युधिष्ठिर उवाच सर्वत्र बुद्धिः कथिता श्रेष्ठा ते भरतर्षभ। अनागता तथोत्पन्ना दीर्घसूत्रा विनाशिनी॥
Yudhishthira said You have, O foremost of Bharata's race, said that, that intelligence which provides for the future, as well as that which can meet present difficulties, is always superior, while idleness brings about destruction.
तदिच्छामि परां श्रोतुं बुद्धिं ते भरतर्षभ। यथा राजा न मुह्येत शत्रुभिः परिवारितः॥ धर्मार्थकुशलो राजा धर्मशास्त्रविशारदः। पृच्छामि त्वां कुरुश्रेष्ठ तन्मे व्याख्यातुमर्हसि॥
I wish, O grandfather, to hear of that superior intelligence by which king, conversant with the scriptures and well-versed in virtue and profit, may not be stupefied even when surrounded by many enemies. I ask you this, O Kuru chief! You should describe it to a me.
शत्रुभिर्बहुभिर्गस्तो यथा वर्तेत पार्थिवः। एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं सर्वमेव यथाविधि।॥
I wish to hear everything in connection with the duties of king when he is attacked by many foes, as has been laid down in the scriptures.
विषमस्थं हि राजानं शत्रवः परिपन्थिनः। बहवोऽप्येकमुद्धर्तुं यतन्ते पूर्वतापिताः॥
When a king meets with distress, a large number of enemies, provoked by his past deeds, rise against him and try to defeat him.
सर्वत्र प्रार्थ्यमानेन दुर्बलेन महाबलैः। एकेनैवासहायेन शक्यं स्थातुं भवेत् कथम्॥
How can king, weak and alone, hold his own, when attacked on all sides by many powerful kings joined in a body?
कथं मित्रमरिं चापि विन्दते भरतर्षभ। चेष्टितव्यं कथं चात्र शत्रोमित्रस्य चान्तरे॥
How does a king at such times make friends and enemies? How should he, O foremost of Bharata's race, treat at such a time, both his friends and enemies?
प्रज्ञातलक्षणे मित्रे तथैवामित्रतां गते। कथं तु पुरुषः कुर्यात् कृत्वा किं वा सुखी भवेत्॥
When those, who are friends really become his enemies, what should the king then do if he is to secure happiness?
विग्रहं केन वा कुर्यात् संधिं वा केन योजयेत्। कथं वा शत्रुमध्यस्थो वर्तेत बलवानपि॥
With whom should he make war and with whom should he make peace? Even if he be strong, how should he act by his foes?
एतद् वै सर्वकृत्यानां परं कृत्यं परंतप। नैतस्य कश्चिद् वक्तास्ति श्रोता वापि सुदुर्लभः॥ ऋते शान्तनवाद् भीष्मात् सत्यसंधाज्जितेन्द्रियात्। तदन्विष्य महाभाग सर्वमेतद् वदस्व मे।" ।।
O scorcher of foes, this I consider to be the most momentous of all questions regarding the satisfaction of royal duties. There are few men, who wish to listen to the answer of this question, and none answer it except Shantanu's truthful son Bhishma, who has ail his senses under control. O you, who are highly blessed, think on it and describe it to me. to
भीष्म उवाच त्वयुक्तोऽयमनुप्रश्नो युधिष्ठिर सुखोदयः। शृणु मे पुत्र कात्स्र्थेन गुह्यमापत्सु भारत॥
'O Yudhishthira, this question certainly becomes you. Its answer yields great happiness. Listen to me, O son, as I describe to you, O Bharata, all the duties which are not generaliy known, but which should be practised in times of distress.
अमित्रो मित्रतां याति मित्रं चापि प्रदुष्यति। सामर्थ्ययोगात् कार्याणामनित्या वै सदा गतिः॥
An enemy becomes a friend, and a friend also becomes an enemy. Through combination of circumstances, human actions become uncertain.
तस्माद् विश्वसितव्यं च विग्रहं च समाचरेत्। देशं कालं च विज्ञाय कार्याकार्यविनिश्चये॥
Regarding what should be done and what should not, it is necessary that in view of the requirements of time and place, one should either trust one's enemies or make war.
संधातव्यं बुधैर्नित्यं व्यवस्य च हितार्थिभिः। अमित्रैरपि संधेयं प्राणा रक्ष्या हि भारत॥
Trying his very best, one should make friends with intelligent and wise men who desire his welfare. one should make peace with even his enemy, when, O Bharata his life cannot be saved by any other means.
यो ह्यमित्रैर्नरो नित्यं न संदध्यादपण्डितः। न सोऽर्थं प्राप्नुयात् किंचित् फलान्यपि च भारत॥
That foolish wight, who never makes peace with enemies, cannot acquire any profit or any of those fruits for which others try.
यस्त्वमित्रेण संदध्यान्मित्रेण च विरुद्ध्यते। अर्थयुक्तिं समालोक्य सुमहद् विन्दते फलम्॥
He, again, who makes peace with enemies and falls out with even friends after carefully considering all circumstances, acquires great fruits.
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। मार्जारस्य च संवादं न्यग्रोधे मूषिकस्य च॥
Regarding it is cited the old story of the conversation between a cat and mouse at the foot of a banian tree.
वनो महति कस्मिंश्चिन्यग्रोधः सुमहानभूत्। लताजालपरिच्छिन्नो नानाद्विजगणान्वितः॥
Bhishma said There was a huge banian tree in the midst of a vast forest. Covered with many sorts of creepers, and various sorts of birds used to live on it.
स्कन्धवान् मेघसङ्काशः शीतच्छायो मनोरमः। अरण्यमभितो जातः स तु व्यालमृगाकुलः॥
It had a large trunk from which numerous branches spread on all sides. Delightful to look at, its shade was very refreshing. It stood in the midst of the forest, and various animals lived on it.
तस्य मूलं समाश्रित्य कृत्वा शतमुखं बिलम्। वसति स्म महाप्राज्ञः पलितो नाम मूषिकः॥
A highly wise mouse, named Palita, lived at the foot of that tree, having made a hole there with a hundred outlets.
शाखां तस्य समाश्रित्य वसति स्म सुखं पुरा। लोमशो नाम मार्जारः पक्षिसंघातखादकः॥
On the branches of the tree there lived happily a cat, by name Lomasha, daily devouring large number of birds.
तत्र चागत्य चाण्डालो शरण्ये कृतकेतनः प्रयोजयति चोन्माथं नित्यमस्तंगते रवौ॥
Sometime after, a Chandala came to that forest and built a hut for himself. Every evening after sunset he spread his traps.
तत्र स्नायुमयान् पाशान् यथावत् संविधाय सः। गृहं गत्वा सुखं शेते प्रभातामेति शर्वरीम्॥
Spreading his nets made a leathern strings, he returned to his hut, and, passing the night happily in sleep, returned thert at the dawn of day.
तत्र स्म नित्यं बध्यन्ते नक्तं बहुविधा मृगाः। कदाचिदत्र मार्जारस्त्वप्रमत्तो व्यबध्यत॥
Various sorts of animals fell into his traps nightly. And it so took place that one day the cat in a moment of carelessness was caught in the trap.
तस्मिन् बधे महाप्राणे शत्रौ नित्याततायिनि। तं कालं पलितो ज्ञात्वा प्रचचार सुनिर्भयः॥
O you of great wisdom, when his enemy the cat, who is always an enemy of the mice, was thus caught in the trap, the mouse Palita came out of his hole and began to move about fearlessly.
तेनानुचरता तस्मिन् वने विश्वस्तचारिणा। भक्ष्यं मृगयमाणेन चिराद् दृष्टं तदामिषम्॥
While confidently passing through the forest in search of food, the mouse after a little while saw the meat.
स तमुन्माथमारुह्य तदामिषमभक्षयत्॥ तस्योपरि सपत्नस्य बद्धस्य मनसा हसन्।
Getting upon the trap, the little animal began to eat the flesh. Laughing in his mind, he even got upon his enemy caught in the net.
