more from an internal
desire than from a large sum of money lying in the treasury. If the
desire exists, money comes gradually for accomplishing it. The force of
the simile consists in the fact that ants (probably white ants) are seen
to gather and multiply from no ostensible cause.

409. The meaning is that as regards good men, they become friends in no
time. By taking only seven steps in a walk together, two such men become
friends.

410. Virtue prolongs life, and sin and wickedness always shorten it. This
is laid down almost everywhere in the Hindu scriptures.

411. i.e., if ex-casted for irreligious practices.

412. The correct reading is Jatakilwishat.

413. The sense, of course, is that such a man, when filled with fear,
becomes unable to ward off his dangers and calamities. Prudence requires
that one should fear as long as the cause of fear is not at hand. When,
however, that cause has actually presented itself, one should put forth
one's courage.

414. The hostility between Krishna and Sisupala was due to the first of
these causes; that between the Kurus and the Pandavas to the second; that
between Drona and Drupada to the third; that between the cat and the
mouse to the fourth; and that between the bird and the king (in the
present story) to the fifth.

415. The sense seems to be that the act which has led to the hostility
should be calmly considered by the enemy before he gives way to anger.

416. If it is Time that does all acts, there can be no individual
responsibility.

417. i.e., they are indifferent to other people's sorrow.

418. Honey-seekers direct their steps through hill and dale by marking
intently the course of the flight of bees. Hence they meet with frequent
falls.

419. Everything decays in course of time. Vide the characteristics of the
different Yugas, ante.

420. i.e., do any of these or all as occasion may require.

421. The king should imitate the cuckoo by causing his own friends or
subjects to be maintained by others; he should imitate the boar by
tearing up his foes by their very roots; he should imitate the mountains
of Meru by presenting such a front that nobody may transgress him he
should imitate an empty chamber by keeping room enough for storing
acquisitions he should imitate the actor by assuming different guises;
and lastly, he should imitate devoted friend in attending to the
interests of his loving subjects.

422. The crane sits patiently by the water side fo