAHA.
But perceiving war imminent, let there be action. For : —
46. As from seasonable preparation husbandry becomes faithful, so this (art of)
polity fructifies after a time, not immediately.
Besides : —
47. Anxiety when at a distance, courage when close at hand, (is) the quality of
the great ; in misfortune, the great evince fortitude in the world.
Again: —
48. The first obstacle of all successes (is) certainly undue warmth. Although
exceedingly cold, does not water penetrate the surface of the earth ?
And especially, Sire ! (because) this king Spotted-colour, sovereign of the peacocks,
(is) very powerful. For : —
49. There is not (such) a precept (as) this : " One should fight with the strong."
A combat between an elephant and men (is) not like a foot-fight.
Again: —
50. He (is) a fool, who, not having found a (suitable) opportunity, engages in
antagonism. A quarrel with the strong (is) like soaring with insect's wings.
Moreover: —
51. A politic (soldier) having withdrawn (to) a tortoise-like shelter, should endure
the (first) shock ; but (having) found an opportunity, he should rise up like a cruel
serpent.
Listen, Sire !
52. One skilled in expedients can be equally successful over the great as well as
over the little ; as the current of a stream (is able) to uproot (both) trees (and)
grasses.
Hence having soothed this parrot-envoy let him be detained here until the fort is
prepared. For : —
53. One bowman stationed (behind) a rampart is made to combat a hundred ; a
hundred (can combat) ten thousand ; therefore, a fortress is recommended.
Moreover : —
54. Of what enemy (is) not an unfortified country an object of contempt ? A
king without a fort (is) helpless, like a man fallen out of a ship.
55. He should construct a fort, with a great moat, surrounded by a high rampart,
having engines, water, and rock, with the protection of a river, a desert, and a forest.
56. Spaciousness, extreme inaccessibility, a store of liquid, grain, and fuel, (with)
both ingress and egress ; (these are) the seven excellencies of a fort.
The king said : " In the preparation of the fort, who should be appointed ? "
The ruddy-goose replied: —
57. " Whoever (is) skilful in work him should one there appoint. Whoever has
not had experience, although conversant with the sciences, is bewildered in practical
matters.
Therefore, let General Heron be called. Upon this being done, the king, looking
at the Heron (when) present, said : " O Heron ! hastily make ready the fort." The
VlGRAtfA. 67
Heron having saluted said: "Sire! as to the fort, that truly for a long time has
been prepared. (It is) a great lake. But let a store of eatable things be collected in
the island in its midst. For : —
58. A store of grain, O king ! (is) better than every (other) store. A jewel thrown
into the mouth would not effectuate the sustaining of life.
Moreover : —
59. Of all flavours salt is renowned (as) the best flavour ; without that, O king i
sauce is as cow-dung."
The king said : " O General Heron ! go quickly, let everything be prepared."
Then the warder having again entered said : " Sire ! there waits at the door the king
of the crows, named Cloud-colour, come from Ceylon. Attended by a retinue he does
homage, (and) wishes to see the king's feet." The king said : " The crow (is) wise,
and has seen much ; therefore he is to be received, this is understood." The ruddy-
goose replied : " Sire ! that may be so ; but the crow (is) a land-goer, of a different
party to us ; therefore, he is engaged on the side of our opponents. How (then) is he
to be received ? Thus it is said : —
60. The fool who, after abandoning his own party, delights in the opposite party,
is slain by those strangers, like the blue-coloured jackal."
•
The king asked : " How (was) that ? " The minister relates (as follows) : — There
was a certain jackal rambling at his pleasure in the outskirts of a town (who) fell into
a vat for receiving indigo. Afterwards unable to get out, in the morning, making him-
self appear like dead, (he) remained (still). Now the owner of the indigo vat, having
picked him out, (and) carried (him) to a distance, dropped him. Then he, going to
the wood (and) perceiving himself (to be of) a blue colour, (thus) reflected : " I now
.(am) of the finest hue ; therefore , can I not accomplish my elevation p " Having con-
sidered thus, the jackals were called together by him, (and) addressed : " Oh ! ye
denizens of the forest ! I have been consecrated to the sovereignty of the woods,
with an extract of every medicinal herb, by the very hand of the adorable goddess of the
forest. Behold my colour. Therefore, beginning from this day, proceedings should
be conducted in this forest by my command." Now the jackals, perceiving him of an
excellent colour, reverentially prostrated themselves (and) said : " As your Majesty
commands." Thus by this process his sovereignty among all the dwellers in the
forest was (established). Subsequently, surrounded by his own kindred, supremacy
was accomplished by him. Afterwards, having obtained a superior retinue (of) lions,
tigers, &c, looking at the jackals in the assembly (and) despising (them), he removed
his own kinsmen to a distance, being ashamed (of them). Thereupon, perceiving the
jackals dejected, an old jackal promised (thus) : " Do not despond, if we who know the
vulnerable points are despised by this (fellow) ignorant of policy. It can be arranged by
me so that he is destroyed. Since these tigers and the rest, deceived solely by the
colour, not knowing (him to be) a jackal, imagine him (to be) a king ; therefore do
%
68 VTGEAHA.
something whereby lie is (to be) detected. (This) should be carried out in the way
1 say. All of you, at eventide, in his vicinity all at once set up a great yell ; then
having heard that noise, naturally by him also a cry (will) be made. For : —
61. Whatever the natural disposition of anyone may be, that (is) hard to be over-
come (by) him. If a dog were made a king, would he not gnaw a shoe ?
Then having recognised (him) by the voice, (he will) be killed by the tiger. On
this being done, that (event) happened. Thus (it) is said : —
62. An enemy of one's own species knows every defect, vulnerable point, and
bravery ; and, being inside, he consumes, like fire (consumes) a dry tree.
Hence I say, " Prom abandoning one's own party," Ac. The king said : " Al-
though (it be) so, still let him just be seen ; he (is) come from afar ; in his reception
(afterwards) deliberation should be made." The ruddy-goose observed : " Sire ! a spy
has been appointed, and the fort put in order ; hence, having seen the parrot (and)
having given (him) an answer, let him be sent forth. But : —
63. Chanakya slew Nanda,* by employing an active envoy ; therefore (a king)
surrounded by (his) warriors should see an ambassador, separated by a wide space."
Then, an audience being arranged, the parrot was called, (and) the crow also.
The parrot with head a little raised, having seated (himself on) the seat provided,
says : " Sir Gold-egg ! the great king of kings Spotted-colour, lord of the peacocks,
(whose) lotus-feet are illuminated by dazzling strings of rubies in the crowns of all
(prostrate) monarchs, commands thee, (thus) : ' If thou hast (any) occasion for life or
fortune, then having come hastily, salute my feet ; otherwise bethink thee (of) starting
off (to) another place.' " Having heard that, the king angrily said : " Ha ! is there
no one in the assembly before us who strangles him ? " Then Cloud-colour starting up
said : " Sire ! command (me), and I (will) slay this vile parrot." (But) the minister
said : " Not so, worthy Sir ! Listen awhile —
64. That (is) not a council where there are no elders ; they (are) not elders who
do not know law ; that (is) not law where there is no truth ; whatever fear in-
fluences (is) not truth.
For this truly (is) law :
65. An ambassador, although a barbarian, should be inviolable; for the king
(speaks by) the mouth of the ambassador. Even among uplifted weapons an ambas-
sador speaks not otherwise (than his message).
Besides : —
66. Who infers his own inferiority (or) another's superiority by the assertions of
an ambassador? By his inviolable character an ambassador always states the whole
(of his message)."
Then the king and the crow recovered (their) natural temper ; and the parrot
hastily arising withdrew. Afterwards, having conducted (him back), apologized, and
having presented (him) with gold, ornaments, and the like, the parrot was dismissed
by the ruddy-goose. He returned (to) his own country. Then having reached the
Yindhya mountains, he saluted his own king Spotted-colour. King Spotted-colour
having perceived him said : " Parrot ! what news ? What (is) that country like ? "
The parrot replied : " Sire ! shortly, this news, — preparation for war is now to be
* Oh&nakya was a Brahman who conspired and succeeded in dethroning the Nanda dynasty. He
placed a robber Chandragnpta on the throne in the time of Alexander the Great.
VIGEAHA. 69
made ; and that country, the island of Camphor, (is) a district of Paradise. How can
it be described ? " The king, having convened all the chiefs, sat down to deliberate.
Thus it is said : —
67. A discontented Brahman (and) a contented king (are) always ruined: a
modest harlot and an immodest woman of family (are) ruined.
The minister, a vulture named Far-seeing, (then) said : " A war unrighteously
(waged is) not just. For : —
68. When friends, ministers, and allies, should be firm in their attachment, and
(those) of the enemies the reverse, then should war be made.
Besides : —
69. Territory, a friend, and gold, (constitute) the triple fruit of war ; when these
are certain to result, then should war be made."
The king said : " Let the minister meanwhile inspect my forces ; thus let their
readiness be ascertained. Then let the astrologer be called, (and) let him determine
the auspicious moment for marching." Says the minister : " Sire ! still hastily march-
ing (is) improper. For : —
70. Fools who begin hastily without having considered the enemy's strength, they
most certainly receive the embrace of the edge of a sword.
" Minister/' said the king, " do not repress my energy on every occasion. Point
out the way in which one desirous of conquest subjugates another's country." The
vulture said : " Sire ! I (will) declare that ; but only (when) followed (is) it fruitful.
Thus it is said : —
71. What (use is) advice like the S'&stras (to) a king (when) not followed ? No-
where can there be the cure of a disease from the (mere) knowledge of medicines.
And the king's command (is) not to be disobeyed, therefore I declare what I have
heard. Listen, Sire 1
72. Among rivers, mountains, forests, and forts, wherever (there is) danger,
king 1 there the commander should go, with forces drawn up in array.
73. The superintendent of the force should go in front, accompanied by the
bravest men ; in the centre (are) the women, the king, the treasure, and whatever force
(is) weak.
74. On both flanks, the horse ; the chariots on the flanks of the horse ; on the
flanks of the chariots, the elephants ; and (on the flanks) of the elephants, the foot-
soldiers.
75. Behind should inarch the commander, encouraging now and then the dis-
pirited, associated with counsellors and warriors! the king taking an army —
I
70 VIGKAHA.
76. Should traverse swampy (and) mountainous country with elephants ; the level
(ground), with horses ; the water, with boats ; everywhere, with foot-soldiers,
77. The marching of elephants (is) pronounced best on the approach of the rains ;
(that) of horses at any other (time) than that ; (that) of foot-soldiers at all times.