आमिषे तु प्रसक्तः स कदाचिदवलोकयन्॥ अपश्यदपरं घोरमात्मनः शत्रुमागतम्।
Busy with eating the flesh, did not see his own danger, and as he suddenly cast his eyes, he saw there a dreadful enemy of his.
शरप्रसूनसङ्काशं महीविवरशायिनम्॥ नकुलं हरिणं नाम चपलं ताम्रलोचनम्।
It was a restless mongoose of coppery eyes, of the name of Harita. Living in holes underneath, its body resembled the flower of a reed.
तेन मूषिकगन्धेन त्वरमाणमुपागतम्॥ भक्ष्यार्थं संलिहानं तं भूमावूर्ध्वमुखं स्थितम्। शाखागतमरिं चान्यमपश्यत् कोटरालयम्॥ उलूकं चन्द्रकं नाम तीक्ष्णतुण्डं क्षपाचरम्। गतस्य विषयं तत्र नकुलोलूकयोस्तथा॥ अथास्यासीदियं चिन्ता तत् प्राप्य सुमहद्भयम्।
Tempted to come there by the scent of the mouse, the animal came quickly for devouring his pray. He stood on his haunches, with head raised up and licking the corners of his mouth with his tongue. The mouse saw at the same time another enemy living in the holes of trees, then sitting on the branch of the banian. It was night-ranging owl, by name Chandraka having sharp beaks. Being seen both by the mongoose and the owl, the mouse, in great fear, began to think thus.
आपद्यस्यां सुकशयां मरणे प्रत्युपस्थिते॥ समन्ताद् भय उत्पन्ने कथं कार्यं हितैषिणा।
In such a great danger, when death itself is staring me in the face, when fear prevails on every side, how should one act who seeks his own well being?
स तथा सर्वतो रुद्धः सर्वत्र भयदर्शनः॥ अभवद् भयसंतप्तश्चक्रे च परमां मतिम्।
Beset with danger, and seeing fear on all sides, the mouse, stricken with fear for his safety, made a high resolution.
आपद्विनाशभूयिष्ठं गतैः कार्यं हि जीवितम्॥ समन्तात् संशयात् सैषा तस्मादापदुपस्थिता।
Preventing numberless dangers by hundreds of means, one should always save his life. Danger, now, besets me on every side.
गतं मा सहसा भूमिं नकुलो भक्षयिष्यति॥ उलूकश्छेह तिष्ठन्तं मार्जार: पाशसंक्षयात्।
If I were to descend from this trap on the ground, without sufficient precautions, the mongoose will surely catch and devour me. If I remain on this trap, the owl will surely catch me. If, again, the cat can free himself for the net, he, also, is certain to devour me.
न त्वेवास्मद्विधः प्राज्ञः सम्मोहं गन्तुमर्हति॥ करिष्ये जीविते यत्नं यावद् युक्त्या प्रतिग्रहात्।
It is not proper, therefore, that a person intelligent like myself should lose his wits. I shall, therefore, try me best to save my life, by having recourse to proper means and intelligence.
न हि बुद्ध्यान्वितः प्राज्ञो नीतिशास्त्रविशारदः॥ निमज्जत्यापदं प्राप्य महतीं दारुणामपि॥
An intelligent and wise person and conversant with the science of policy never sinks, however great and terrible may be the danger which threatens him.
न त्वन्यामिह मार्जाराद् गतिं पश्यामि साम्प्रतम्। विषमस्थो ह्ययं शत्रुः कृत्यं चास्य महन्मया॥
At present, however, I do not see any other refuge than this cat. He is an enemy. But he is in difficulty. The service that I can do him is verygreat.
जीवितार्थी कथं त्वद्य शत्रुभिः प्रार्थितस्त्रिभिः। तस्मादेनमहं शत्रु मार्जारं संश्रयामि वै॥
Three enemies are trying to devour me, and how should I now act for saving my life? I should now seek refuge with one of those enemies, viz., the cat.
नीतिशास्त्रं समाश्रित्य हितमस्योपवर्णये। येनेमं शत्रुसंघातं मतिपूर्वेण वञ्चये॥
Following policy, let me advice the cat for his behoof, so that I may, with my intelligence, escape from all three.
अयमत्यन्तशत्रुर्मे वैषम्यं परमं गतः। मूढो ग्राहयितुं स्वार्थं सङ्गत्या यदि शक्यते॥ कदाचिद् व्यसनं प्राप्य संधि कुर्यान्मया सह!
The cat is my great enemy, but the danger into which he has fallen is very great. Let me see if I can make this foolish creature understand his own interests. Having fallen into such difficulty he may make peace with me.
बलिना संनिकृष्टस्य शत्रोरपि परिग्रहः॥ कार्य इत्याहुराचार्या विषमे जीवितार्थिना।
A person, when attacked by a stronger one, should make peace with even an enemy. People conversant with policy say that such should be the conduct of one, who being beset with danger seeks to save his life.
श्रेष्ठो हि पण्डितः शत्रुर्न च मित्रमपण्डितः॥ मम त्वमित्रे माजरि जीवितं सम्प्रतिष्ठितम्।
It is better to have a learned person for an enemy than a fool for a friend. As for myself, my life now depends entirely on the hands of my enemy the cat.
हन्तास्मै सम्प्रवक्ष्यामि हेतुमात्माभिरक्षणे॥ अपीदानीमयं शत्रुः सङ्गत्या पण्डितो भवेत्।
I shall now speak to the cat about his own liberation. Perhaps, now it would not be wrong to consider the cat an intelligent and learned enemy. Thus did that mouse, surrounded by foes, think.
एवं विचिन्तयामास मूषिकः शत्रुचेष्टितम्॥ ततोऽर्थगतितत्त्वज्ञः संधिविग्रहकालवित्। सान्त्वपूर्वमिदं वाक्यं मार्जारं मूषिकोऽब्रवीत्॥
Having thought thus, the mouse, well-read in the science of Profit and well-acquainted with times when war should be declared and peace made, gently spoke to the cat, saying,
सौहृदेनाभिभाषे त्वां कच्चिन्मार्जार जीवसि। जीवितं हि तवेच्छामि श्रेयः साधारणं हि नौ॥
I speak to you as a friend. O cat! Are you alive? I wish you to live! I seek the good of us both.
न ते सौम्य भयं कार्यं जीविष्यसि यथासुखम्। अहं त्वामुद्धरिष्यामि यदि मां न जिघांससि॥
O amiable one, you have no cause for fear. You will live in happiness! I shall save you, If, indeed, you do not kill me.
अस्मि कश्चिदुपायोऽत्र दुष्करः प्रतिभाति मे। येन शक्यस्त्वया मोक्षः प्राप्तुं श्रेयस्तथा मया॥
There is a very good means I see by which you may obtain escape and I may acquire great benefit.
मयाप्युपायो दृष्टोऽयं विचार्य मतिमात्मनः। आत्मार्थं च त्वदर्थं च श्रेय: साधारणं हि नौ॥
By thinking I have found out this expedient for your sake and for my sake, for it will do us both good.
इदं हि नकुलोलूकं पापबुद्ध्याभिसंस्थितम्। न धर्षयति मार्जार तेन मे स्वस्ति साम्प्रतम्॥
There are the mongoose and the owl, both waiting with evil desire. O cat, so long as they do not attack me, my life is safe.
कूजंश्चपलनेत्रोऽयं कौशिको मां निरीक्षते। नगशाखाग्रगः पापस्तस्याहं भृशमुद्विजे॥
There that wretched owl with restless looks and dreadful cries is seeing me from the branch of that tree! I am stricken with great fear.
सतां साप्तपदं मैत्रं स सखा मेऽसि पण्डितः। सांवास्यकं करिष्यामि नास्ति ते भयमद्य वै॥
Good men become friends by walking together only seven steps. Highly wise as you are, you are my friend. I shall treat you as a friend. You need have no fear now.
न हि शक्तोऽसि मार्जार पाशं छेत्तुं मया विना। अहं छेत्स्यामि पाशांस्ते यदि मां त्वं न हिंससि॥
Without my help, O cat, you will not be able to tear the net. I, however, shall cut the net for serving you, if you do not kill me.
