Critical Edition
युधिष्ठिर उवाच सर्वत्र बुद्धिः कथिता श्रेष्ठा ते भरतर्षभ अनागता तथोत्पन्ना दीर्घसूत्रा विनाशिनी
M. N. Dutt: Yudhishthira said You have, O foremost of Bharata's race, said that, that intelligence which provides for the future, as well as that which can meet present difficulties, is always superior, while idleness brings about destruction.
तदिच्छामि परां बुद्धिं श्रोतुं भरतसत्तम यथा राजन्न मुह्येत शत्रुभिः परिवारितः
AI Translation: O best of the Bharatas, I wish to hear about the supreme wisdom so that a king, surrounded by enemies, may not be deluded.
धर्मार्थकुशल प्राज्ञ सर्वशास्त्रविशारद पृच्छामि त्वा कुरुश्रेष्ठ तन्मे व्याख्यातुमर्हसि
AI Translation: O you who are skilled in Dharma and Artha, O wise one, O you who are well-versed in all scriptures, I ask you, O best of the Kurus, it befits you to explain it to me.
शत्रुभिर्बहुभिर्ग्रस्तो यथा वर्तेत पार्थिवः एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं सर्वमेव यथाविधि
M. N. Dutt: I wish to hear everything in connection with the duties of king when he is attacked by many foes, as has been laid down in the scriptures.
विषमस्थं हि राजानं शत्रवः परिपन्थिनः बहवोऽप्येकमुद्धर्तुं यतन्ते पूर्वतापिताः
M. N. Dutt: When a king meets with distress, a large number of enemies, provoked by his past deeds, rise against him and try to defeat him.
सर्वतः प्रार्थ्यमानेन दुर्बलेन महाबलैः एकेनैवासहायेन शक्यं स्थातुं कथं भवेत्
M. N. Dutt: How can king, weak and alone, hold his own, when attacked on all sides by many powerful kings joined in a body?
कथं मित्रमरिं चैव विन्देत भरतर्षभ चेष्टितव्यं कथं चात्र शत्रोर्मित्रस्य चान्तरे
M. N. Dutt: How does a king at such times make friends and enemies? How should he, O foremost of Bharata's race, treat at such a time, both his friends and enemies?
प्रज्ञातलक्षणे राजन्नमित्रे मित्रतां गते कथं नु पुरुषः कुर्यात्किं वा कृत्वा सुखी भवेत्
M. N. Dutt: When those, who are friends really become his enemies, what should the king then do if he is to secure happiness?
विग्रहं केन वा कुर्यात्संधिं वा केन योजयेत् कथं वा शत्रुमध्यस्थो वर्तेताबलवानिति
M. N. Dutt: With whom should he make war and with whom should he make peace? Even if he be strong, how should he act by his foes?
एतद्वै सर्वकृत्यानां परं कृत्यं परंतप नैतस्य कश्चिद्वक्तास्ति श्रोता चापि सुदुर्लभः
AI Translation: This is the supreme of all duties, O scorcher of enemies. There is no one who can speak of it, and a listener is also very rare.
ऋते शांतनवाद्भीष्मात्सत्यसंधाज्जितेन्द्रियात् तदन्विष्य महाबाहो सर्वमेतद्वदस्व मे
AI Translation: Excepting Shantanu's son Bhishma, the one who is true to his word and has conquered his senses, O mighty one, please tell me all about this after searching for it.
भीष्म उवाच त्वद्युक्तोऽयमनुप्रश्नो युधिष्ठिर गुणोदयः शृणु मे पुत्र कार्त्स्न्येन गुह्यमापत्सु भारत
M. N. Dutt: 'O Yudhishthira, this question certainly becomes you. Its answer yields great happiness. Listen to me, O son, as I describe to you, O Bharata, all the duties which are not generaliy known, but which should be practised in times of distress.
अमित्रो मित्रतां याति मित्रं चापि प्रदुष्यति सामर्थ्ययोगात्कार्याणां तद्गत्या हि सदा गतिः
M. N. Dutt: An enemy becomes a friend, and a friend also becomes an enemy. Through combination of circumstances, human actions become uncertain.