78. Among mountains (and) difficult passes, the protection of the king should be
attended to : although protected by his warriors, (his) sleep (should be on a par) with
the sleep of a Yogin.*
79. He should destroy, he should drag the enemy through difficult passes, thorny
brakes, and mire : on entering the enemy's territory, he should place the pioneers in
front.
80. Where the king (is), there (should be) the treasury ; without treasure (there
is) no royalty. He should give (liberally) to warriors. Who does not fight for the
generous ?
For:—
81. Man (is) not the slave of man, O king! but of wealth. Importance and
insignificance (are) connected with wealth and poverty.
82. Without breaking (ranks) they should fight and should protect each other.
Whatsoever part of the army is weak he should place in the centre of the array.
83. And the king should cause the foot-soldiers to fight in the van of the army ;
and having blockaded the foe he should sit, and should desolate his country.
84. On the level he should combat with chariots and horse ; on watery places, also
with boats and elephants ; on (firm) ground, in places covered by trees and bushes,
with bows, swords, shields, and (other) weapons.
85. He should always spoil his (enemy's) grain, food, water, and fuel ; he should
also break down his tanks, ramparts, and trenches.
86. Among forces, the chief (is) the elephant ; for a king (there is) none other
like him. With his own limbs merely, an elephant (is) recognised (as possessing)
eight weapons.
87. The horse (is) the strength of armies ; (and is) considered a moving rampart ;
therefore, a king superior in cavalry (is) victorious in a land-fight.
Thus it has been said : —
88. Those fighting mounted on horseback are hard to conquer even (by) the gods;
their enemies though dwelling afar are in their hands.
89. The primary means of carrying on war (is) the preservation of the entire
army ; the clearing of the roads of the country they call the business of the infantry.
90. Naturally heroic, skilled in arms, not disloyal, superior to fatigue, (consisting)
• That is, brief and light.
VIGRAHA. 71
chiefly of renowned Kshatriyas, — (this) they consider the most excellent force.
91. By the bestowal of even much riches, men on earth do not (fight) so (well), as
they fight (for) the honour conferred by the chief, O king !
92. Better a small choice army, not a multitude of heads : the overthrow of the
weaklings would evidently cause the overthrow of the best (troops).
93. Unkindness, absence, appropriation of the share which should have been dis-
tributed, procrastination, non-requital, — these are the causes of estrangement.
94. One desirous of conquest should march against the enemy, without distressing
(his) army ; an army fatigued by long marches is easily overthrown (by) the enemy.
95. There is no better advice (for) causing division among enemies than (the
setting up of) a claimant (to the throne) ; therefore, one should assiduously raise up
the enemy's heir.
96. Having formed an alliance with either the heir-apparent or the prime-minister
he should excite the inward wrath of the firm-minded enemy.
97. And he should cause the false ally to be slain, either by overthrowing (him)
in battle, or by capturing and carrying off his cattle, after imprisoning his chief
dependants.
98. A king should populate his own territory, though despoiling his enemy's
country ; or else, (that enemy's country) colonized with liberality and respect, certainly
(becomes) lucrative."
The king said : " Ah ! what (will accrue) with much (being) said :
99. One's own rise (and) the enemy's fall ; the two (constitute) polity : — thus
much (sums it up). (While) admitting this, (the worth of) the eloquent harangue
is proved by actions."
The minister laughingly said : " All this (is) true ; but —
100. One nature (is) ungovernable; another (is) restrained by moral laws.
Whence (can arise) a common predicament for both light and darkness ? "
At length rising up, the king set forth at the time declared auspicious by the
astrologers. Now a messenger despatched by the spy, coming to Gold-egg (and)
saluting, said : " Sire ! king Spotted-colour (is) almost arrived ; now he is actually
encamped at the foot of the Malaya mountains ; let the preparation of the fortress be
immediately attended to, for that vulture (is) a great minister. Besides, (in) the
course of his confidential conversation with someone, I have got at this hint, that
(there is) already somebody employed by him in our fort." The ruddy-goose said :
" Sire ! this must be the crow." The king replied : " That (can) never (be) ; if so, then
why did he make preparation for the overthrow of the parrot P Besides, his efforts for
I
72 VIGRAHA.
war (have been) since the coming of the parrot, and he has been here a long time."
Says the minister : " Nevertheless, a new-comer (is) to be doubted." The king said :
" Even new-comers appear to be requiters of favours. Listen: —
101. Even a kind stranger (is) a kinsman ; an unkind kinsman (is) a stranger.
Unkind (is) the sickness generated in (one's own) body ; (but) kindly (is) the medicine
found in the woods.
Again: —
102. Of king Low-caste there was a servant named Best-of -heroes ; he, in a very
little time offered up his own son."
The minister asked: "How (is) that?" The king related (as follows): — For-
merly, in a pleasure-lake belonging to king Low-caste, I was much attached (to) Sprig-
of-Camphor, the daughter of the flamingo named Camphor-sport. There, a Rajput
named Best-of -Heroes, having arrived from some country, approached the warder at the
palace-gate (and) said : "I (am) a Rajput seeking a livelihood ; procure me a sight of
the king." Then introduced by him (into) the royal presence, he said : " Sire ! if
there is need (of) me (as) a servant, then let my pay be provided." Low-caste said :
"What (is) thy pay?" Best-of-heroes replied: "Four hundred suvarnas a-day."
The king asked : "What (is) thy equipment ? " Best-of-heroes replied: "Two arms;
and for a third, a sword." The king, reflecting an instant, said surprisedly : " Friend,
that (is) not possible." Hearing that Best-of-heroes saluted (and) departed. Now
(this) was said by (his) advisers : " Sire ! giving the hire of four days, let his character
be ascertained, whether he (is) useful (that) he takes so much hire, or (is) useless."
Then, from the advice of the ministers, having recalled (him, and) presented (him with)
betel* he gave those wages. For : —
103. Betel (is) pungent, bitter, spicy, sweet, alkaline, astringent, a carminative,
antiphlegmatic, a vermifuge, a remover of the defect of foul breath ; the ornament of
the mouth, a detergent, the kindler of the flame of love ; — these thirteen virtues of
betel, friend ! (are) hard to obtain even in heaven.
And the application of the stipend was secretly watched by the king. One half
of it was shared by Best-of-heroes among the gods and the Brahmans ; half of the
remainder, among the afflicted ; the rest (was consumed) with expenses of food and
amusement. Having done all this (as) a constant practice, day and night he attends,
sword in hand, (at) the king's gate ; and when the king himself commands, then he goes
to his own house. Now one night, on the fourteenth of the dark (half of the month),
the king heard a piteous lamenting sound. Hearing that, the king cries : " Who (is
there) ? who attends here at the gate ? " Then he answered : " Sire ! (it is) I, Best-of-
heroes." Then the king said: "Let the lamenting be pursued." Best-of-heroes,
having exclaimed, "As the king commands," set forth. Then the king thought:
" This solitary Rajput has been sent by me into darkness which may be pierced with
a needle : that (is) improper. I, also, going (will) see what it (is)." Thereupon the
• Presented on the completion of an agreement.
VIGBAHA. 73
king also taking a sword, in the course of following (him) passed oat of the gate of
the city. Then, going along, a certain weeping female, endowed with youth and beauty,
and adorned with every ornament, was seen by Best-of-heroes, and questioned : " Who
(art) thou? for what art thou grieving? " The woman replied : "I (am) the Fortune
of this king Low-caste. For a long time, under the shadow of his arm, with much
happiness (I have) reposed. On the third day the king will reach dissolution. I shall
become protectories, I shall remain no longer ; therefore, I weep." Best-of -heroes
said : "By what means is your Grace's dwelling here still (to be effected) ? " The
Fortune (of the king) replied : " If thou, with thy own hand, having cut off the head of
thine own son Energetic, possessed of the thirty-two marks of a hero, make an offering
(to) the revered All-auspicious one,* then the king will remain a hundred years, (and)
I (shall) dwell happily." Having said this she became invisible. Then the delighted
Best-of-heroes went to his own house, and awakened his soundly sleeping wife and son.
They both, shaking off sleep, sat up, (and) Best-of-heroes related the whole of the
speech of (the king's) Fortune. Hearing that Energetic said with delight : Fortunate
(am) I of whom (there is) such a fitness for the preservation of (my) prince's king-
dom! Father! what now (is) the cause of delay? Since, at any time, in such a
service as this, the abandoning of this body (is) praiseworthy.
104. A wise man would give up riches and even life for the sake of another.
Death being inevitable, better the abandonment (of life) for the sake of the good.
The mother of Energetic said : " husband ! if this is not to be done for the
benefit of our king, then by what other act will there be a requital of the high salary
(you receive)." Having thus reflected, they all went to the temple of the All-
auspicious one. There, having worshipped the All-auspicious one, Best-of-heroes said :
"Goddess! be favourable. Let the great king Low-caste be victorious! Let this
offering be accepted !" Having said which, he struck off his son's head. Then Best-of-
heroes reflected : " An exact acquittance has been made for the salary received from the
king ; now life without (my) son (is) a burden." Thinking thus, he cut off his own
head. Then his wife, also, through grief for her husband and son, did the same.
Hearing and seeing all this, the king with astonishment reflected : —
105. " Insignificant creatures like me are born and die ; (but) the like unto this
(man) has not been in the world, nor will be.
Therefore, deprived of him, what advantage (accrues) even with a kingdom (at
disposal)," saying this Low-caste flourished a sword to cut off his own head. Then
the compassionate, revered, all-auspicious one, manifesting herself, seized on the
king's hand : — " Son ! enough (of) this rashness ; there is now (to be) no injury to
thy kingdom." The king, prostrating (himself) reverently said : " Goddess ! there
is no (further) use for me with kingdom, or life, or prosperity. If I (am) deserving of
compassion, then by the (sacrifice of the) remainder of my life, let this distinguished
minister my servant the Rajput, with his wife and son, live (again) ; otherwise I will
attain the condition (they) have reached.' 1 The Severed one said ; " With this thy
• The goddess Durgft»
10
74 V1GRAHA.
true excellence and affection for a servant I am everyway gratified. Go ; be victorious !
Let this R&jput, with his family, also live ! " Thereupon Best-of-heroes, with (his) son
and wife, restored to life, went home. The king, unseen by them, regained the terrace
of the palace (and) laid down as before. Then Best-of -heroes standing at the gate,
again questioned by the king, replied : " Sire ! the weeping woman having perceived
me became invisible. There is no other news whatever." Hearing his speech the king
with astonishment reflected : " How can this exalted creature be commended (suffi-
ciently) ? For : —
106. The noble should speak kindly ; the hero should be a non-boaster ; the
liberal should rain upon the excellent ; the brave should be gentle.