त्वमाश्रितो दुमस्याग्रं मूलं त्वहमुपाश्रितः। चिरोषितावुभावावां वृक्षेऽस्मिन् विदितं च ते॥
You have lived on this tree and I have lived at its foot. Both of us have lived here for many long years, All this is known to you.
यस्मिन्नाश्वासते कश्चिद् यश्च नाश्वसिति क्वचित्। न तो धीराः प्रशंसन्ति नित्यमुद्विग्नमानसौ॥
The wise never laud him whom nobody trusts, nor him who never trusts another. Both of them are unhappy.
तस्माद् विवर्धतां प्रीतिर्नित्यं संगतमस्तु कालातीतमिहार्थं तु न प्रशंसन्ति पण्डिताः॥
Therefore, let our love for each other increase, and let us be united. The wise never speak highly of the attempt of doing an act when its opportunity is gone.
अर्थयुक्तिमिमां तत्र यथाभूतां निशामय। तव जीवितमिच्छामि त्वं ममेच्छसि जीवितम्॥ नौ।
Know this to be the proper time for such a compact between us. I wish that you should live, and you also wish that I should live.
कश्चित् तरति काष्ठेन सुगम्भीरां महानदीम्। स तारयति तत् काष्ठं स च काष्ठेन तार्यते॥
A men crosses a deep and large river by a piece of wood. It is seen there that the man takes the piece of wood to the other side, and the piece of wood also takes the man to the other side.
ईदृशो नौ समायोगो भविष्यति सुविस्तरः। अहं त्वां तारयिष्यामि मां च त्वं तारयिष्यसि॥
Like this, our agreement will lead to our happiness. I will save you, also, and you also will save me.
एवमुक्त्वा तु पलितस्तमर्थमुभयोर्हितम्। हेतुमद् ग्रहणीयं च कालापेक्षी न्यवेक्ष्य च॥
Having said so, which was beneficial to both of them, highly reasonable and acceptable, the mouse Palita waited for an answer.
अथ सुव्याहृतं श्रुत्वा तस्य शत्रोविचक्षणः। हेतुमद् ग्रहणीयार्थं मार्जारो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥
Hearing these well-selected, reasonable and good words of the mouse, the mouse's enemy, endued with judgement and forethought, the cat said these words in reply.
बुद्धिमान् वाक्यसम्पन्नस्तद्वाक्यमनुवर्णयन्। स्वामवस्थां समीक्ष्याथ साम्नैव प्रत्यपूजयत्॥
Reflecting upon his own condition, the highly intelligent and eloquent cat praised the words of the speaker and honoured him by gentle words.
ततस्तीक्ष्णाग्रदशनो मणिवैदूर्यलोचनः। मूषिकं मन्दमुवीक्ष्य मार्जारो लोमशोऽब्रवीत्॥
Quietly looking at the mouse, the cat, called Lomasha, having sharp foreteeth and having eyes that resemble the stones called lapis lazuli answered as followsनन्दामि सौम्य भद्रं ते यो मां जीवितुमिच्छसि।
श्रेयश्च यदि जानीषे क्रियतां मा विचारय॥
I am pleased with you, O amiable one! Blessed be you who wish me to live! Do that, without hesitation, which you think would do us good.
अहं हि भृशमापन्नस्त्वमापनतरो मम। द्वयोरापन्नयोः संधिः क्रियतां मा चिराय च॥
I am surely in great distress. You are, if possible, in greater distress still! Let there be an agreement made between us forthwith.
विधास्ये प्राप्तकालं यत् कार्य सिद्धिकरं विभो। मयि कृच्छ्राद् विनिर्मुक्ते न विनक्ष्यति ते कृतम्।।७०।
I will do that which is opportune and necessary for the success of our business, O powerful one! If you save me, your service will not go for nothing.
न्यस्तमानोऽस्मि भक्तोऽस्मि शिष्यस्त्वद्धितकृत्तथा। निदेशवशवर्ती च भवन्तं शरणं गतः॥
I leave myself in your hands I am devoted to you. I shall attend and serve you like a disciple. I seek refuge with you and shall always obey you.
इत्येवमुक्तः पलितो मार्जारं वशमागतम्। वाक्यं हितमुवाचेदमभिनीतार्थमर्थवित्॥
Thus accosted, the mouse Palita, speaking again to the cat, who was entirely under his control, said these highly significant and wise words-
उदारं यद् भवानाह नैतच्चित्रं भवद्विधे। विहितो यस्तु मार्गो मे हितार्थं शृणु तं मम॥
You have spoken most magnanimously. It could be expected from one like you. Hear I shall describe the expedient I have thought of for benefiting both of us.
अहं त्वानुप्रवेक्ष्यामि नकुलान्मे महद् भयम्। त्रायस्व भो मा वधीस्त्वं शक्तोऽस्मि तव रक्षणे॥
I will crouch myself beneath your body. I am in great fear of the mongoose. Do you save me. Kill me not. I am capable to save you.
उलूकाच्चैव मां रक्ष क्षुद्रः अहं छेत्स्यामि ते पाशान् सखे सत्येन ते शपे॥ प्रार्थयते हि माम्।
O friend, this owl is also wishing for my life, so you may protect me. I shall cut the strings at that it is true.
तद्वचः संगतं श्रुत्वा लोमशो युक्तमर्थवत्। हर्षादुद्वीक्ष्य पलितं स्वागतेनाभ्यपूजयत्॥
Hearing the words of the mouse at that proper time, knowing very useful Lomasha praised him looking with a smile.
तं सम्पूज्याथ पलितं मार्जारः सौहृदे स्थितः। स विचिन्त्याब्रवीद् धीरः प्रीतस्त्वरित एव च॥
Having praised Palita, the cat which was friendly disposed, thought for a moment, and gladly said without losing any time,-
शीघ्रमागच्छ भद्रं ते त्वं मे प्राणसमः सखा। तव प्राज्ञ प्रसादाद्धि प्रायः प्राप्स्यामि जीवितम्॥
Come quickly to me. Blessed be you, who are, indeed, a friend dear to me as life.o you of great wisdom, through your grace I have almost regained my life.
यद् यदेवंगतेनाद्य शक्यं कर्तुं मया तव। तदाज्ञापय कर्तास्मि संधिरेवास्तु नौ सखे।॥
Whatever I can do, tell me and I shall do it for your. Let there be peace between us, O friend.
अस्मात् तु संकटान्मुक्तः समित्रगणबान्धवः। सर्वकार्याणि कर्ताऽहं प्रियाणि च हितानि च॥
Freed from this danger, I shall with all iny friends and relatives, do what is agreeable and good to you.
मुक्तश्च व्यसनादस्मात् सौम्याहमपि नाम ते। प्रीतिमुत्पादयेयं च प्रीतिकर्तुश्च सक्रियाम्॥
O amiable one, freed from this danger, I shall surely try to please you, and adore and honour you on every occasion in return for your good offices.
प्रत्युपकुर्वन् बह्वपि न भाति पूर्वोपकारिणा तुल्यः। एकः करोति हि कृते निष्कारणमेव कुरुतेऽन्यः॥
By returning even sufficient services a man cannot equal the person who did him good in the first instance. The former does them for the sake of services rendered. The latter, however, acted without any such motive.
भीष्म उवाच ग्राहयित्वा तु तं स्वार्थं मार्जारं मूषिकस्तथा। प्रविवेश तु विश्रभ्य क्रोडमस्य कृतागसः॥
Bhishma said Having thus made the cat understand his own interests, the mouse truthfully crouched beneath his enemy's body.
एवमाश्वासितो विद्वान् मारिण स मूषिकः। मार्जारोरसि विस्त्रब्धः सुष्वाप पितृमातृवत्॥
Learned, and thus assured by the cat, the mouse confidently laid himself thus under the breast of the cat as if it were the lap of his father or of his mother.
लीनं तु तस्य गात्रेषु मार्जारस्य च मूषिकम्। दृष्ट्वा तौ नकुलोलूको निराशौ प्रत्यपद्यताम्॥
Seeing him thus enclosed within the body of the cat, the mongoose and the owl both gave up hopes of catching their prey.