तस्माद्विश्वसितव्यं च विग्रहं च समाचरेत् देशं कालं च विज्ञाय कार्याकार्यविनिश्चये
M. N. Dutt: Regarding what should be done and what should not, it is necessary that in view of the requirements of time and place, one should either trust one's enemies or make war.
संधातव्यं बुधैर्नित्यं व्यवस्यं च हितार्थिभिः अमित्रैरपि संधेयं प्राणा रक्ष्याश्च भारत
M. N. Dutt: Trying his very best, one should make friends with intelligent and wise men who desire his welfare. one should make peace with even his enemy, when, O Bharata his life cannot be saved by any other means.
यो ह्यमित्रैर्नरो नित्यं न संदध्यादपण्डितः न सोऽर्थमाप्नुयात्किंचित्फलान्यपि च भारत
M. N. Dutt: That foolish wight, who never makes peace with enemies, cannot acquire any profit or any of those fruits for which others try.
यस्त्वमित्रेण संधत्ते मित्रेण च विरुध्यते अर्थयुक्तिं समालोक्य सुमहद्विन्दते फलम्
M. N. Dutt: He, again, who makes peace with enemies and falls out with even friends after carefully considering all circumstances, acquires great fruits.
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् मार्जारस्य च संवादं न्यग्रोधे मूषकस्य च
M. N. Dutt: Regarding it is cited the old story of the conversation between a cat and mouse at the foot of a banian tree.
वने महति कस्मिंश्चिन्न्यग्रोधः सुमहानभूत् लताजालपरिच्छन्नो नानाद्विजगणायुतः
M. N. Dutt: Bhishma said There was a huge banian tree in the midst of a vast forest. Covered with many sorts of creepers, and various sorts of birds used to live on it.
स्कन्धवान्मेघसंकाशः शीतच्छायो मनोरमः वैरन्त्यमभितो जातस्तरुर्व्यालमृगाकुलः
M. N. Dutt: It had a large trunk from which numerous branches spread on all sides. Delightful to look at, its shade was very refreshing. It stood in the midst of the forest, and various animals lived on it.
तस्य मूलं समाश्रित्य कृत्वा शतमुखं बिलम् वसति स्म महाप्राज्ञः पलितो नाम मूषकः
M. N. Dutt: A highly wise mouse, named Palita, lived at the foot of that tree, having made a hole there with a hundred outlets.
शाखाश्च तस्य संश्रित्य वसति स्म सुखं पुरः लोमशो नाम मार्जारः पक्षिसत्त्वावसादकः
M. N. Dutt: On the branches of the tree there lived happily a cat, by name Lomasha, daily devouring large number of birds.
तत्र चागत्य चण्डालो वैरन्त्यकृतकेतनः अयोजयत्तमुन्माथं नित्यमस्तं गते रवौ
M. N. Dutt: Sometime after, a Chandala came to that forest and built a hut for himself. Every evening after sunset he spread his traps.
तत्र स्नायुमयान्पाशान्यथावत्संनिधाय सः गृहं गत्वा सुखं शेते प्रभातामेति शर्वरीम्
M. N. Dutt: Spreading his nets made a leathern strings, he returned to his hut, and, passing the night happily in sleep, returned thert at the dawn of day.
तत्र स्म नित्यं बध्यन्ते नक्तं बहुविधा मृगाः कदाचित्तत्र मार्जारस्त्वप्रमत्तोऽप्यबध्यत
M. N. Dutt: Various sorts of animals fell into his traps nightly. And it so took place that one day the cat in a moment of carelessness was caught in the trap.
तस्मिन्बद्धे महाप्राज्ञः शत्रौ नित्याततायिनि तं कालं पलितो ज्ञात्वा विचचार सुनिर्भयः
M. N. Dutt: O you of great wisdom, when his enemy the cat, who is always an enemy of the mice, was thus caught in the trap, the mouse Palita came out of his hole and began to move about fearlessly.
