Kautilya's Arthashastra 7.15.2

7.15.2

tulyamantraśaktīnām āyattasampado vṛddhasamyogād vā viśeṣaḥ //

WHEN a weak king is attacked by a powerful enemy, the former should seek the protection of one who is superior to his enemy and whom his enemy's power of deliberation for intrigue cannot affect. Of kings who are equal in the power of deliberation, difference should be sought in unchangeable prosperity and in association with the aged.