तथैव तौ सुसंत्रस्तौ दृढमागततन्द्रितौ। दृष्ट्वा तयोः परां प्रीति विस्मयं परमं गतौ॥
Marking that close intimacy between the mouse and the cat, both Harita and Chandraka became stricken with fear and wonder.
बलिनौ मतिमन्तौ च सुवृत्तौ चाप्युपासितौ। अशक्तौ तु नयात् तस्मात् सम्प्रधर्षयितुं बलात्॥
Both of them were endued with strength and intelligence. Clever in catching their prey, though near, the mongoose and the owl could not make the mouse and the cat break that agreement.
कार्यार्थं कृतसंधी तौ दृष्ट्वा मार्जारमूषिको। उलूकनकुलौ तूर्णं जग्मतुस्तौ स्वमालयम्॥
Indeed, seeing the cat and the mouse make that agreement for fulfilling their mutual object, the mongoose and the owl both left that spot and repaired to their respective quarters.
लीनः स तस्य गात्रेषु पलितो देशकालवित्। चिच्छेद पाशान् नृपते कालापेक्षी शनैः शनैः॥
Thereafter, the mouse Palita, who knew well the requirements of time and place, began, as he lay under the body of the cat, to cut the strings of the noose slowly, waiting for the proper time to finish his work.
अथ बन्धपरिक्लिष्टो मार्जारो वीक्ष्य मूषिकम्। छिन्दन्तं वै तदा पाशानत्वरन्तं त्वरान्वितः॥
Pained by the strings that fettered him, the cat became impatient upon seeing the mouse slowly cutting away the noose.
तमत्वरन्तं पलितं पाशानां छेदने तथा। संचोदयितुमारेभे मार्जारो मूषिकं तदा॥ किं सौम्य नातित्वरसे किं कृतार्थोऽवमन्यसे। छिन्धि पाशानमित्रघ्न पुरा श्वपच एति च॥
Seeing the mouse so slow in the work, the cat wishing to hurry it on, said-How is it, O amiable one, that you do not proceed quickly with your work? Do you disregard me now, having accomplished your own work? O slayer of foes, cut off these strings quickly! The hunter will soon come hereइत्युक्तस्त्वरता तेन मतिमान् पलितोऽब्रवीत्।
मार्जारमकृतप्रज्ञं पथ्यमात्महितं वचः॥
Thus addressed by the impatient cat, the intelligent mouse said these beneficial words to the cat who did not seem to possess much wisdom-
तूष्णीं भव न ते सौम्य त्वरा कार्या न सम्भ्रमः। वयमेवात्र कालज्ञा न कालः परिहास्यते॥
Wait silently, O amiable one! Quickness is not necessary. Remove all your fears. We know the requirements of time. We are not wasting time.
अकाले कृत्यमारब्धं कर्तुर्नार्थाय कल्पते। तदेव काल आरब्धं महतेऽर्थाय कल्पते॥
When a work is begun at an improper time, it never becomes profitable when finished. That act, however, which is undertaken at the proper time, yields rich fruits.
अकाले विप्रमुक्तान्मे त्वत्त एव भयं भवेत्। तस्मात् कालं प्रतीक्षस्व किमिति त्वरसे सखे॥
If you are freed at an improper time, I shall have to fear you. Therefore, do you wait for the proper moment. Do not be impatient, О friend.
यदा पश्यामि चाण्डालमायान्तं शस्त्रपाणिनम्। ततश्छेत्स्यामि ते पाशान् प्राप्ते साधारणे भये॥
When I shall see the hunter come here armed with weapons, I shall cut the strings at that very moment of fear to both of us.
तस्मिन् काले प्रमुक्तस्त्वं तरुमेवाधिरोक्ष्यसे। न हि ते जीवितादन्यत् किंचित् कृत्यं भविष्यति॥
Freed then, you will get upon the tree and not think of anything else except the safety of your own life.
ततो भवत्यपक्रान्ते त्रस्त भीते च लोमश। अहं बिलं प्रवेक्ष्यामि भवान् शाखां भजिष्यति॥
And when you, O Lomasha, will fly away in fear, I shall enter my hole and you will ascend the tree.
एवमुक्तस्तु मार्जारो मूषिकेणात्मनो हितम्। वचनं वाक्यतत्त्वज्ञो जीवितार्थी महामतिः॥
Thus addressed by the mouse with these beneficial words, the intelligent and eloquent cat, impatient of saving his life, addressed the mouse in the following words.
अथात्मकृत्ये त्वरितः सम्यक् प्रश्रितमाचरन्। उवाच लोमशो वाक्यं मूषिकं चिरकारिणम्॥
Indeed, the cat, who had quickly and properly carried his own part of the agreement, addressing the mouse who was not quick enough in fulfilling his part, said,-
न ह्येवं मित्रकार्याणि प्रीत्या कुर्वन्ति साधवः। यथा त्वं मोक्षितः कृच्छ्रात् त्वरमाणेन वै मया॥
I saved you from a great danger with considerable promptness. Alas, honest persons never thus do the business of their friends. Filled with joy while doing it, they do it otherwise.
तथा हि त्वरमाणेन त्वया कार्यं हितं मम्। यत्नं कुरु महाप्राज्ञ यथा रक्षाऽऽवयोर्भवेत्॥
You should do quickly what is for my wellbeing. O you of great wisdom, do you try a little so that good may be done to both of us.
अथवा पूर्ववैरं त्वं स्मरन् कालं जिहीर्षसि। पश्य दुष्कृतकर्मंस्त्वं व्यक्तमायुःक्षयं तव॥
If, however, remembering our former hostility you are only allowing the time to slip away, know, O wicked creature, that the consequence of this your act will surely lessen your own life.
यदि किंचिन्मयाज्ञानात् पुरस्ताद् दुष्कृतं कृतम्। न तन्मनसि कर्तव्यं क्षामये त्वां प्रसीद मे॥
If I have ever, before this, unknowingly done you any wrong, you should not bear it in mind. I beg your pardon. Be pleased with me.
तमेवंवादिनः प्राज्ञः शास्त्रबुद्धिसमन्वितः। उवाचेदं वचः श्रेष्ठं मार्जार मूषिकस्तदा॥
After the cat had said these words, the intelligent and wise mouse, well-read in the
श्रुतं मे तव मार्जार स्वमर्थं परिगृह्णतः। ममापि त्वं विजानासि स्वमर्थं परिगृह्णतः॥
I have, O cat, heard what you have said to further your own object. Listen, however, to me as I tell you what is proper for my own objects.
यन्मित्रं भीतवत्साध्यं यन्मित्रं भयसंहितम्। सुरक्षितव्यं तत् कार्यं पाणिः सर्पमुखादिव॥
That friendship which is beset with fear and which cannot be maintained without fear, should be preserved with great caution like the hand (of the snake-charmer) from the snake's fangs!
कृत्वा बलवता संधिमात्मनं यो न रक्षति। अपथ्यमिव तद् भुक्तं तस्य नार्थाय कल्पते॥
The person that does not protect himself after having made an agreement with a stronger individual, sees that is yields instead of good.
न कश्चित् कस्यचिन्मित्रं न कश्चित् कस्यचिद् रिपुः। अर्थतस्तु निबद्ध्यन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा॥
Nobody is nobody's friend; nobody is nobody's enemy; persons becomes friends or enemies only from motives of interest.
अथैरा निबद्ध्यन्ते गजैर्वनगजा इव। न च कश्चित् कृते कार्ये कर्तारं समवेक्षते॥ तस्मात् सर्वाणि कार्याणि सावशेषाणि कारयेत्।
Interest brings interest even as tame elephants catch wild elephants. Again, when a work is done, the doer is hardly thought of. Therefore, all works should be so done that something may remain undone.
तस्मिन् कालेऽपि च भवान् दिवाकीर्तिभयादितः॥११२। मम न ग्रहणे शक्तः पलायनपरायणः। छिन्नं तु तन्तुबाहुल्यं तन्तुरेकोऽवशेषितः॥ छेत्स्याम्यहं तमप्याशु निर्वृतो भव लोमश।
When I shall liberate you, you will, from fear of the hunter, fly away for your life without ever thinking of catching me. See, all the strings of this net have been cut by me. Only one remains to be cut. I will cut that also soon. Be comforted, O Lomasha.