This (is) the characteristic of a great man. In him is all (this found). Then
the king in the morning, having convened a special court, declared all the events
of the (preceding) night, approvingly conferred upon him the kingdom of the Carnatic
Why, then, (is) a new-comer necessarily an enemy ? Among them also there are
good, bad, and indifferent." The ruddy-goose said : —
107. " (Is) he a minister who, to please the king, counsels what ought not to be
done as though it ought to be done : better wound the feelings of the king, but not
(bring about) his destruction by what should not be done.
108. The king of whom the physician, spiritual guide, and minister (are) flatterers,
is quickly deprived of body, virtue, and treasure.
Listen, king !
109. ' What has been obtained by one (person) through virtue, that also will be
for me.' From infatuation (arising) herefrom, a wealth-seeking barber, having struck
down a beggar, was killed."
The king asked : " How (was) that? " The minister related (as follows) : — There
was, in the city of Oudh, a soldier named Crest-jewel. He, desirous of wealth, with pain
of body, for a long time propitiated the Bevered one whose crest-jewel is the half-
moon.* Afterwards, purified from his sins, having a revelation in sleep, through the
favour of S'ambhu,t he was commanded by the Lord of YakshasJ (thus): — "0 prince of
soldiers ! to-day, having caused (thyself) to be shaved, thou wilt station thyself (staff
in hand) secretly at the door of thy house. Then whatever beggar thou seest come
into the fore-court, him thou wilt mercilessly slay with blows of (thy) staff ; there-
upon that beggar will instantly become a jar full of gold, with which thou and thy
family, as long as you live, can remain happily." Thereafter, on that being done, that
(which was declared) came to pass. Then the barber who had been brought to shave
him, having seen all (that occurred) reflected : " Ho ! this (is) the contrivance for
getting a treasure ! then why am I not doing so also P " From thenceforward, the
barber, every day, in that fashion, (with) a club in his hand, looked out for the
arrival of a beggar. Once having met with a beggar in that way, striking him
with the club, he killed (him). Through that crime the barber himself was beaten
by the king's officers, .and died. Hence I say : " What by one has been obtained
through virtue/' Ac. The king said : —
I
• S'iva. f The god S'iva. t Kuvera, the god of wealth.
V1GBAHA. 75
110. By bringing up tales of former occurrences is it determined whether a
stranger is a friend without a motive, or a betrayer of confidence?
Go to ! go to ! let preparation be (now) made. A king named Spotted-colour is
now encamped on the table-land of the Malaya (mountains) ; therefore what is now
to be done ? " The minister said : " Sire ! it was heard by me, from the mouth of
the spy (just) arrived, that Spotted-colour has placed no esteem on the advice
of the prime-minister the vulture ; hence the fool (is) easily to be conquered.
Thus it has been said : —
111. The covetous, the cruel, the intractable, the untruthful, the careless, the
timid, the wavering, the foolish, the despiser of (antagonistic) warriors, — is known
(as) an enemy easy to be cut up.
Therefore as long as he is not blockading my fort, let the Heron and other
generals be appointed to destroy his forces in the rivers, mountains, forests, and
roads. Thus it has been said : —
112. Fatigued by long marches, perplexed by rivers, mountains, and forests,
terrified by the fear of dreadful fires, enfeebled by hunger and thirst, —
113. the furious, straitened for provisions, wasted with sickness and famine,
scattered, not very numerous, distressed by rain and wind, —
114. bespattered with mud, dust, and water, greatly perplexed, scattered by
brigands, — an enemy's army thus circumstanced, the king should destroy.
Besides : —
115. The king should always smite an army overpowered by fatigue, sleeping in
the day-time, worn out by watching from fear of a (night) assault.
Hence, going (against) the army of that negligent one, as opportunity (serves),
let the Heron and the rest smite (it) day and night." On this being done, many of
Spotted-colour's troops and officers were slain. Then Spotted-colour, dejected, said to
Far-seeing his minister : " Father ! has neglect of me been committed by thee P or is
there anywhere indiscretion (on) our (part) P Thus it has been said : —
116. " The kingdom (is) gained," — (thinking) so, one should not act indiscreetly.
Indiscretion destroys prosperity, as decay (destroys) the finest beauty.
Besides : —
117. The clever one gains fortune; the wholesome-eater, health; the healthy,
happiness ; the persevering, the limit of knowledge ; the discreet, virtue, wealth, and
fame."
The vulture said : " Sire, pay attention : —
118. Even an ignorant king, by attending to one of accomplished learning, obtains
excellent prosperity ; as a tree close to water. \
76 VIGBAHA.
Again: —
119. Drinking, women, hunting, gaming, the unjust seizure of property, violence
both of censure and of punishment, — (these are) the vices of kings.
Moreover : —
120. Great successes are not to be obtained by one following the sole impulse
of courage, nor by one whose inward soul is at a loss for expedients : Prosperity resides
in both policy and bravery (combined).
Perceiving the energy of thy own troops, inclined only to inconsiderate haste, thou
hast despised counsels though suggested by me, and (hast used) harsh language : hence
this fruit of bad policy is experienced by your Highness. Thus it has been said : —
121. What bad minister do not errors of policy overtake ? What eater of un-
wholesome things do not sicknesses afflict P Whom does prosperity not inflate with
pride ? Whom does not death kill P Whom do sensual pleasures excited by women
not torment ?
122. Sadness destroys mirth ; the winter, autumn ; the sun, darkness ; ingrati-
tude, good deeds ; the manifestation of kindness, grief ; (good) policy, misfortune ; bad
policy, prosperous fortune."
Therefore I reflected (thus) : " Ah ! woe the day ! this peacock-king (is) destitute
of wisdom ; else why is he darkening with the torch of (his own) talk, the moonlight
of narratives of politic science. For : —
123. What (will) he do (with) literature who has no sense of his own P what will
a lamp do for one deprived of both eyes ?
For that (reason) I remained silent." Then the king, (with) clasped hands,
becoming aware of his own fault, respectfully said : " Father ! let this fault be mine ;
now quickly inform me how, with the remainder of the force, 1 (may) retreat (and)
reach the Yindhya mountains." The vulture thinks (thus) within himself : " Here a
remedy (is) to be devised. For : —
124. Anger should always be restrained (if felt) towards the gods, a spiritual
guide, cows, kings, Br&hmans, the young, old, or afflicted."
And he says smilingly : " Sire ! be not afraid ; be of good cheer ! Listen, Sire !
125. The skill of counsellors is manifested in the re-union of what has been
severed ; of physicians, in a complication (of diseases). Who (is) not clever when an
affair (is) prosperous ?
Besides : —
126. Even in a small undertaking, the little-minded easily become bewildered ;
but those of mature mind, great in undertakings, stand unmoved.
Sire! through thy valour, having destroyed the fort, I (will) in no long time lead
thee to the Yindhya mountains, with fame, dignity, and strength." The king said :
" How is that now to be accomplished with (so) very small a force ? " The vulture
VIGBAHA. 77
replied: " Sire ! it will all be (done). Since promptitude for one desirous of conquest
(is) the essential requisite for the accomplishment of victory, therefore, to-day let the
gate of the fort be blockaded. Now Gold-egg's spy the crane, haying returned, re-
ported : " Sire ! truly with very little force, king Spotted-colour, relying on the advice
of the vulture, having come will blockade the gate of the fort." The flamingo said :
" Sir Know-all ! what now is to be done ? " The ruddy-goose replied : " There should
be no fear ; let the efficient and non-efficient of our own force be tested ; having ascer-
tained that, let conciliatory gifts of gold, dresses, Ac, be made, according to deserts.
For thus (it) has been said : —
127. Fortune does not desert that lion-like prince who should withhold even a
misapplied cowrie, (as though) equal to a thousand nishkas, (but who is) open-handed
in (respect of) crores, at (proper) times.
Besides : —
128. On eight (occasions) there is not (such a thing as) excessive expenditure ;
(that is to say), on a sacrifice, on a marriage, on distress, on the reduction of an enemy,
on an act producing fame, on the reception of friends, on a beloved wife, (and) on
indigent relations.
For : —
129. A fool, from fear of a very little expenditure, brings about the loss of all.
What sensible person would abandon the merchandise through excessive fear of the
toll ? "
The king asked : " How, at the present time, is prodigality appropriate ? It has
been said, ' One should preserve wealth against misfortune. 9 " The minister replied :
" Whence (can come) misfortune for the fortunate ? " The king observed : " Some-
times fortune is fickle." The minister rejoined : " Sire ! hoarded wealth vanishes ;
therefore, Sire ! abandoning parsimony let your best warriors be preferred with gifts
and honours. Thus it has been said : —
130. (Soldiers) knowing each other ; pleased ; regardless of life ; resolute ; of good
family ; (if properly) honoured, conquer entirely the force of the enemy.
Besides : —
131. Warriors, well-disposed, closely knit, resolute ; although (but) five hundred
heroes, they crush the hosts of the enemy.
Moreover : —
132. A mean, indiscriminating, fierce, (and) ungrateful man is shunned by the
honest, (and) by (his own) wife also ; how much more (is he) not (shunned) by others !
For:—
133. Truth, bravery, and also liberality ; these (are) the three qualities of kings ;
abandoned by these a king assuredly incurs censure.
On such an occasion as the present ministers, at least, should be advanced. Thus
it has been said : — *
134. With whomsoever one may be intimately associated, with him (is) mounting
and falling ; fully trusted, (he) should be employed in (matters of) life and death.
For:—
135. Of whatever king the ministers are a rogue, a woman, or a child, tossed by
the winds of bad policy, he sinks in an ocean of cares.
78 VIGEAHA.
Observe, king !
136. (He) whose pleasure and anger (are) restrained, and (whose) treasury (is
subject to) very slight expenditure, and (who is) continually regardful of servants, —
the earth is for him a giver of wealth.
137. A king should never despise politic ministers, whose rise and decline is firmly
(connected) with (those of) the monarch.
For : —
138. The support of a hand from firm ground is given by faithful counsellors, for
a king blinded by passion sinking in an ocean of cares."
Now Cloud-colour, having approached and saluted said : " Sire ! favour (me) with
a glance. This enemy the peacock desirous of war is actually at the gate of the fort ;
therefore, if there is a command from the feet of your Majesty, I issuing out (will)
manifest my bravery. By that means, I (shall) approach acquittance of the debt of
your Majesty's favour." The ruddy-goose says : " Not so. If (by) going out (there is)
to be fighting, then the refuge of the fort (becomes) useless. See, for example : —
139. Although ferocious as (he is), a crocodile come out from the water (is)
powerless ; truly, even a lion strayed from the wood, would be like a jackal."
