The Sanskrit Drama in its Origin, Development, Theory & Practice c10.s5.45

c10.s5.45

*dharmaḥ prāg eva cintyaḥ sacivamatigatiḥ prekṣitavyā sva-buddhyā* *pracchādyau rāgaroṣau mṛduparuṣaguṇau kālayogena kāryau* *jñeyaṃ lokānuvṛttam paracaranayanair maṇḍalam prekṣi-tavyam* *rakṣyo yatnād ihātmā raṇacirasi punas so 'pi nāvekṣitavyaḥ.* ‘First there must be consideration of the injunctions of the law, then the train of the minister’s thought must be followed; desire and anger must be concealed; mercy and harshness must be applied as expediency demands; the temper of the people must be ascertained through the aid of spies as well as the demeanour of neighbouring kings; one’s life must be guarded with every care, but in the forefront of battle heed for it must be laid aside.’ The position of a minister is no enviable one:⁵