favourable circumstances in connection with himself, the great loss that his enemy is capable of suffering, and the weakness of an enemy or of an ally.
107.
The constellation being propitious, by paying honour to the Three Ratanas[1] and bestowing bounties upon the soldiery, the fighting becomes effective.
108.
A king is capable of conquering the whole earth if he have elephants, horses, and weapons, chariots, infantry, and treasures of every kind.
109.
The king being wealthy who exalts and degrades according to people's deserts, he escapes everything—anger, anxiety, fear, covetousness, misfortune, and the loss of his lands.
110.
Therefore with great zeal should a king amass wealth by this is his safety secured.
111.
He should overcome an enemy by concord, a coward by dissension, one avaricious by a gift, a weak person by punishment.[2]
112.
He who, having elephants, horses, wealth, and forces, is satisfied, does not engage in war, another subjugates him.
113.
Those on the border having raised a rebellion, plunder
- ↑ Buddha, his law, and the priesthood.
- ↑ Hitopadeśa', iii. 42, 43, has: "One should strive to conquer enemies, not by war, because the victory between two combatants is seen to be uncertain. By conciliation by bribes, by dissension—by these means, either combined or separately, one should strive to overcome enemies; never by war." See also "Institutes of Manus," vii. 198–200.