The minister said : " Sire ! going yourself let the fight be inspected. For : —
140. Having advanced the army, the king while looking on should incite it to
fight. Superintended by (his) master, does not even a dog certainly play the lion."
Hereupon they all, going to the gate of the fort, produced a desperate en-
counter. Next day, the king named Spotted-colour said to the vulture: " Father ! let
thy promise now be performed." The vulture replied : " Listen a little : —
141. The defect of a fortress is stated (as follows) — unable (to hold out for a
long) time*; very small; commanded by a fool or a profligate; unprotected; and
(with) timid soldiers.
That, however, is not here (the case).
• 142. These (are) declared (to be) the four expedients for the capture of a fort, —
sowing dissension, a protracted siege, an assault, (and) daring heroism.
And here effort must be made to the extent of (our) power." Spotted-colour said :
" Even so." Then upon the sun being risen early in the morning, whilst the fight was
going on at the four gates, fire was thrown simultaneously by the crows into every
house within the fort. Then hearing a shout " The fort is taken, is taken ! " and
seeing fire evidently kindled in several of the houses, many soldiers of the flamingo,
and other dwellers in the fort also, hastily entered the water. For : —
143. Good counsel, good courage, good battle, good retreat, at an appropriate time,
one should effect to the extent of one's power ; and should not hesitate.
The flamingo, from (his) easy nature (was) slow in motion, and attended by the
heron, being approached by the cock, a general of Spotted-colour, was beset. King
k
# If akdl means " famine," as ia the case in Hindi, then this sentence would mean, " suffering
famine."
7IGEAHA. 79
Gold-egg said : " General Heron ! from devotion to me thou shalt not get thyself
killed. Now I (am) unable to proceed ; thou (art) still able to go ; therefore, going,
enter the water ; and having escaped with the consent of Know-all thou wilt make my
son named Crest-jewel king." The heron replied : " Sire ! such an unendurable speech
should not be uttered. As long as sun and moon exist, so long let the king be vic-
torious. I (am) commandant of your Majesty's fort ; therefore, at all events, let the
enemy enter by the gate-way stained with my flesh and blood. Besides, king !
144. A patient, generous, and appreciative master is obtained by good luck."
The king added : " That is so ; but —
An honest, clever, and loyal servant (is) indeed very hard to be found."
The heron said : " Listen, Sire ! —
145. If, except (in) battle, there were no fear of death, then (it might be) proper to
flee elsewhere ; but death (is) the inevitable (lot) of living creatures, why should one
tarnish fame uselessly ?
Besides : —
146. In this world, perishable as the whirling of waves agitated by the wind,
the spending of life for the benefit of another arises by reason of virtue (in a former
birth).
Then, Sire ! the prince is always to be preserved.
147. Even the most prosperous prakriti,* abandoned by (her) lord, lives not.
What can even the physician Dhanwantarif do when life is extinct P
Besides : —
148. On the king closing his eyes, this mortal world collapses, and on his rising,
it revives ; as on the (rising of) sun, the lotus.
Moreover : —
149. A sovereign, a minister, a territory, a fort, a treasury, an army, an ally, and
corporations of citizens, (are) the essentials (constituting) the members of a kingdom.]:
Here, also, the king (is) the chief member.
Now the cock, having approached, inflicted a wound with his very sharp spurs on
the body of the flamingo. Then hastily coming up, the heron shielded the king with
his own body. Immediately the heron lacerated with blows from the beak and spurs
of the cock, having covered the king with his own body, pushed (him) into the water.
The cock, also, torn by many thrusts from the beak and blows from the wings, was
killed by General Heron. Afterwards the heron also, overpowered by many birds, was
slain.
Now Spotted-colour having entered the fort, and having caused the property
remaining in the fort to be seized, marched forth, praised by encomiasts with shouts
of " Victory."
The princes said: "In that army of the flamingo, the heron (was) truly meri-
torious ; by whom, with the sacrifice of his own life, the king was preserved. For : —
150. Cows generate offspring all shaped like cattle ; (but only) an occasional lord
of kine, (whose) shoulder is touched by the horn (of the others).
* The ^akti or female correlative of deity. f The HindA Esonlapiue.
J These are called the eight pralcritis, or essentials, of royalty.
80 VIGEAHA.
Vishnuforman said : " May the virtuous enjoy the virtue-purchased imperishable
worlds, attended by Vidyadharis.* Thus it is said : —
151. Those brave men who, loyal and grateful, for their master's sake sacrifice
(their) lives in battles, go to heaven.
152. Wherever a hero (is) slain, encompassed by foes, he obtains imperishable
worlds, provided he does not descend to un manliness.
'War' has (now) been heard, by your Highnesses." The princes exclaimed:
" (And) having heard, we are delighted." Vishnuiarman (then) said : " Moreover, may
it be thus also —
153. May there never be war with elephants, horses, and infantry, for your High-
nesses ! May enemies, scattered by the winds of politic counsels, seek refuge (in)
mountain fastnesses ! "
Here ends the third chapter of Friendly Advice, called War.
* Demi-goddesses who carry the souls of slain warriors to Paradise.
81
PEACE.
At the time of recommencing the discourse the princes said : " Sir ! we have heard
' War ; ' let Peace now be related." Vishnu^arman replied : " Attend ! I am (about
to) relate Peace, of which this is the first verse, —
1. On the great war being stayed between the kings (and) their exhausted armies,
by a conference of the two arbitrators, the vulture and the ruddy-goose, peace was
immediately made.
The princes asked, how that (occurred), and VishnuSannan related (the following
particulars) : — After (what was said in the last chapter) the flamingo asked : " Who
threw fire into my fort ? (Was it) by an enemy, or by somebody engaged on the side
of the enemy residing in my fort ? " The ruddy-goose replied : " Sire ! Your Highness's
disinterested friend Cloud-colour, with its retinue, is not to be seen here ; therefore, I
think, this (is) his act." The king reflecting a moment said : " It is even so ; this is
my bad fortune. And (it) has been thus declared : —
2. This (is) the fault of destiny ; assuredly it (is) not (the fault) of counsellors.
An affair well (and) carefully planned is spoilt through destiny."
The minister remarked : " This, too, has been said : —
3. A man blames destiny (when) getting into an unhappy state. An ignorant
(man) never thinks (it) the fault of his own acts.
Further: —
4. He who heeds not the advice of well-wishing friends perishes, like the foolish
turtle (who) dropped from the stick.
The king asked, how that (happened, and) the minister replied : — In the country
of Magadha there is a lake called Blooming-lotus ; there for a long time dwelt two
geese named Slender and Hideous. A friend of theirs, a turtle named Shell-neck, lived
hard by. Now once (upon a time, some) fishermen coming there said: "To-day
remaining here, early to-morrow we must kill fish, tortoises, and such like." Hearing
that the turtle said to the geese : " Friends (you) have heard this conversation of the
fishermen, now, then, what is to be done by me ? " The geese replied : " First of all,
let (the matter be fully) ascertained ; afterwards, having well reflected that which is
fitting should be done." The turtle replied : " Not so ; for I have already witnessed,
a disaster in this place. And thus it has been said : —
5. Fate-not-come and likewise Beady-wit these two happily escaped ; What- will-be
perished.' 1
11
fc
82 8ANDHI.
They both asked : " How (was) that ? " The turtle replied : — Formerly, in this
very lake, upon just such fishermen being prepared, three fishes (thus) consulted
(together). One fish named Fate-not-come, said : " This very day I (shall) go (to) another
body of water ; " saying which he somehow or other with difficulty reached another
pool. Another fish named Eeady-wit said : " From the absence of evidence, where
should I go on account of the future ; therefore, when the affair has happened (one)
should act according to circumstances. And it has been thus said : —
6. He who can repair a misfortune which has happened is wise ; as the paramour
(who) was disowned by the merchant's wife before his face.
What- will-be asked, how that (was). Eeady-wit related (as follows) : — There was,
in the city of Valour, a merchant named Sea-given. His wife Jewel-bright by name,
was continually sporting with one of the servants. For : —
7. No one is either agreeable or disagreeable for women ; as cows in a forest are
ever seeking fresh and fresh grass.
Now once this Jewel-bright was seen by Sea-given to be kissing the cheek of the
servant. Then the wife instantly approaching her husband said : " Husband ! the
assurance of this servant (is) great, for he eats the camphor brought for you. I have
smelt the perfume of the camphor plainly in his mouth." Thus it is said : —
8. (It is) known (that) the food of women is two-fold, their wit, four-fold; their
cunning, six-fold ; and their lust, eight-fold.
On hearing this, the servant also pretending offence, said : " How can a servant
remain in whosesoever house (there is) such a wife as this, where the mistress is every
moment smelling the servant's mouth ? " Then, rising up, he went away ; thereupon
the good man, apologising strenuously with many affectionate speeches, giving presents
of betel and such like, having contented (him), brought (him) back. Hence I say,
" On a misfortune that has happened," Ac. Then What-wUl-be said : —
9. " What (is) not to be, will not be ; if (it is) to be, then (it will) not (be) otherwise
(than as ordained). Why is not this medicine, the antidote of anxiety, drunk P "
Then in the morning, Eeady-wit caught by the net, making himself appear as if
dead, remained (motionless). Thereupon, (he) was thrown out from the net ; (but)
springing up from the ground, (he) entered deep water. What-will-be, caught by the
fishermen, was killed. Hence I say, "Fate-not-come," Ac. Therefore let it be
arranged to-day how I (may) get to another pool. The geese said : ." Upon reaching
another body of water (there is) safety for thee ; (but) what way (is there) for thy
going (there) on land ? " The turtle replied : " Let a method be devised by which I
(may) go with you by way of the sky." The geese inquired : " How is (that) scheme
practicable P " The turtle replied : " I can hang with (my) mouth (to) a stick held
8ANDHI. 88
in the beaks by you two ; in this way, by the strength of your wings I also can go
easily. The geese rejoined : " This scheme is practicable. Let it be so. Still : —
10. A wise man while thinking (over) a scheme, should think also (about)
disaster. The young ones of a fool of a crane (who was) looking on, were eaten by
ichneumons."
