Those that practise virtue (incessantly) are made unhappy for
want of wealth and the neglect of pleasure. Those again in pursuit of
wealth are made unhappy for the neglect of two others. And so those who
pursue pleasure suffer for their inattention to virtue and wealth.
Therefore, thou shouldst pursue virtue, wealth and pleasure, in such a way
that thou mayest not have to suffer therefrom. With humiliation and
attention, without jealousy and solicitous of accomplishing thy purpose,
shouldst thou, in all sincerity, consult with the Brahmanas. When thou art
fallen, thou shouldst raise thyself by any means, gentle or violent; and
after thou hast thus raised thyself thou shouldst practise virtue. He that
hath never been afflicted with calamity can never have prosperity. This
may be seen in the life of one who surviveth his calamities. He that is
afflicted with sorrow should be consoled by the recitation of the history
of persons of former times (like those of Nala and Rama). He whose heart
hath been unstrung by sorrow should be consoled with hopes of future
prosperity. He again who is learned and wise should be consoled by
pleasing offices presently rendered unto him. He who, having concluded a
treaty with an enemy, reposeth at ease as if he hath nothing more to do,
is very like a person who awaketh, fallen down from the top of a tree
whereon he had slept. A king should ever keep to himself his counsels
without fear of calumny, and while beholding everything with the eyes of
his spies, he should take care to conceal his own emotions before the
spies of his enemies.
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