Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.167.2

c6.167.2

“Do not applaud exertion in the presence of the foe, but speak highly of destiny.” When trying to recover a lost dominion, a person should first ingratiate himself with the conqueror and then sow dissensions in his ranks. A king should win over the allies and partisans of his foe. When faced with a calamity, a king should be humble in speech but, at heart, should be sharp as a razor. Conciliate the foe with sweet assurances as if he were a friend but distrust him as a snake. Give assurances about the past and make promises for the future. Join your hands in supplication, take oaths, use sweet words, shed tears and offer worship by bending down your head. Bear your enemy on your shoulder so long as the time is not favourable to you. But when an opportunity offers itself, smash him into fragments like an earthen jar on a stone. Make peace when necessary, but never trust the enemy. Desert him with all haste as soon as the purpose is served. Visit your enemies frequently and inquire about their welfare but always conceal your holes like the tortoise which conceals its limbs. Put forth the prowess of a lion. Lie in wait for your enemies like a wolf, then jump on them and pierce them as with a shaft. Be blind or deaf as the necessity demands. Inspire false hopes and project or pretend obstacles before suitors. Be religious and taciturn, assume the garb of ascetics, and wear matted locks and skins to inspire confidence in your foe and then jump upon him like the wolf.