The turtle asked: "How (was) that?" The geese related (as follows): —
Towards the north there is a mountain called Vulture-cliff ; (and) cranes are living
there in a fig-tree on the banks of the Bev& ; a snake, also, dwells in a hole at the
foot of that fig-tree, and he (habitually) devours the young of the cranes. Then hear-
ing the lamentation of the grief -afflicted cranes, an old crane said : " Do you act thus ;
bringing fishes, (and) commencing at the burrow of an ichneumon, spread the fishes along
singly in a line as far as the snake's hole ; then, by means of that path of food, the snake
(will) be perceived by an ichneumon coming along, (and) from his natural enmity
(he) will kill (him)." Upon that being done, what has been stated occurred. Now
the sound of the young birds up the tree was heard by the ichneumons, (so that)
afterwards the young cranes were devoured by that ichneumon. Hence we say,
' Having thought over the remedy,' &c. Seeing you being carried along by us, people
will surely say something ; hearing that, if you should give a reply, your death will
(assuredly) occur ; therefore, by all means, stay here." The turtle replied : " (Am) I,
then, an idiot P Nothing whatever shall be uttered by me." Then upon that being
done, perceiving the turtle being carried through the air, all the cow-herds ran after
and exclaimed: "Ho! a great marvel! a turtle is being carried by birds!" Then
somebody said : " If the turtle falls, then he is to be cooked and eaten here." Another
said : " (He is) to be taken home." Someone else said : " Having made him descend,
fetching fire and roasting (him), I will eat (him) just here." Hearing this unkind
language, forgetting his agreement, he cried out passionately: "You shall eat ashes";
in saying this, he fell from the stick and was killed by the cow-herds. Hence I say,
" From well-wishing friends," Ac. Now the spy, the crane, coming there said : " Sire !
at the very first I indicated, (that) a clearing of the fort should immediately be
made; and that was not done by you; hence this has happened (as) the fruit of
disregarding that (direction). Sire ! This burning of the fort was done by the crow
called Cloud-colour, (who was) employed by the vulture." The king, sighing, said.* —
11. "He who confides in enemies, either from respect (shown) or assistance
(rendered), awakes like one being asleep and fallen from the top of a tree. 1
t)
Hereupon the spy continued: "After having accomplished the burning of the
fort, when this Cloud-colour was come (to him), then Spotted-colour (received him and)
graciously said : ' Let this Cloud-colour be inaugurated here in the realm of Camphor-
island. For it is thus said : —
12. One should not obliterate the deed of a grateful servant ; one should gratify
him with a reward, with heart, voice, and look.' "
84 SANDHl.
The ruddy-goose said: " Sire ! have (you) heard what the spy says ? " The king
asked : " What followed ? " The spy continued : — Then the chief minister, the vulture
said : " Sire ! that (is) not proper ; let some other favour be conferred. For : —
18. How can there be the displacing of one who is (already) invested with autho-
rity P Favour (conferred) on the low, O king ! (is) like an impression on the sands.
A low fellow should never be placed in the position of the great. For thus it is
said: —
14. A low fellow, having attained a position of dignity, desires to cut off (his)
master ; as the mouse, having reached the state of a tiger, tried to kill the saint."
Spotted-colour asked, " How (was) that ? " The vulture related (as follows) : —
There was, in the grove of the divine philosopher Gautama, a saint named Great-
austerity. In the vicinity of the hermitage a young mouse, (which) had dropped from
the mouth of a crow, was found by him ; (and) was afterwards nourished with grains
of wild rice, by that compassionate saint. By-and-bye, a cat was seen by the saint
running after the mouse to eat (it) ; thereupon, by the power of his devotion, the
mouse was transformed into a very strong cat. But the cat, also, (was) timid of a
dog ; therefore (he) made it a dog; (but) the dog (had) great fear of a tiger; there-
upon (he) made it a tiger. Now the saint perceives him, though a tiger, no different
from a mouse ; hence all the people dwelling there, seeing a tiger, say : " This mouse
has been brought to the condition of a tiger by this saint." Hearing this, the
tiger uneasily reflected : " As long as this saint shall live, so long the disgraceful story
of my origin will not disappear." Having thus reflected he rose up to slay the saint ;
(but) the saint knowing his design, said " Become a mouse again," (and) immediately
made him a mouse. Hence I say, " A low fellow, having attained an exalted station,"
&c. Furthermore, Sire ! this is not to be deemed (so) very easy. Listen : —
15. After devouring many fishes, good, bad, and indifferent, a foolish crane, from
excessive gluttony, perished through the grip of a crab.
Spotted-colour asked, how that (was), and (his) minister related (as follows) : —
There is, in the country of Malwa, a lake called Lotus-bearing. There an old crane,
who had lost his strength, stood making himself appear as though afflicted ; and he
was questioned (thus) by a crab from a distance : " How (is it) your Honour is stand-
ing here renouncing food ? " The crane said : " Listen, good Sir. Fishes (are) the
causes of my living ; and the fishes here are certainly to be killed by fishermen ; this
(is) the conversation of the fishermen (which I) heard in the suburbs of the city.
Perceiving, therefore, that from the absence of a livelihood from this quarter my death
(is) at hand, I have disregarded even food." Then all the fishes reflected, " On the
SANDHI. 85
present occasion, at all events, he seems indeed to be our benefactor, therefore let him
be asked what is to be done. For thus it is said : —
16. An alliance (may be formed) with an assisting enemy, (but) not with an in-
juring friend. Helping and injuring is alone worthy to be regarded as the distin-
guishing characteristic of these two."
The fishes said : " Sir Crane ! where (is) the means of our preservation ? " The
crane said : " There is (as) a means of preservation another lake. I can take you there
one by one." The fishes, from fear, said, " Let it be so." Then that wicked crane,
taking those fishes one by one into a certain place, (and) having eaten them, returned
(and) said : " They have been placed by me in another body of water." Thereupon a
crab said to him : " Sir Crane ! take me also there." Then the crane, desirous of unpre-
cedented crab's flesh, taking him courteously placed him on the ground. But the crab
perceiving fish-bones scattered (over) the surface of the ground, thought : " Alas, un-
fortunate, I am ruined ! Well, now I (must) act suitably to the occasion. For : —
17. As long as a danger (is) not arrived, so long there should be apprehension
about (it) ; perceiving the danger arrived, one should attack it fearlessly.
Besides : —
18. When a wise man attacked perceives nothing advantageous for himself, then
he dies fighting with the enemy."
Thinking thus, the crab severed the crane's neck, (and) the crane attained disso-
lution. Hence I say, " Having eaten many fishes," Ac. Then, also, again king
Spotted-colour said : " Listen : prime minister ! this is just what I have been think-
ing of ; that, by this Cloud-colour remaining here (as) king, whatever excellent things
belong to Camphor island, could be sent (to) us ; by that (means) we can remain,
with great luxury, in the Yindhya mountains." Far-seeing laughingly said : " Sire ! —
19. He who is delighted with a non-realisable speculation, will meet (with) dis-
comfiture, like the Brahman (who) broke the pots.
The king asked : " How (was) that ? " Far-seeing replied : — There was a Brah-
man named The-Delight-of-the-Gods, in the city of Goddess-fort. At the (sun's)
passing into the equinoctial sign, he received a dish of meal ; after having received it,
oppressed by the sun he laid down in a potter's shed filled with pots. Then taking a
stick in his hand for the protection of the meal, he began to think : If I should sell
this dish of meal, I (shall) get ten cowries ; then with those cowries, at the present
time, having purchased pots, dishes, Ac., (and) repeatedly with the increased riches
having successively purchased and sold betel-nut, cloth, Ac, and having amassed, by
trading, riches to the extent of a lakh (of rupees), I (shall) contract four marriages ;
then, I (shall) bestow most affection upon her who (is) the youngest and most beautiful
86 SANDHI.
among them. Thereupon when those wives, become envious, shall be bickering among
themselves, then I, irritated with anger, will beat all the women with a stick,"-- saying
this he thrust forward the stick, smashed the dish of meal, and broke many pots that
were in the potter's shed. Then, from hearing the smashing of the pots, the potter,
coming, seized (him) by the throat, and turned (him) out of the house. Hence I
say, " An unrealisable speculation," &c. Then the king privately asked the vulture
(his) minister: "Father ! advise me what is to be done." The vulture replied : —
20. " The guides of a king, lifted up with pride like an excited elephant, as-
suredly incur censure, through his vagaries.
Listen a bit, Sire! Was the fort demolished through our pride of strength,
or rather, by an expedient devised by your Majesty's genius ? " The king replied :
" By an expedient of your Honour." The vulture rejoined : " If my advice be acted
on, then let (us) return to our own country ; otherwise, in the rainy season now at hand,
on war recommencing with an equal force, a retreat to our own territory will be diffi-
cult for us, (who) have lingered in the enemy's country. For the sake of comfort and
credit, let (us) make peace (and) retire. The fort (is) dismantled, and the glory
acquired. That (is) exactly my opinion. For : —
21. He who, placing duty in front, setting (aside his) master's likes and dislikes,
has stated wholesome unpleasantnesses, (is) a (real) assistant (of) the king.
Moreover : —
22. (One) should desire peace with an equal. Victory in war (is) doubtful ; one
should not make (it) dubious. Thus said Vrihaspati.
Besides : —
23. Who, not a novice in war, would cause (to be) placed in the swing of uncer-
tainty, an ally, (his) army, (his) kingdom, himself, and reputation ?
Besides : —
24. In battle there is sometimes even loss for both (parties). Were not Beauty
and Ugliness, equals in heroism, slain the one by the other.
The king said : u How (was) that ? " The minister replied : — Formerly two greatly
distinguished demons, named Beauty and Ugliness, with intense bodily suffering, for a
long time worshipped the Moon-crowned one,* through desiring the sovereignty of the
three worlds. At length being satisfied with both of them, the Bevered one said :
" Ask ye a boon." Immediately, through the dominance of Saraswatif over these two
terrific beings, both, desiring to say one thing, gave utterance to another. — " If your
Holiness (is) pleased with us, then let the Supreme Lord give his beloved (wife)
P&rvati." Then the angered Holy One, through the obligation of conferring the boon,
and through foolishness, gave Parvati. Afterwards, these two world-destroyers, — in-
inflamed by the loveliness of her person, longing in their hearts, darkened by sin,
wrangling with each other, saying, " (She is) mine," — resolved to ask some arbitrator
or other. On (this opinion) being formed, even the Lord himself, in the form of an
i
* The god S'iva. f The goddess of speech.
SANDHI. 87
aged Brahman came and stood (before them). Thereupon they asked the Brahman :
" To which of ns two does this one belong : she was obtained by us by our own might P "
The Brahman said : —
25. A Brahman excellent in wisdom (is) to be honoured ; (so is) also a powerful
Kshatriya, a Vaisya, possessed of money and grain ; but a Sudra, through service
(done) for the regenerate.