तयोः संवदतोरेवं तथैवापन्नयोर्द्वयोः॥ क्षयं जगाम सा रात्रिर्लोमशं त्वाविशद् भयम्।
While the mouse and the cat were thus conversing, both in serious danger, the night gradually passed away. A great fear, however, possessed the heart of the cat.
ततः प्रभातसमये विकृतः कृष्णपिङ्गलः॥ स्थूलस्फिग् विकृतो रूक्षः श्वयूथपरिवारितः। शंकुकर्णो महावक्त्रो मलिनो घोरदर्शनः॥ परिघो नाम चाण्डाल: शस्त्रपाणिरदृश्यत।
When the dawn set in, the Chandala, whose name was Parigha, came there. His appearance was terrible. His hair was black and tawny. His hips were huge and his look was very fierce. Of a large mouth extending from ear to ear, and highly filthy, his ears were very long. man Armed with weapons and accompanied by a pack of dogs, the grim-visaged man came there.
तं दृष्ट्वा यमदूताभं मार्जारस्त्रस्तचेतनः॥ उवाच वचनं भीतः किमिदानीं करिष्यसि।
Seeing that who resembled a messenger of Yama, the cat was stricken with fear. Filled with fear, he addressed Palita, saying,-What will you do now?
अथ तावपि संत्रस्तौ तं दृष्ट्वा घोरसंकुलम्॥ क्षणेन नकुलोलूको नैराश्यमुपजग्मतुः। बलिनौ मतिमन्तौ च संघाते चाप्युपागतौ॥ अशक्तौ सुनयात् तस्मात् सम्प्रधर्षयितुं बलात्। कार्यार्थे कृतसंधानौ दृष्ट्वा मार्जारमूषिकौ॥ उलूकनकुलौ तत्र जग्मतुः स्वं स्वमालयम्।
The two were afraid seeing dreadful Chandala, mongoose and owl came in to hopeless. Indeed they were very strong and intelligent but could not over-press on strength less but with good conduct cat and mouse. Therefore, they both owl and mangoose left for their own place.
ततश्चिच्छेद तं पाशं मार्जारस्य च मूषिकः॥ विप्रमुक्तोऽथ मार्जारस्तमेवाभ्यपतद् दुमम्। स तस्मात् सम्भ्रमावर्तान्मुक्तो घोरेण शत्रुणा॥ बिलं विवेश पलितः शाखां लेभे स लोमशः।
The mouse very quickly cut the remaining string which held fast that cat. Freed from the noose, the cat run quickly and got upon the banian. Palita also, freed from that perilous position and from the presence of a terrible enemy quickly fled and entered his hole. Lomasha meanwhile had got upon the high tree.
उन्माथमप्यथादाय चाण्डालो वीक्ष्य सर्वशः॥ विहताशः क्षणेनास्ते तस्माद् देशादपाक्रमत्।
Seeing everything, the hunter took up his net. His hopes defeated, he also quickly left that place.
जगाम स स्वभवनं चाण्डालो भरतर्षभ॥ ततस्तस्माद् भयान्मुक्तो दुर्लभं प्राप्य जीवितम्। बिलस्थं पादपाग्रस्थः पलितं लोमशोऽब्रवीत्॥ अकृत्वा संविदं काञ्चित् सहसा समवप्लुतः। कृतज्ञं कृतकर्माणं कच्चिन्मां नाभिशंकसे॥
Indeed, O foremost of Bharata's race, the Chandala returned to his house freed from that great danger, and having regained his precious life, the cat from the branches of that tree addressed the mouse Palita then living with in the hole, and said,-Without having talked to me, you have suddenly run away. I hope you do not suspect me of any evil motive. I am certainly grateful and you have done me a great service.
गत्वा च मम विश्वासं दत्त्वा च मम जीवितम्। मित्रोपभोगसमये किं मां त्वं नोपसर्पसि॥
Having created confidence in me and having given me my life, why do you not come to me at a time when friends should enjoy the sweets of friendship?
कृत्वा हि पूर्वं मित्राणि यः पश्चान्नानुतिष्ठति। न स मित्राणि लभते कृच्छ्रास्वापत्सु दुर्मतिः॥
Having made friends, he who forgets them afterwards, is a wicked person and never gets friends at times of danger and necessity.
सत्कृतोऽहं त्वया मित्र सामर्थ्यादात्मनः सखे। स मां मित्रत्वमापन्नमुपभोक्तुं त्वमर्हसि॥
I have been, O friend, respected and served by you to the best of your power. You should now enjoy the company of my poor self who has become your friend.
यानि मे सन्ति मित्राणि ये च सम्बन्धिबान्धवाः। सर्वे त्वां पूजयिष्यन्ति शिष्या गुरुमिव प्रियम्॥
Like disciples adoring their preceptor, all the friends I have, all my relatives and kinsmen, will respect and adore you.
अहं च पूजयिष्ये त्वां समित्रगणबान्धवम्। जीवितस्य प्रदातारं कृतज्ञः को न पूजयेत्॥
I myself too shall adore you with all your friends and kinsmen. What grateful person is there who will not adore the giver of his life.
ईश्वरो मे भवानस्तु स्वशरीरगृहस्य च। अर्थानां चैव सर्वेषामनुशास्ता च मे भव॥
Be you the master of both my body and home! Be you the disposer of all my wealth and properties.
अमात्यो मे भव प्राज्ञ पितेवेह प्रशाधि माम्। न तेऽस्ति भयमस्मत्तो जीवितेनात्मनः शपे॥
Be you my respected adviser and do you govern me like a father! I swear by my life that you need not fear us.
बुद्ध्यात्वमुशना साक्षाद् बलेनाधिकृता वयम्। त्वं मन्त्रबलयुक्तो हि दत्त्वा जीवितमद्य मे॥
In intelligence you are like Ushanas himself. By the power of your understanding you have conquered us. Clever in policy, you have given us our life.
एवमुक्तः परां शान्ति मारिण स मूषिकः। उवाच परमन्त्रज्ञः श्लक्ष्णमात्महितं वचः॥
Accosted thus with sweet words by the cat, the mouse, who knew all which produces the highest good, replied in these sweet words that were beneficial to himself.
यद् भवानाह तत् सर्वं मया ते लोमश श्रुतम्। ममापि तावद् ब्रुवतः शृणु यत् प्रतिभाति मे॥
I have heard, O Lomasha, all that you have, said. Listen now as I say what I think.
वेदितव्यानि मित्राणि विज्ञेयाश्चापि शत्रवः। एतत् सुसूक्ष्मं लोकेऽस्मिन् दृश्यते प्राज्ञसम्मतम्॥
Friends should be well tried. Enemies also should be well studied. In this world, a task like this is considered by even the learned as a difficult one requiring sharp intelligence.
शत्रुरूपा हि सुहृदो मित्ररूपाश्च शत्रवः। संधितास्ते न बुद्ध्यन्ते कामक्रोधवशं गताः॥
Friends appear like enemies, and enemies appear like friends. When agreements of friendship are made, it is difficult for the parties to know whether they are really actuated by lust and anger.
नास्ति जातु रिपुर्नाम मित्रं नाम न विद्यते। सामर्थ्ययोगाज्जायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा॥
There is no such thing as a friend. It is circumstances which make friends and enemies.
यो यस्मिन् जीवति स्वार्थं पश्येत् पीडां न जीवति। स तस्य मित्रं तावत्स्याद् यावन्न स्याद् विपर्ययः॥१४०
He, who considers his own interests safe as long as another lives, and thinks himself in danger when the latter dies takes him as his friend so long as those interests of his are not clashed against.
स्ति मैत्री स्थिरा नाम न च ध्रुवमसौहृदम्। अर्थयुक्त्यानुजायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा॥
There is no condition that passes for ever by the name either of friendship or enemies. Both friends and enemies arise from considerations of interest and gain.
