Page:Niti literature (Gray J, 1886).pdf/165

136

The king who always decides well is a perfect ruler; he is more powerful than his enemies; he never suffers ruin.

One who ministers to a king should prevent him from the commission of evil, should advance his prosperity, and should not reveal what ought to be concealed; he should show forth his good qualities; in an emergency he should not forsake him; he should, on suitable occasions, give him what should be given: the wise say that these are the good characteristics of an attendant.

The forming of friendship is easy, but difficult it is to keep it up; a wise king should, therefore, contract friendship with both rich and poor.

He should bestow on a friend suitable gifts; in time of adversity he should keep up his friendship; not being forgetful of him when occasions of friendship present themselves, the king derives extensive benefits.

Until a favourable occasion has not arrived, one should carry his enemy on his shoulders; the time having come, he should dash him to pieces as a jar on a rock.

The king who knows the horoscope of a brother king and strives to learn his own with reference to his strength and merits, he should engage in war; doing so, he will always conquer.

He should organise a campaign, having discovered all