You two, then, (are of) the military profession ; fighting (is) truly your allotted
duty." On this being said, they both cried out, " Good ! " (and) the two equal to one
another in strength perished at the same moment by a mutual blow. Hence I say,
" One should desire peace with an equal," Ac. The king said : " Then why was not
this pointed out at the very first ? " The minister replied : " Was my advice at that
time listened to by Your Majesty to the end P At that time, this war was not com-
menced with my advice; for this peacefully disposed Gold-egg ought not to be
molested. Thus it (is) said : —
26. A truthful (man) one of noble race, a virtuous (man), one of low race, one
having many brothers, a strong man, (and) one victorious in many battles, — are
renowned (as) the seven (with whom) peace should be made.
27. The truthful cherishes truth ; (when) made peace with, he undergoes no
change. Even at the risk of life, manifestly, a noble man never approaches ignominy.
28. Truly everyone would fight for a just man (when) attacked. Both from (his)
virtue and from the affection of his subjects, a virtuous person (is) hard to be injured.
29. Peace (is) to be made with even the low-born on destruction being imminent ;
(if) without recourse to that the other cannot gain time.
30. As from its compactness a thick bambu surrounded by thorns cannot be cut
asunder ; so (neither can he) having many brothers.
31. " The strong should be combatted with," — there is no such injunction (as
this). A cloud never moves against the wind.
32. From the splendour of the son of Jamadagni,* victorious in many battles,
everyone is everywhere always subject.
33. (With) whomsoever one victorious in many battles concludes an alliance, his
enemies, by the power of that (ally), quickly come into subjection.
Therefore, in the present case, this flamingo, endowed with many (excellent)
qualities should be made peace with." The ruddy-goose said : " Spy ! (we have) heard
all. Go again, (and* having tried him, return quickly." Then gold Gold-egg ques-
tioned the ruddy-goose (thus) : " Minister ! how many should not be made peace with p
I wish to know them." The minister replied : " Sire ! I (will) relate (them). Listen : —
• Paras'u-Bama, fabled to have been many times oooqueror of the whole world.
i
88 S&NDHl.
34. A child, an old man, one with a chronic sickness, also one expelled his caste,
a coward, one with cowardly people, a covetous person, (and) also one with covetous
followers.
35. One whose supporters are disaffected, one greatly attached to sensuality, one,
various-minded in counsel, and a dispiser of Gods and Br&hmans.
36. One stricken by fate, one anxious about fate, one afflicted by famine, and one
embarrassed by disorganisation of his army.
37. One not dwelling in his country,' one with many enemies, one who is not
apposite with time, one who swerves from truth and right, — these (are the) twenty men.
38. One should not make peace with these, but should war (with them) merely;
these, being warred against, quickly reach subjection (to) the enemy.
39. Mankind is not willing to fight for a child, because of his insignificance ; since
a boy (is) not able to understand the advantage of fighting and not fighting.
40. An old man, and also one long sick, through want of the power of exertion
these two are undoubtedly despised even by themselves.
41. One expelled from all his kindred is easily destroyed ; those very relations,
gained over, kill him.
42. The coward, through fleeing from battle, destroys himself ; so likewise, one
with timid troops is deserted by them in battle.
43. The followers of a covetous man do not fight, through the non-division (of the
spoil) ; he is killed by covetous followers (when they are) deprived of gifts.
44. One whose supporters are disaffected is deserted by those supporters in battle ;
one excessively addicted (to) sensuality is easily overcome.
45. He who is various-minded in counsel is odious (to his) counsellors ; from the
fickleness of his opinion he is disregarded by them in an emergency.
46. Through the mightiness of religion at all times a despiser of Gods and Brah-
mans fades away of himself ; so also (does) one stricken by fate.
47. " Fate is veritably the cause of success and of misfortune," — reflecting thus,
the fatalist does not exert himself.
48. One afflicted with famine sinks of himself; there is no strength to fight
begotten of one with demoralisation in his army.
8ANDHI. 89
49. One not in his own place is destroyed by even an insignificant enemy ; an
alligator, though very small, in water, drags (in) even an elephant.
50. He who has many enemies (is) scared, like a pigeon among kites ; by what-
ever path he goes, he is beset with danger.
51. He who has arrayed his army unseasonably is slain by one who fights at the
(proper) time ; as a crow (is killed) by an owl on a starless night.
52. One should never form an alliance with one who swerves from truth and
right ; although made peace with, from want of probity he soon changes.
I (will) relate yet more. Peace, war, halting, marching, rallying, (and) dividing
into two, — (are) the six qualities. The manner of commencing operations, abun-
dance of men and matSriel, discrimination of place and time, the repulse of assaults,
the accomplishment of enterprizes, — (constitute) the five-membered counsel. Concilia-
tion, bribery, dissension, (and) threats, — (are) the four expedients. The power of
perseverance, the power of counsel, the power of the king, — (are) the triad of powers.
Having attended to all this, they who are desirous of conquest always become great.
For:—
53. Fortune which is not to be obtained even at the price of the sacrifice of life,
runs incontinently to the house of those skilled in polity.
And thus it is said : —
54. He whose wealth is equitably divided, (whose) spy (is) concealed, (whose)
counsel (is) secret, and who speaks not unkindly among (his) fellow-creatures, — he
rules the earth bounded by the ocean.
But, Sire ! although peace (were) suggested by the prime-minister — the vulture —
still (it) would n<5t now be agreed to by that king, through pride of the recent victory.
Therefore, let this be done. Let our friend the heron, king of Ceylon, named Great-
strength, excite a disturbance in Jambudwipa. For : —
55. Maintaining great secrecy, an ardent hero, marching about with a very
compact force, should inflame the enemy ; with whom (when) inflamed (he), equally
inflamed, forms an alliance.
The king said : " Let it be so." Having said this he started off the crane named
Variegated to Ceylon, giving him a private letter. Now the spy returning said : " Sire!
just let the conversation of that (enemy's) place be heard. There the vulture spoke
thus, — ' Sire ! Cloud-colour resided there long ; he knows whether king Gold-egg (be)
peaceably inclined or not.' Then having called for this Cloud-colour (he) was
questioned by Spotted-colour, — 'Crow ! what kind of king (is) Gold-egg; or the ruddy-
goose minister, what (is he) like ? ' Cloud-colour said : ' Sire ! this Gold-egg (is) a
king like Yudhishthira, magnanimous (and) truthful. A minister like the ruddy*
12
90 SANDHI.
goose is nowhere to be seen.' The king said : ' If so, then how was he deceived by
thee ? ' Cloud-colour laughing said : ' Sire ! —
56. What cleverness (is) there in the deception of those inspired with confidence ?
What, forsooth, (is) the manliness of the slayer of those who, having ascended to the
lap, are asleep (there) ?
Listen, Sire ! I was detected by that minister at the very first glance ; bat that
king (is) magnanimous, therefore (he) was deceived by me. Thus it is said : —
57. He who, by comparison with himself, thinks a rogue (to be) a speaker of the
truth, even he is deceived by that (rogue) ; — as the Brahman, in respect of the goat.'
The king asked : ' How (was) that ? ' Cloud-colour related (as follows) : — There
was, in the province of Gaur, a Br&hman named Worthy-of-sacrifice ; and he having
gone to another village, and having purchased a white goat, for present sacrifice, placed
(it) on (his) shoulder, (and) while hastily going along the road, was seen by three
rogues. Then those three rogues, having reflected thus, — " If by any dodge that goat
is obtained, then it (will) be a stroke of policy," — seated (themselves) and remained,
in a lonesome spot, under three trees in the path of the Brahman. Then one rogue
addressed the Br&hman: "Sir Br&hman! why art thou carrying a dog on (thy)
shoulder ? " The Br&hman said : " This (is) not a dog, simpleton ! it (is) a goat for
sacrifice." Then again the same was said by the second rogue stationed at the distance
of a ko8. Hearing this, the Br&hman said: "This (is) not a dog." Having said
which, somewhat disconcerted in mind, (he) placed the goat on the earth, (and) in-
specting (it) again and again, replacing (it) on (his) shoulder, he went along wavering
in mind. For thus it is said : —
58. Surely the mind of even the good wavers from the speeches of the wicked. He
who is induced to trust by them, dies like Wonderful-ear.
The king asked, how that was, (and) he related (the tale as follows) : — There was
in a part of a certain wood a lion named Arrogant. He (had) three attendants, a crow
a tiger, and a jackal. Now, while roaming about, a camel strayed from a caravan was
seen by them (and) questioned (thus) : " Whence (ia) your Honour come ? " and he
related all the particulars regarding himself. Then, being conducted by them, he was
presented to the lion. Then the lion, giving (him) an assurance of protection, (and)
conferring the title " Wonderful-ear," retained (him in his service). So the time
passes. Now once, through the bodily indisposition of the lion and because of exces-
sive rain, not being able to procure food, they became perplexed. Then the crow, tiger
and jackal resolved (thus) : " Let (something) be done so that the master kill Won-
derful-ear; for what have we (to do) with this corn-eater." The tiger said: "He
has been received by the master, (who has) granted (him) an assurance of protection ;
how, then, is this possible ? " Says the crow : " At the present time the weakened
master will even commit sin."
SANDHI. 91
For:—
59. Even a woman pinched with hunger will desert (her) child ; a snake pained by
hanger will devour its own eggs. What crime will not those suffering hunger
commit ? Men wasting away (from famine) become compassion-less.
Besides: —
60. The drunkard, the careless, the frantic, the distressed, the passionate, the
famished, the covetous, the coward, the precipitate, and the sensual, — know no law.
Having thus settled (the matter), they all went near to the lion. The lion said :
u Has anything been found for food ? " The crow replied : " Sire ! even by (great)
exertion nothing has been procured." The lion (then) remarked : " What means of
living (is there) now ? " The crow replied : " Through neglecting the food in your
power this destruction of all (of us) is imminent." The lion inquired : " What food
(is) here in my power ? " The crow whispered in the lion's ear, — " Wonderful-ear ! n
The lion having touched the ground, touches both (his) ears (and says) : " I have given
him an assurance of safety, therefore, how can such a cruel deed be perpetrated P
Thus—
61. Neither gift of land, nor gift of gold, nor gift of cattle, nor gift of food, (is) as
that they here call the greatest gift among all gifts — the gift of security from danger.
Again: —
62. Whatever advantage (arises) from the horse-sacrifice,* fulfilling every desire,
that advantage one fully obtains on a fugitive being preserved."
The crow said : " He must not be killed by the master ; but it must be so managed
by us that he volunteers the gift of his own body." Hearing that, the lion remained
silent. Then he [the crow] finding an opportunity deceitfully took them all, and
went towards the lion. Then the crow said : " Sire ! even after (great) effort food
has not been obtained, and the master (is) distressed by many fasts. Now, therefore,
let my flesh be eaten. For : —
63. Surely all these accessories of royalty are based on the sovereign. Oare
(bestowed) upon trees with roots, (is) advantageous to men."
