Kautilya's Arthashastra 7.13.26

7.13.26

madhyamaṃ tvarivijigīṣvor lipsamānayor madhyamasya pārṣṇiṃ gṛhṇator labdhalābhāpagamane yo madhyamaṃ mitrād viyojayaty amitraṃ ca mitram āpnoti so 'tisaṃdhatte //

When the conqueror and his enemy are desirous of catching hold of a madhyama king and attack the latter's rear, then he who in his attempt to enforce the promised payment separates the madhyama king from the latter's friend and obtains, thereby, an enemy as a friend, gains more advantages; for an enemy compelled to sue for peace will be of greater help than a friend compelled to maintain the abandoned friendship.