persons of intelligence, always gratifying the
soldiery, supervision over the subjects, steadiness in the transaction of
business, filling the treasury, absence of blind confidence on the guards
of the city, producing disloyalty among the citizens of a hostile town,
carefully looking after the friends and allies living in the midst of the
enemy's country, strictly watching the servants and officers of the
state, personal observation of the city, distrust of servants, comforting
the enemy with assurances, steadily observing the dictates of policy,
readiness for action, never disregarding an enemy, and casting off those
that are wicked. Readiness for exertion in kings is the root of kingly
duties. This has been said by Vrihaspati. Listen to the verses sung by
him: 'By exertion the amrita was obtained; by exertion the Asuras were
slain, by exertion Indra himself obtained sovereignty in heaven and on
earth. The hero of exertion is superior to the heroes of speech. The
heroes of speech gratify and worship the heroes of exertion.[169]' The
king that is destitute of exertion, even if possessed of intelligence, is
always overcome by foes like a snake that is bereft of poison. The king,
even if possessed of strength, should not disregard a foe, however weak.
A spark of fire can produce a conflagration and a particle of poison can
kill. With only one kind of force, an enemy from within a fort, can
afflict the whole country of even a powerful and prosperous king. The
secret speeches of a king, the amassing of troops for obtaining victory,
the crooked purposes in his heart, similar intents for accomplishing
particular objects, and the wrong acts he does or intends to do, should
be concealed by putting on an appearance of candour. He should act
righteously for keeping his people under subjection. Persons of crooked
minds cannot bear the burden of extensive empire. A king who is mild
cannot obtain superior rank, the acquisition of which depends upon
labour. A kingdom, coveted by all like meat, can never be protected by
candour and simplicity. A king, O Yudhishthira, should, therefore, always
conduct himself with both candour and crookedness. If in protecting his
subjects a king falls into danger, he earns great merit. Even such should
be the conduct of kings. I have now told thee a portion only of the
duties of kings. Tell me, O best of the Kurus, what more you wish to
know."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'The illustrious Vyasa and Devas