The lion replied : " Friend ! better the resignation of' life, rather than engaging
in such an act as this." The jackal also said the same ; but the lion replied : " Not
so." The tiger said : " Let the master subsist by my body." The lion replied :
" (That can) never (be) proper." Then, while they were speaking Wonderful-ear also
desired to speak ; whereupon the tiger remained in readiness. Then Wonderful-ear
also, (his) confidence excited (by) looking at the jackal, crow, and tiger, volunteered his
own body. While he was in the act of speaking, the tiger ripping up his flank killed
(him), and he was eaten by them all. Hence I say, " Surely the mind wavers," &c.
Thereafter, having heard the remark of the third rogue, the Brahman convinced (that
he was) wrong, abandoned the goat, washed (himself), and went home, and the goat
was led off and eaten by the rogues. Hence I say, " He who by comparison with him-
self considers," Ac.
* One of the most solemn of sacrifices, which won an immensity of merit.
i
92 SANDHI.
The king said : " Cloud-colour ! how (is it) you lived a very long time in the midst
of enemies ? or how was their conciliation effected ? " Cloud-colour replied : " Sire !
what is not done by one desirous of the master's interest, or on account of his own
purposes. See:—
64. Do not people, King ! carry fuel on their heads to burn ? The current of
a river, while watering, cuts away the root of a tree.
Thus it is said : —
65. A wise man, having an object (in view) will bear enemies even on his shoulder ;
as the frogs were destroyed by an old serpent."
The king asked, how that (was) ; (and) Cloud-colour related (as follows) : — There
was, in a certain withered garden, a serpent named Slow-crawl ; and he, by (reason of)
extreme decay (of nature) being unable to seek his own food, laid down on the bank of
a pool. Then he was seen and questioned from a distance by a certain frog. " Why
are you not searching (for) food? " The serpent replied : "Friend ! go. What (ad-
vantage will accrue to) thee by inquiring into the circumstances of helpless me ?" Then
the frog, (his) curiosity being aroused, said to the serpent : " By all means let it be
related." The serpent replied : " Friend ! here in Brahmapura, the son of the Brah-
man named Kaun^inya, about twenty years old, endowed with every virtue, was, by ill-
luck, maliciously bitten by me. Then seeing his son named Well-disposed lying dead,
Kaundinya, become insensible through grief, rolled upon the earth. Thereupon all
his kinsmen, the inhabitants of Brahmapura, came there, (and) sat down. Thus it is
said: —
66. He is a relative who stands (by one) in a challenge (to combat), in adversity,
in a famine, in a contest with the enemy, at the king's gate, and in the cemetery.
Then a householder Brahman named Kapila spoke : " O Kaun^inya ! thou art a
fool, because thou complainest thus. Listen : —
67. As transitoriness from the very first takes to its bosom, like a nurse, the one
(just) born, (and) afterwards the (true) mother (does so), — then what way for grief (is
there) ?
In like manner : —
68. Whither are gone the rulers of the earth, with their guards, armies, and
chariots ? The earth remains even now a witness of their departure.
Again: —
69. This body is not perceived (to be) every moment wasting away. Like an
unbaked pot standing in water, (when) dissolved (the fact) is discovered.
70. Day by day Death approaches nearer the vicinity of a living creature ; just as
slaughter (to) a victim being led along step by step.
For:—
71. Transitory (is) youth, beauty, life, a store of goods, lordly dignity, (and) the
society of a loved one. A wise man is not fascinated (by these).
72. As one piece of wood and another piece of wood may meet together in the
ocean ; and, having met, may part (again), — such-like (is) the meeting of human
beings.
8ANDHI. 93
73. As any traveller, having taken refuge, rests in the shade, and having refreshed
(himself) again goes (onwards) ; — such-like (is) the meeting of human beings.
Again: —
74. What lamentation (need there be) over a body constructed with five (elements),
resuming the quintuple character, each element finding again its own birth-place ? "
75. As many connections, dear to the soul, as a living creature forms, so many
thorns of grief are they [the connections] planting in his heart.
76. This (is) not a permanent dwelling (which) is gained by anyone, even with
his own body ; how much less with anyone else !
Moreover : —
77. Union, indeed, proves the possibility of separation ; just as birth (does) the
approach of inevitable death.
78. Truly the end of unions with beloved (objects), delightful for the present
moment, — is distressing ; like (that of) unwholesome foods.
Again: —
79. As the streams of rivers flow on, (and) return not ; so also day and night for
ever (proceed), taking (with them) the life of mortals.
80. The society of the good, which (is) the flavour of happiness in the world, is
yoked to the carriage-pole of miseries, from its ending in separation.
81. For this very reason the virtuous do not desire the society of the good ; for,
there is no medicine for a heart cut by the sword of separation.
82. Although deeds have been well done by kings Sagara* and the rest, still those
very deeds, and they also, have gone to destruction.
83. (By) meditating and meditating over that inexorable punisher Death, all the
efforts of even a clever man become relaxed ; like a leathern thong soaked by rain-
water.
84. The very first night (on) which the strongest of human beings attains abidance
in the womb, thenceforward, with unfaltering march, he proceeds day by day towards
Death.
Then reflect (on) the world. This grief (is) an evolution of ignorance. Ob-
serve : —
85. Ignorance would not be the cause, if separation (were) the cause ; then let
grief increase as the time passes away. What removes (grief) ?
Therefore, friend ! compose yourself. Dismiss all talk of sorrow. For : —
86. For the blows of deep grief produced not by the fall of arrows (but) by vital-
• An ancient king, fabled to have conquered many nations; and to perform the funeral cere*
monies of whose sixty thousand sons, the river Ganges was brought down from heaven.
94 SANDHI.
piercing weapons, the greatest medicine (is) not to think (about them)."
Then having heard his speech, as though awakened, Kauncjinya sat up (and) said :
" Enough now (of) this dwelling in the house of hell ! I (will) go to the forest."
Kapila continued : —
87. " Even in a wood evils prevail over the sensual ; while in a house the restraint
of the five senses (is) a penance. The home of one free from passions engaged in a
worthy act (is) a grove of penance.
For:—
88. Although afflicted one should practise virtue, in whatever station of life
engaged, evenly among all creatures. The badge (is) not the cause of virtue.*
And it has been said : —
89. They^ surmount difficulties whose eating (is merely) for sustenance, (whose)
sexual intercourse (is) for offspring, and (whose) speech (is) for the utterance of truth.
Again : —
90. The soul (is) a river, (whose) holy confluence is self-restraint, (whose) water
(is) truth, (whose) bank (is) morality, (whose) waves (are) compassion. Here perform
ablutions, O son of Pan<Ju ! The inward soul is not purified by water.
And especially : —
91. (There is) happiness for one quitting this excessively sapless world, attacked
with the pains of birth, death, decay, and disease.
92. Pain actually exists ; happiness (does) notf; — that is evident, because, in the
alleviation of those distressed with pain, the word ' happiness ' is employed."
Kauncjinya said : " (It is) even so." After that, I was cursed by that disconsolate
Brahman, thus, — "Beginning from this day, thou shalt be a carrier of frogs."
Kapila added : " At the present time thou (art) unable to be bear admonition ; thy
heart (is) full of grief ; nevertheless hear what ought to be done, —
93. Society should be shunned with all the soul ; but if it cannot be relinquished,
it should be formed with the good. The very society of the good (is healing) me-
dicine.
Again: —
94. Passion should be relinquished with all the soul ; but if it cannot be relin-
quished, it should be indulged towards one's own wife : she (is) indeed the (proper)
remedy for that."
Hearing that, Kauncjinya, the fire of (whose) grief (was) extinguished by the
nectar of the advice of Kapila, took the (pilgrim's) staff, according to the (sacred)
precepts. Since then, I remain here to experience the Brahman's curse (and) to carry
frogs. Thereupon, that frog going reported all (to) Web-foot, the chief of the frogs.
Then the chief of the frogs coming, leaping with joy, placed himself upon the ser-
pent's back. The serpent, taking him on (his) back, wandered off at a brisk pace.
The next day the chief of the frogs said to him (as he was) unable to move : " Why
(are) you to-day (so) sluggish ? " The serpent replied : " Sire ! from want of food I
am weak." The frog-chief (then) said: "By my command eat the frogs." Then
having replied, " This great favour (is) accepted (thankfully)," gradually the serpent
• It is not the cowl that makes the monk.
t That is, pain is positive j happiness is negative.
SANDHI. 95
devoured the frogs ; then seeing the pool denuded of frogs, he devoured the frog-chief
also. Hence I say, " One should bear the enemy on the shoulder even/' &c. Sire !
now let the relation of tales of former events cease. This king Gold-egg (is) on every
account to be conciliated, let him be made peace with ; that (is) my opinion," The king
replied : " What an idea (is) this of yours ! Since he has been thus conquered by us,
therefore if, by my command, he live in servitude, let it be so ; otherwise, let him be
(further) attacked." Hereupon, the parrot coming from Jambudwipa said : " Sire ! a
heron, the king of Ceylon, overrunning Jambudwipa now occupies (it)." The king
hastily said to him : " What ? what ? " The parrot repeated (what he had) said
before. The vulture said within himself : " Well done ! great minister ruddy-goose !
well done ! " The king angrily exclaimed : " Let him stay until I go (and) tear him
up by the roots." Far-seeing smiling said : —
95. " A roaring noise, like (that of) an autumn cloud, should not uselessly be
made. A great man never proclaims the gain or disadvantage of the enemy.
Moreover : —
96. A king should not make war upon many opponents at once. Even a fierce
serpent (is) infallibly destroyed by swarming insects.
Sire ! is there to be a march hence without a peace ? In that case, a commotion
would be raised in our rear by him. Besides : —
97. The fool who, without knowing the gist of the matter, becomes subject to
anger, is afflicted in the same manner as the Brahman on account of the ichneumon."
The king asked : " How (was) that? " Far-seeing related (as follows) : — There
was in Ujjayin a Brahman named Honey. His wife had been confined, and she,
leaving her husband for the protection of her young offspring, went to perform ab-
lutions. Now a man was sent by the king to fetch that Brahman for the performance
of a Parvana-sxaddha.* Perceiving him, the Brahman, through his natural poverty,
reflected, " If I do not go quickly, somebody else will get the fee. It is said : —
98. The time in which it is not being done quickly drinks up the spirit of (any)
act which is to be accepted, given, or done.
And there is nobody (to act as) protector of the child, therefore what am I to do ?