तेनानुचरता तस्मिन्वने विश्वस्तचारिणा भक्षं विचरमाणेन नचिराद्दृष्टमामिषम्
M. N. Dutt: While confidently passing through the forest in search of food, the mouse after a little while saw the meat.
स तमुन्माथमारुह्य तदामिषमभक्षयत् तस्योपरि सपत्नस्य बद्धस्य मनसा हसन्
M. N. Dutt: Getting upon the trap, the little animal began to eat the flesh. Laughing in his mind, he even got upon his enemy caught in the net.
आमिषे तु प्रसक्तः स कदाचिदवलोकयन् अपश्यदपरं घोरमात्मनः शत्रुमागतम्
M. N. Dutt: Busy with eating the flesh, did not see his own danger, and as he suddenly cast his eyes, he saw there a dreadful enemy of his.
शरप्रसूनसंकाशं महीविवरशायिनम् नकुलं हरिकं नाम चपलं ताम्रलोचनम्
M. N. Dutt: It was a restless mongoose of coppery eyes, of the name of Harita. Living in holes underneath, its body resembled the flower of a reed.
तेन मूषकगन्धेन त्वरमाणमुपागतम् भक्षार्थं लेलिहद्वक्त्रं भूमावूर्ध्वमुखं स्थितम्
AI Translation: By the smell of the mouse, he quickly came, with his face licking, standing on the ground with his face up,
शाखागतमरिं चान्यदपश्यत्कोटरालयम् उलूकं चन्द्रकं नाम तीक्ष्णतुण्डं क्षपाचरम्
AI Translation: He saw another enemy who had taken refuge in a branch, an owl named Candrakānta, sharp-beaked, a nocturnal wanderer,
गतस्य विषयं तस्य नकुलोलूकयोस्तदा अथास्यासीदियं चिन्ता तत्प्राप्य सुमहद्भयम्
AI Translation: The object of his going was then that of the jackal and the owl. Then there arose in him this thought, having attained to that great fear.
आपद्यस्यां सुकष्टायां मरणे समुपस्थिते समन्ताद्भय उत्पन्ने कथं कार्यं हितैषिणा
M. N. Dutt: In such a great danger, when death itself is staring me in the face, when fear prevails on every side, how should one act who seeks his own well being?
स तथा सर्वतो रुद्धः सर्वत्र समदर्शनः अभवद्भयसंतप्तश्चक्रे चेमां परां गतिम्
M. N. Dutt: Beset with danger, and seeing fear on all sides, the mouse, stricken with fear for his safety, made a high resolution.
आपद्विनाशभूयिष्ठा शतैकीयं च जीवितम् समन्तसंशया चेयमस्मानापदुपस्थिता
M. N. Dutt: Preventing numberless dangers by hundreds of means, one should always save his life. Danger, now, besets me on every side.
गतं हि सहसा भूमिं नकुलो मां समाप्नुयात् उलूकश्चेह तिष्ठन्तं मार्जारः पाशसंक्षयात्
M. N. Dutt: If I were to descend from this trap on the ground, without sufficient precautions, the mongoose will surely catch and devour me. If I remain on this trap, the owl will surely catch me. If, again, the cat can free himself for the net, he, also, is certain to devour me.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.37 After 37ab, K3 D4 ins.: *308 उलूके मूर्ध्नि संनद्धे भुजगाराववाक्स्थिते मार्जारे पाशसंबद्धे किं कर्तव्यं मया भवेत् कच्चिद्राजगुणैः षड्भिः सप्तोपायास्तथानघ
न त्वेवास्मद्विधः प्राज्ञः संमोहं गन्तुमर्हति करिष्ये जीविते यत्नं यावदुच्छ्वासनिग्रहम्
M. N. Dutt: It is not proper, therefore, that a person intelligent like myself should lose his wits. I shall, therefore, try me best to save my life, by having recourse to proper means and intelligence.
