Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.167.4

c6.167.4

These should be completely extinguished and exterminated. Such a tiny thing as a thorn, if extracted incompletely, leads to gangrene. Every deed must be done thoroughly. One should always be watchful. Win over a hero by folded hands, a coward by terrorism, a covetous man with gifts and wage war with an equal. Be far-sighted like a vulture, motionless like a crane, vigilant like a dog, valiant like a lion, fearful like a crow; and penetrate the territories of a foe like a snake with ease and without anxiety. A hostile kingdom should be devastated by slaughtering the population, destroying the roads and burning and pulling down the houses. Far-reaching are the arms of an intelligent man with which he retaliates when attacked. But in this high game of diplomacy it is essential not to over-reach oneself. Never snatch from the foe what he may be able to recover. Never seek to cross what cannot be crossed. Never dig at all if you can't get to the bottom. Again, sternness is not always politic. It is felt as an affliction. Mildness, on the other hand, begets contempt. Be mild or stern according to the occasion. Sometimes mildness can out the mild and fierce alike and can achieve everything. It may be sharper than severity. A king desirous of prosperity should draw others unto himself by sweet words, honours and gifts. He should never engage in fruitless disputes and should refrain from malicious behaviour towards his own subjects.