मित्रं च शत्रुतामेति कस्मिंश्चित् कालपर्यये। शत्रुश्च मित्रतामेति स्वार्थो हि बलवत्तरः॥
Friendship becomes enmity in the course of time. An enemy also becomes a friend. Selfinterest is very powerful.
यो विश्वसिति मित्रेषु न विश्वसिति शत्रुषु। अर्थयुक्तिमविज्ञाय यः प्रीतौ कुरुते मनः॥ मित्रे वा यदि वा शत्रौ तस्यापि चलिता मतिः।
He, who blindly places confidence in friends and always treats enemies mistrustfully without paying any heed to considerations of policy, finds his life unsafe. He, who, neglecting all considerations of policy, seeks either friends or foes, is regarded as a person whose understanding has been unhinged.
न विश्वसेदविश्वस्ते विश्वस्ते नातिविश्वसेत्॥ विश्वासाद् भयमुत्पन्नमपि मूलानि कृन्तति।
One should not trust a person undeserving of truth, nor should one trust too much a person worthy of trust. The anger from blind confidence is such that it cuts the very roots.
अर्थयुक्त्या हि जायन्ते पिता माता सुतस्तथा॥ मातुला भागिनेयाश्च तथा सम्बन्धिबान्धवाः।
The father, the mother, the son, the maternal uncle, the sister's son, and other relatives and kinsmen, are all moved by interest and profit.
पुत्रं हि मातापितरौ त्यजतः पतितं प्रियम्॥ लोको रक्षति चात्मानं पश्य स्वार्थस्य सारताम्।
Father and mother may be seen to discard the dear son if he is addicted to irregular practices. People take care of their own selves. See the efficacy of self-interest.
सामान्या निष्कृतिः प्राज्ञ यो मोक्षात् प्रत्यनन्तरम्॥१४७। कृतं मृगयसे शत्रु सुखोपायमसंशयम्।
O highly wise one, his escape is very difficult, who, immediately after he is freed from danger, seeks the means of his enemy's happiness.
अस्मिन् निलय एव त्वं न्यग्रोधादवतारितः॥ पूर्वं निविष्टमुन्मार्थ चपलत्वान्न बुद्धवान्।
You have come down from the top of the tree to this very spot. You could not, from foolishness know that a net had been spread here.
आत्मनश्चपलो नास्ति कुतोऽन्येषां भविष्यति॥ तस्मात् सर्वाणि कार्याणि चपलो हन्त्यसंशयम्।
A person, who has no sense, cannot protect his own self. How can be protect others? Such a person, forsooth, ruins all his acts.
ब्रवीषि मधुरं यच्च प्रियो मेऽद्य भवानिति॥ तन्मित्र कारणं सर्वं विस्तरेणापि मे शृणु।
You speak sweetly that I am very dear to you. Hear me, however, O friends, the reasons which I have on my side.
कारणात् प्रियतामेति द्वेष्यो भवति कारणात्॥ अर्थार्थी जीवलोकोऽयं न कश्चित् कस्यचित् प्रियः।
One becomes dear from a sufficient cause. One becomes an enemy from sufficient cause. The entire world of creatures is actuated by the desire of gain. One never becomes dear to another without cause.
सख्यं सोदर्ययोर्धात्रोर्दम्पत्योर्वा परस्परम्॥ कस्यचिन्नाभिजानामि प्रीति निष्कारणामिह। यद्यपि भ्रातरः क्रुद्धा भार्या वा कारणान्तरे॥ स्वभावतस्ते प्रीयन्ते नेतरः प्रीयते जनः।
The friendship between two uterine brothers, the love between husband and wife, rests upon interest. I do not know any kind of love amongst persons that does not depend upon some motive of self-interest. It is sometimes seen that uterine brothers or husband and wife having quarrelled are united again from a natural affection. But such a thing is not to be seen in persons who are not connected with one another.
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापरः॥ मन्त्रहोमजपैरन्यः कार्यार्थं प्रीयते जनः।
One becomes dear for his liberality. Another becomes dear for his sweet words. A third becomes so for his religious acts. Generally, a person becomes dear for the purpose he serves.
उत्पन्ना कारणे प्रीतिरासीनौ कारणान्तरे॥ प्रध्वस्ते कारणस्थाने सा प्रीतिर्विनिवर्तते।
The love between us originated from an adequate cause, That cause no longer exists. On the other hand, from sufficient reasons that friendship between us has terminated,
किं नु तत् कारणं मन्ये येनाहं भवतः प्रियः॥ अन्यत्राभ्यवहारार्थं तत्रापि च बुधा वयम्।
What is that reason, I ask, for which I have become so dear to you, besides your desire for eating me up? You should know that I am not forgetful of this.
कालो हेतुं विकुरुते स्वार्थस्तमनुवर्तते॥ स्वार्थं प्राज्ञोऽभिजानाति प्राज्ञं लोकोऽनुवर्तते। न त्वीदृशं त्वया वाच्यं विदुषि स्वार्थपण्डिते॥
Time spoils reasons. You seek your own interests. Otherwise men, again, understand their own interests. The world is guided by the example of the wise. You should not thus speak to a person who is learned and capable of understanding his own interests.
अकाले हि समर्थस्य स्नेहहेतुरयं तव। तस्मान्नाहं चले स्वार्थात् सुस्थिरः संधिविग्रहे॥ अभ्राणामिव रूपाणि विकुर्वन्ति क्षणे क्षणे। अद्यैव हि रिपुर्भूत्वा पुनरद्यैव मे सुहृत्॥ पुनश्च रिपुरद्यैव युक्तीनां पश्य चापलम्।
You are powerful. The reason which you show for your love for me now is ill-timed. Moved, however, by my own interests, I am always very strong about peace and war that are themselves very unstable. The circumstances under which peace is to be made or war declared change as speedily as the clouds change their form. This very day you were my enemy. This every day again, you becaiae my friend. This very day you have again become my enemy. Mark the considerations that move living creatures!
आसी-मैत्री तु तावन्नौ यावद्धतुरभूत् पुरा॥ सा गता सह तेनैव कालयुक्तेन हेतुना।
There was friendship between us as long as there was necessity for the same. That reason, the outcome of time, is gone. Without it, that friendship also has passed away.
त्वं हि मे जातितः शत्रुः सामर्थ्यान्मित्रतां गतः॥ तत् कृत्यमभिनिवर्त्य प्रकृतिः शत्रुतां गता।
You are by nature my enemy. From circumsiances you became my friend. That state of things has gone away. The old but natural state of enmity has returned.
सोऽहमेवं प्रणीतानि ज्ञात्वा शास्त्राणि तत्त्वतः॥ प्रविशेयं कथं पाशं त्वत्कृते तद् वदस्व मे।
I am well-read in the dictates of policy; tell me, why shall I enter to-day, for your sake, the net that is spread for me?
त्ववीर्येण प्रमुक्ताऽहं मदूवीर्येण तथा भवान्॥ अन्योन्यानुग्रहे वृत्ते नास्ति भूयः समागमः।
Through your power I was freed from a great danger. Through my power you have। been freed from a similar danger. Each of us has served the other. There is no need for us for becoming friends again.
त्वं हि सौम्य कृतार्थोऽद्य निर्वृत्तार्थास्तथा वयम्॥ न तेऽस्त्यद्य मया कृत्यं किंचिदन्यत्र भक्षणात्।
O amiable one, your object has been accomplished. The object I had, has also been accomplished. You do not require me except to make me your food.
अहमन्नं भवान् भोक्ता दुर्बलोऽहं भवान् बली॥ नावयोर्विद्यते संधिर्वियुक्ते विषमे बले।
I am your food. You are the eater. I am weak. You are strong. There cannot be any friendship between us when we are so unevenly placed.
स मन्येऽहं तव प्रज्ञां यन्मोक्षात् प्रत्यनन्तरम्॥ भक्ष्यं मृगयसे नूनं सुखोपायेन कर्मणा।
I understand your wisdom. Having been released from the net, you speak highly of me so that you may easily make food to me.