Well ! leaving for the protection of the child this ichneumon, (which) for a long time
has been cherished in no wise different from (my own) child, I (will) go." This (he)
did, (and) went. Afterwards, a black snake silently approaching near the child was
killed and rent in pieces by the ichneumon. Then the ichneumon perceiving the Brah-
man returning, with feet and mouth smeared with blood, hastily approaching rolled at
the Brahman's feet. Then the Brahman, seeing him in that condition, thinking that
his son had been eaten by him, killed him with his staff. Immediately thereafter, as
soon as he approached (and) looked, perceiving the child sweetly sleeping and the dead
snake close by it, he experienced the deepest anguish. Hence I say, " Without knowing
the gist of the matter," Ac.
• An offering to ancestors at the changes of the moon. M
96 SANDHI.
Moreover : —
99. Lust, anger, covetousness, envy, pride, rashness, — this six-fold class one should
forsake ; on its being forsaken, one may be happy.
The king said : " Minister ! this (is) thy conviction." The minister replied :
" Even so. For : —
100. Eecollection in important matters, deliberation, accuracy of knowledge, firm-
ness, secresy in counsel, (is) the first quality of a minister.
And it is said : —
101. One should not perform an act rashly ; inconsiderateness is the source of
the greatest misfortunes. Successes, covetous of merit, spontaneously seek him who
acts with deliberation.
Therefore, Sire ! if my advice is acted on, then, make peace (and) depart. For : —
102. Although four expedients are pointed out in the accomplishment of peace,
(this is) a mere enumeration. The upshot of them (is) a success based on negocia-
tion."
The king said : " How is that to be speedily effected ? " The minister replied :
" Sire ! it will soon be (effected). For : —
103. A wicked person is like an earthen pot, easy to break and hard to join
together again ; but a good person, like a vessel of gold, (is) hard to sever, but quickly
to be united.
Besides : —
104. An ignorant man (is) easily to be conciliated, a well-informed man is con-
ciliated more easily ; but not even Brahma conciliates a man puffed up with a
smattering of knowledge.
And especially (bear in mind), — that king knows his duty, and the minister
knows everything. This was perceived by me formerly from the remarks of Cloud-
colour, and from perceiving the acts performed by him. For : —
105. The natures of qualities out of sight should everywhere be judged by
acts ; therefore, by results one should estimate the conduct of those acting out of
sight."
The king said : " Enough (of) debating ; let it be done as desired." Having
given this advice, the prime-minister — the vulture — went into the fort saying, " What
is proper (is) to be done there." Thereupon the crane (who was) the spy, came
(and) informed king Gold-egg : " Sire ! the prime-minister — the vulture — has ap-
proached us to make peace." The flamingo said : " Minister ! some designing (person)
must be again coming here." The minister smiling said: "Sire! this is no cause
of alarm ; for this Far-seeing (is) a gentleman. But this (is) the habit of the dull-
witted, — sometimes no suspicion towards an enemy is entertained ; at other times
suspicion (is) everywhere. Just as —
106. A wary goose seeking the young shoots of the lotus in the night, on a
lake with manifold reflections of stars, was momentarily deceived ; again, even in the
day-time he (will) not nibble the white lotus, suspecting (it to be) a star. A person
(once) alarmed by deception anticipates disaster even in truth itself.
SANDHI. 97
107. For a mind spoiled by the wicked there is no confidence even in the good.
Does not a child scalded by porridge eat even curds (after they have been) blow upon.
Therefore, Sire ! according to your ability, let (some) article (such as) a compli-
mentary present of jewels and the like, be made ready to do him honour." On this
being done accordingly, the vulture — the minister — being courteously led from the gate
of the fort by the ruddy-goose, was introduced to the king, and seated in a place pro-
vided for him. The ruddy-goose said : " Great minister ! all (is) subject to your
Honour ; let this realm be enjoyed according to your pleasure." The flamingo said :
"Even so." Far-seeing replied: "This (is) indeed so; but now a multiplicity of
words (is) needless. For : —
108. The covetous should be won over with money j the haughty, by joining the
hands.* A fool, by humouring his inclination ; a wise man, with truth.
Again: —
109. One should win a friend by good nature, a relative, by courtesy ; women and
servants, by gifts and honours ; other people, by dexterity.
Therefore, now having made peace, let (us) be gone. King Spotted-colour (is)
very powerful." The ruddy-goose said : " Let it be declared how peace is to be made."
The flamingo added : " How many kinds of peace are possible ? " The vulture replied :
" I (will) relate (them). Listen : —
110. A king attacked by a stronger, (being) in difficulty, having no other help,
should desire peace, causing procrastination.
111. Kapala, Upah&ra, Sant&na, Sangata, TTpanyftsa, Pratik&ra, Sanyoga, Puru-
sh&ntara,
112. Adfishtanara, Adishfa, Atm&dishta, XJpagraha, Farikraya, Uchchhinna, Para-
bhnshana.
113. And the Skandhopaneya peace ; — these sixteen are well known. Thus, they
who are discriminative in alliances declare peace to be sixteen-fold.
114. The Kapala- peace (is) to be understood (as) simply an equal peace ;t that which
results from a gift is called Upahara.
115. The Sant&na-peace (is) to be understood (as) preceded by the gift of a
daughter ; alliance with the good, in a friendly manner, (is) called Sangata.
116. The duration (of the last is) as long as life, depending on equal interests ; it
is broken by no causes either in prosperity or in adversity.
117. This same Sangata-peace, from its excellence, (is) like gold ; thus it is called
• A token of respeot.
t A peace made on equal terms. KapMa — a skoD, and a water-pott both sides of which are
exactly alike.
18 g
98 SANDHI.
Kanchana* by others skilled in alliances.
118. The (peace) which is effected for the accomplishment of the mere purposes of
profit has been called Upanyasa f by those skilled in (profitable) investments.
119. The peace which is formed on this principle — " Formerly a service was done
for him by me ; he will do the same for me," is called Pratikara. J
120. "lam helping him, he will also help me," — this also (is) Pratikara ; like
(that) of Rama and Sugriva.§
121. Where the well-united authorities go to work wholly for one object, that
is called a Sanyoga (peace). ||
122. " Let our purpose be effected by the chief warriors of us two ; " — the peace
in which (this) stipulation is made (is) the Purushantara.^
123. " By thee alone is this my purpose to be accomplished " ; — where the enemy
should make this promise, that (is) known (as) the Adrishtapurusha.**
124. Where he is quit of the enemy by ceding a portion of territory, (and) peace
is made, — that is called Adishfaff by those acquainted with alliances.
125. A peace effected by one's own army, is called AtmadishtaJJ (that which) is
made for the preservation of life, after giving up everything, (is) the TTpagraha.§§
126. (The peace which is effected) by part of the treasure, by half the treasure, or
even by all the treasure, for the purpose of saving what is left, (is) called Parikraya.
127. (The peace resulting) from a cession of the most fertile lands is called
TTchchhinna ; TIT (that) by the giving up of all the fruits raised upon a territory (is)
the Parabhushana ### (peace).
128. Where the fruit reaped is presented on every shoulder, that peace is called
by those discriminative in alliances Skhandhopaneya.ttt
129. Four alliances are, also, to be discriminated, — mutual assistance, friend-
ship, relationship, and Upahara. J $t
130. The peace Upahara is the only one approved by me ; apart from Upahara all
(are) deprived of friendship.
131. From his greater strength the enemy does not retire without having gained
(something) ; therefore, except the Upahara, no other peace exists (for him).
* Golden. f Deposit or investment. t Requital.
§ Sngrtya was the monkey-king, who with his army of monkeys assisted Rama to oonqner
RAvana and win back Slta. || Union. f The peace of " another person."
** " The disregarded person " ; because the rights of one party are entirely ignored,
ft Assigned. tt Assigned by Belf. §§ Grasping.
Illl Buying off. ff Cutoff.
•*• " Adorning another." Prof. M. Muller prefers paribMUhca^a, " fully adorning," because it is
so given in the Kamandaktya Nttisara. ttt Shoulder-borne. ttt A complimentary present
8ANDHI. 99
The king said : " Tour Honours (are) great scholars, therefore, in the present case,
let what should be done (by) us be pointed out." Far-seeing replied : " Ah ! what is
said? —
132. Who, indeed, would act inconsistently with justice for the (sake of the)
body, (which) to-day or to-morrow (is doomed) to destruction by the pains of mental
and bodily anguish P
133. Truly the life of corporeal beings (is like) the trembling of the moon in
water : knowing it to be of that character one should ever practise virtue.
134. Perceiving the transitory world (to be) like a mirage, one should associate
with the good, for (the sake of) virtue, and for (the sake of) happiness.
Therefore, with my concurrence, let the same be done.
135. (If) a thousand horse-sacrifices and truth were weighed by a balance, truth
would certainly be more weighty than a thousand horse-sacrifices.
Therefore, let the peace called ' Golden,' be concluded between these two
monarchs, preceded by the oath called Truth." Know-all said : " Let it be so." Then
the minister Far-seeing was honoured with complimentary presents of robes, &c. There-
upon, pleased, (and) contented at heart, Far-seeing, taking the ruddy-goose (with him),
went towards the peacock king. There king Spotted-colour, at the suggestion of the
vulture, conversed with Know-all, (having) previously (conferred upon him) honours
and gifts. Having agreed to a peace of the kind (above specified, Know-all) was sent
back to the flamingo. Far-seeing (then) said : " Sire ! what we desired (is) accom-
plished ; now let us return to our own place, the Vindhya mountain." Then having
returned to their own place, they enjoyed the result desired by their hearts.
Vishnugarman said : " What more (can) I tell ; declare it." The princes replied :
" Sir, by your Honour's favour every branch of royal procedure has been learnt ; there-
fore, we are delighted." Vishnusarman said : " Although (that is) so, still let this all
be added : —
136. Let peace (and) happiness always be (the portion) of all victorious monarchs !
May the good be free from misfortune ! May the fame of those who perform good
deeds long increase ! May polity, like a loved mistress (be) ever on the breast of
kings, (and) kiss the lips of ministers ! May there be daily a great festival ! "
Here ends the fourth chapter of the Hitopadeia, called Peace.
FINIS.
t
For
99
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if ^snj:
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964.
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1212.
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VOCABULAEY.
p. 121, col. 1, line 15. For *M^*«. read ^▼^
p. 168, col. 1, line 27. „ "^TV „ "%^V and transpose
the entry.
London : Printed hj W. H. Allen & Co., 18 Waterloo Place.
STANFORD UNIVEi
CECIL H. GREt
STANFORD, CAUFOI
(415) 723
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