Hitopadesha 2.45.p2

2.45.p2

damanako brūte-kiyatā kālenāmātyāḥ pradhānatām apradhānatāṃ vā labhante, yataḥ-

'But we may come to be,' replied Damanaka; 'men rise, not by chance or nature, but by exertions—

For assisting friends, and defeating enemies also, the service of kings is desirable. To enter upon it for a mere living makes the thing low indeed. There must be dogs and elephants; but servants need not be like hungry curs, while their masters are noble. What say the books?