भक्ष्यार्थं ह्यवबद्धस्त्वं स मुक्तः पीडितः क्षुधा॥ शास्त्रजां मतिमास्थाय नूनं भक्षयिताध माम्।
You were entangled in the net for the sake of food. You have been freed from it. You feel now the pangs of hunger. Following wisdom of the scriptures, you try to eat me up to-day.
जानामि क्षुधितं दु त्वामाहारसमयश्च ते॥ स त्वं मानभिसंधाय भक्ष्यं मृगयसे पुनः।
I know that you are hungry. I know that this is the time of you taking food. You are seeking your prey, and you have your eyes on me.
त्वं चापि पुत्रदारस्थो यत् संधि सृजसे मयि॥ शुश्रूषां यतसे कर्तुं सखे मम न तत् क्षमम्।
You have sons and wives, You still try to make friends hip srith me and wish to treat me with affection anu do me vices. O friend, I carnot accept this proposal.
त्वया मां सहितं दृष्ट्वा प्रिया भार्या सुताश्च ते॥ कस्मात् ते मां न खादेयुर्हशः प्रणयिनस्त्वयि।
Seeing me with you, why will not your dear wife and your loving children cheerfully eat me up?
नाहं त्वया समेष्यापि वृत्तो हेतुः समागमे॥ शिवं ध्यायस्व मे स्वस्थः सुकृतं स्मरसे यदि।
I shall not, therefore, make friendship with you. There is no reason any longer for such a union. If, indeed, you do not forget my good offices, think of what will be good for me and be comfortable.
शत्रोरनार्यभूतस्य क्लिष्टस्य क्षुधितस्य च॥ भक्ष्यं मृगयमाणस्य कः प्राज्ञो विषयं व्रजेत्।
What sane man will place himself under the power of an enemy who is not well-known for virtue, who is hungry, and who is in search of a prey?
स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु गमिष्यामि दूरादपि तवोद्विजे॥ विश्वस्तं वा प्रमत्तं वा एतदेव कृतं भवेत्।
If you think that I have done you a service, do me a friend's work when I may happen to move trustfully or carelessly. Even that will be gratitude in you.
बलवत्संनिकर्षो हि न कदाचित् प्रशस्यते॥ नाहं त्वया समेष्यामि निवृत्तो भव लोमश।
Be happy then, I will presently leave you. I am afraid even to see you from a distance. I shall not mix with you, give up your attempts, OLomasha!
यदि त्वं सुकृतं वेत्सि तत् सख्यमनुसारय॥ प्रशान्तादपि मे पापाद् भेतव्यं बलिन: सदा।
To live near a powerful and strong person is never praiseworthy. Even if the estimated danger no longer exists, I should always fear one more powerful than myself.
यदि स्वार्थं न ते कार्यं ब्रूहि किं करवाणि ते॥ कामं सर्वं प्रदास्यामि न त्वाऽऽत्मानं कदाचन।
If you do not seek your own interests, tell me then what is there that I can do for you. I shall certainly give you everything save my life.
आत्मार्थे संततिस्त्याज्या राज्यं रत्नं धनानि च॥ अपि सर्वस्वमुत्सृज्य रक्षेदात्मानमात्मना।
For protecting one's own self one should abandon his very children, kingdom, jewels, and wealth. One should sacrifice one's all for protecting one's own self.
ऐश्वर्यधनरत्नानां प्रत्यमित्रे निवर्तताम्॥ दृष्ट्वा हि पुनरावृत्ति वतामिति नः श्रुतम्।
If a person lives he can recover all the wealth that he may have to give to enemies for protecting his life.
न त्वात्मनः सम्प्रदानं धनरलवदिष्यते॥ आत्मा हि सर्वदा रक्ष्यो दारैरपि धनैरपि।
It is not desirable to abandon life like one's riches. Indeed, one's own self should always be protected by, as I have already said, even removing his wives and wealth.
आत्मरक्षणतन्त्राणां सुपरीक्षितकारिणाम्॥ आपदो नोपपद्यन्ते पुरुषाणां स्वदोषजाः।
Persons who care to protect their own selves and who do all their works after a proper consideration, never suffer from dangers as the consequence of their acts.
शत्रून् सम्यग् विजानन्ति दुर्बला ये बलीयसः॥ न तेषां चाल्यते बुद्धिः शास्त्रार्थकृतनिश्चया।
The weak always regard the powerful as their enemies. Their understanding, based firmly on the truths of the scriptures, is never unhinged.
इत्यभिव्यक्तमेवं स पलितेनाभिभर्त्तितः॥ मार्जारो वीडितो भूत्वा मूषिकं वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥
Thus rebuked by the mouse palita the cat, hushing with shame, said to the mouse.
लोमश उवाच सत्यं शपे त्वयाहं वै मित्रद्रोहो विगर्हितः। तन्मन्येऽहं तव प्रज्ञा यस्त्वं मम हिते रतः॥
Lomasha said Truly I swear by you that I conside it highly censurable to injure a friend. I know your wisdom. I know also that you are devoted to my self-being.
उक्तवानर्थतत्त्वेन मयासम्भिन्नदर्शनः। न तु मामन्यथा साधो त्वं ग्रहीतुमिहार्हसि॥
Guided by the science of profit, you have said that there is sufficient cause for a breach between you and me. You should not, however, O good friend, take me for what I am not!
प्राणप्रदानजं त्वत्तां मयि सौहृदमागतम्। धर्मज्ञोऽस्मि गुणज्ञोऽस्मि कृतज्ञोऽस्मि विशेषतः॥
I consider you a great friend for your having saved my life. I am, again, familiar with duties. I always appreciate other people's merits. I am very grateful for services received.
मित्रेषु वत्सलश्चास्मि त्वद्भक्तश्च विशेषतः। तस्मादेवं पुन: साधो मय्याचरितुमर्हसि॥
I am devoted to the service of friends. I am, again, especially devoted to you. For these reasons, O good friend, you should reunite yourself with me.
त्वया हि वाच्यमानोऽहं जह्यां प्राणान् सबान्धवः। विश्रम्भो हि बुधैर्दृष्टो मद्विधेषु मनस्विषु॥ तदेतद् धर्मतत्त्वज्ञ न त्वं शङ्कितुमर्हसि।
If I am ordered by you, I can, with all my kinsmen and relatives, sacrifice my very life. The learned and wise see sufficient reasons for reposing their confidence in persons of such mental disposition as ourselves. O you who are a master of the truths of morality, you should not suspect me.
इति संस्तूयमानोऽपि मारिण स मूषिकः॥ मनसा भावगम्भीरो मार्जारं वाक्यमब्रवीत्।
Thus addressed by the cat, the mouse, thinking a while, said these weighty words to the former.
साधुर्भवाश्रुतार्थोऽस्मि प्रीये च न च विश्वसे॥ संस्तवैर्वा धनौधैर्वा नाहं शक्यः पुनस्त्वया।
You are highly good. I have heard all that you have said and am glad to hear you. For all that, however, I cannot trust you. It is impossible for you, by such eulogiums or by present of great wealth, to induce me to unite with you again.
न ह्यमित्रे वशं यान्ति प्राज्ञा निष्कारणं सखे॥ अस्मिन्नर्थे च गाथे द्वे निबोधोशनसा कृते।
I tell you, O friend, that the wise never place themselves, without sufficient reason, under the power of an enemy. Regarding this, two stories have been recited by Sage Usanasa. Listen carefully.
शत्रुसाधारणे कृत्ये कृत्वा संधि बलीयसा॥ समाहितश्चरेद् युक्त्या कृतार्थश्च न विश्वसेत्।
Having made an agreement with a stronger one, when both are threatened by enemies, a weak person should act carefully after considerations of policy. Having gained his object, the weaker of the two parties should not again trust the stronger.
न विश्वसेदविश्वस्ते विश्वस्ते नातिविश्वसेत्॥ नित्यं विश्वासयेदन्यान् परेषां तु न विश्वसेत्।
One should never trust a person unworthy of trust. Nor should one blindly trust a person deserving of trust. One should always try to secure other's confidence. One should not, however, himself trust his foes.
तस्मात् सर्वास्ववस्थासु रक्षेज्जीवितमात्मनः॥ द्रव्याणि संततिश्चैव सर्वं भवति जीवितः।
For these reasons one should, under every circumstances, protect his own self. One's possessions, children and everything else are so long valuable as he is alive.
संक्षेपो नीतिशास्त्राणामविश्वासः परो मतः॥ नृषु तस्मादविश्वास: पुष्कलं हितमात्मनः।
In short, the highest truth of all works on policy is Mistrust. Therefore, mistrust of all persons yields the greatest good.
वध्यन्ते न ह्यविश्वस्ताः शत्रुभिर्दुर्बला अपि॥ वि तास्तेषु वध्यन्ते बलवन्तोऽपि दुर्बलैः।
However weak people may be, if they mistrust their enemies, the latter, even if strong, never succeed in reigning supreme over them.
त्वद्विधेभ्यो मया ह्यात्मा रक्ष्यो मार्जार सर्वदा॥ रक्ष त्वमपि चात्मानं चाण्डालाज्जातिकिल्बिषात्।
O cat, one like myself should always guard his life from persons like you. Do you also
स तस्य ढवतस्त्वेवं संत्रासाज्जातसाध्वसः॥ शाखां हित्वा जवेनाशु मारिः प्रययौ ततः।
While the mous, thus spoke, the cat frightened at the mention of the hunter, hastily left the branch of the tree, ran away with great speed.
ततः शास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञो बुद्धिसामर्थ्यमात्मनः।।२००। विश्राव्य पलितः प्राज्ञो बिलमन्यज्जगाम ह।
Having thus shown his power of understanding, the mouse Palita also, who was conve. sant with the trists of scripture and endued with wisdom, entered another hole.
एवं प्रज्ञावता बुद्ध्या दुर्बलेन महाबलाः॥ एकेन बहवोऽमित्राः पलितेनाभिसंधिताः।
Bhishma continued Thus did the wise mouse Palita, though weak, and alone, succeed in baffling many powerful enemies.
अरिणापि मर्थेन संधि कुर्वीत पण्डितः॥ मूषिकश्च बिडालश्च मुक्तावन्योन्यसंश्रयात्।
An intelligent and learned man should make peace with a powerful enemy. The mouse and the cat escaped by their reliance upon each other's services.
इत्येवं क्षात्रधर्मस्य मया मार्गो निदर्शितः॥ विस्तरेण महाराज संक्षेपमपि मे शृणु।
I have thus pointed out to you fully the course of Kshatriya duties. Listen now to me in brief.
अन्योन्यकृतवैरी तु चक्रतुः प्रीतिमुत्तमाम्॥ अन्योन्यमभिसंधातुं सम्बभूव तयोर्मतिः।
When two persons who were once enemy 1.1ake peace with each other, it is certain that each of them has it in his heart to control the other.
तत्र प्राज्ञोऽभिसंधत्ते सम्यग् बुद्धिसमाश्रयात्॥ अभिसंधीयते प्राज्ञः प्रमादादपि वा बुधैः।
In such a case the wise man succeeds by the power of his understanding in controlling the other. He, on the other hand, who has no। wisd m suffers himself, for his carelessness, to be defeated by the wise.
तस्मादभीतवद् भीगो विश्वस्त्वदविश्वसन्॥ न ह्यप्रमत्तश्चलति चलितो वा तिनश्यति।
It is necessary, therefore, that in fear one should appear to be fearless, and, while really mistrusting others, one should seem to be truthful. One, who acts with such carefulness nev r loses his steps, or, even losing it, is never ruined.
कालन रिपुणा संधिः काले मित्रेण विग्रहः॥ कार्य इत्ये व संधिज्ञाः प्राहुर्नित्यं नराधिप।
When the opportunity presents its-self, one should make peace with an enemy; and when the time comes, one should make war with even a friend. Those, who are well read in peace and war, say that one should conduct hiinself thus, O king.
एतज्ज्ञात्वा महाराज शास्त्रार्थमभिगम्य च।२०८॥ अभियुक्तोऽप्रमत्तश्च प्राग्भयाद् भीतवच्चरेत्।
knowing this, O king, and remembering the truths of scripture, one should, ser:sibly and carefully, act like a person in fear before the cause of fear actually arrives.
भीतवत् संनिधिः कार्यः प्रतिसंधिस्तथैव च॥ भयादुत्पद्यते बुद्धिरप्रमत्ताभियोगजा।
One should before the cause of fear actually arrived, act like a person in fear, and make peace with enenies. Such fear and carefulness beget keenness of understanding.
न भयं विद्यते राजन् भीतस्यानागते भये॥ अभीतस्य च विश्रम्भात् सुमहज्जायते भवम्।
If one acts like a man in fear before the cause of fear is so near, one is never filled with fear when that cause actually arrives. And from the fear of a person, who always acts with "carlessness, very great fear criginates.
अभीश्चरति यो नित्यं मन्त्रोऽदेयः कथंचन॥ अविज्ञानाद्धि विज्ञातो गच्छेदास्पददर्शिषु।
Never cherish fear,-such an advice should never be given to any one. The person, who entertains fear from a consciousness of his weakness, always seuks the advice of wise and experienced men.
तस्मादभीतवद् भीतो विश्वस्तवदविश्वसन्॥ कार्याणां गुरुतां प्राप्य नानृतं किंचिदाचरेत्।
For these reasons, one should, when afraid, appear to be fearless and when mistrusting (others', should seem to be truthful. One should not, even iil serious acts, !reat others with falsehood.
एवमेतन्मया प्रोक्तमितिहासं युधिष्ठिर॥ श्रुत्वा त्वं सुहृदां मध्ये यथावत् समुपाचर।
Thus have recited to you, O Yudhishthira, the old story (of the mouse and the cat). Havii.g listened to it, do you: act properly in the midst of your friends and kinsmen.
उपलभ्य मतिं चाय्यामरिमित्रान्तरं तथा॥ संधिविग्रहकालौ च मोक्षोपायस्तथैव च।
Deriving a great lesson from that story, and learning the difference between friend and enemy and the proper time for war and peace, You will discover means of escape when beset with dangers.
शत्रुसाधारणे कृत्ये कृत्वा संधि बलीवसा॥ समागतश्चरेद् युक्त्या कृतार्थो न च विश्वसेत्।
Making peace, at a time of common danger, with a powerful enemy, you should act with proper consideration when uniting yourself with hin (when the common danger is gone). Indeed, having gained your objeci, you should not trust the enemies again.
अविरुद्धां त्रिवर्गेण नीतिमेतां महीपते॥ अभ्युत्तिष्ठ श्रुतादस्माद् भूयः संरक्षयन् प्रजाः।
This path of policy is quite of a piece with the three-fold objects of life, (viz., Virtue, Profit, and Pleasure) O king! Guided by this Shruti, do you acquire prosperity by once more protecting your subjects.
ब्राह्मणैश्चापि ते सार्धं यात्रा भवतु पाण्डव॥ ब्राह्मणा वै परं श्रेयो दिवि चेह च भारत।
O son of Pandu, always try to associate with Brahmanas in all your acts! Brahmanas give great benefit both in this world and the next.
एते धर्मस्य वेत्तारः कृतज्ञा. सततं प्रभो॥ पृजिताः शुभकर्तारः पूजयेत् तान् नराधिप।
They are teachers of duty and morality. They are always grateful, O powerful one! If adored, they are sure to do you good. Therefore, o king, you should always adore them.
राज्यं श्रेयः परं राजन् यशः कीर्ति च लप्स्यसे॥ कुलस्य संततिं चैव यथान्यायं यथाक्रमम्॥
You will then, O king, duly acquire ki'igdom, great food, fame, achievements, and offspring in their proper order.
द्वयोरिमं भारत संगिविग्रहं सुभाषितं बुद्धिविशेष कारकम्। यथा त्ववेक्ष्य क्षितिपेन सर्वदा निगेवितव्यं नृप शत्रुमण्डले॥
Always looking at this history of peace and war between the mouse and the cat, written in excellent words and capable of sharpening the intelleci, a king should always act in thie midst of his enemies,