न हि बुद्ध्यान्विताः प्राज्ञा नीतिशास्त्रविशारदाः संभ्रमन्त्यापदं प्राप्य महतोऽर्थानवाप्य च
M. N. Dutt: An intelligent and wise person and conversant with the science of policy never sinks, however great and terrible may be the danger which threatens him.
न त्वन्यामिह मार्जाराद्गतिं पश्यामि सांप्रतम् विषमस्थो ह्ययं जन्तुः कृत्यं चास्य महन्मया
M. N. Dutt: At present, however, I do not see any other refuge than this cat. He is an enemy. But he is in difficulty. The service that I can do him is verygreat.
जीवितार्थी कथं त्वद्य प्रार्थितः शत्रुभिस्त्रिभिः तस्मादिममहं शत्रुं मार्जारं संश्रयामि वै
M. N. Dutt: Three enemies are trying to devour me, and how should I now act for saving my life? I should now seek refuge with one of those enemies, viz., the cat.
क्षत्रविद्यां समाश्रित्य हितमस्योपधारये येनेमं शत्रुसंघातं मतिपूर्वेण वञ्चये
M. N. Dutt: Following policy, let me advice the cat for his behoof, so that I may, with my intelligence, escape from all three.
अयमत्यन्तशत्रुर्मे वैषम्यं परमं गतः मूढो ग्राहयितुं स्वार्थं संगत्या यदि शक्यते
M. N. Dutt: The cat is my great enemy, but the danger into which he has fallen is very great. Let me see if I can make this foolish creature understand his own interests. Having fallen into such difficulty he may make peace with me.
कदाचिद्व्यसनं प्राप्य संधिं कुर्यान्मया सह बलिना संनिविष्टस्य शत्रोरपि परिग्रहः कार्य इत्याहुराचार्या विषमे जीवितार्थिना
M. N. Dutt: A person, when attacked by a stronger one, should make peace with even an enemy. People conversant with policy say that such should be the conduct of one, who being beset with danger seeks to save his life.
श्रेयान्हि पण्डितः शत्रुर्न च मित्रमपण्डितम् मम ह्यमित्रे मार्जारे जीवितं संप्रतिष्ठितम्
M. N. Dutt: It is better to have a learned person for an enemy than a fool for a friend. As for myself, my life now depends entirely on the hands of my enemy the cat.
हन्तैनं संप्रवक्ष्यामि हेतुमात्माभिरक्षणे अपीदानीमयं शत्रुः संगत्या पण्डितो भवेत्
M. N. Dutt: I shall now speak to the cat about his own liberation. Perhaps, now it would not be wrong to consider the cat an intelligent and learned enemy. Thus did that mouse, surrounded by foes, think.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.46 After 46, K3.5 V1 B Da Dn1.n3 D2.3.5.8 ins.: *309 एवं विचिन्तयामास मूषकः शत्रुचेष्टितम्
ततोऽर्थगतितत्त्वज्ञः संधिविग्रहकालवित् सान्त्वपूर्वमिदं वाक्यं मार्जारं मूषकोऽब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: Having thought thus, the mouse, well-read in the science of Profit and well-acquainted with times when war should be declared and peace made, gently spoke to the cat, saying,
सौहृदेनाभिभाषे त्वा कच्चिन्मार्जार जीवसि जीवितं हि तवेच्छामि श्रेयः साधारणं हि नौ
M. N. Dutt: I speak to you as a friend. O cat! Are you alive? I wish you to live! I seek the good of us both.
न ते सौम्य विषत्तव्यं जीविष्यसि यथा पुरा अहं त्वामुद्धरिष्यामि प्राणाञ्जह्यां हि ते कृते
AI Translation: "Do not be afraid, my dear, you will live as before. I will save you, even if it means giving up my life for you.""
अस्ति कश्चिदुपायोऽत्र पुष्कलः प्रतिभाति माम् येन शक्यस्त्वया मोक्षः प्राप्तुं श्रेयो यथा मया
M. N. Dutt: There is a very good means I see by which you may obtain escape and I may acquire great benefit.
मया ह्युपायो दृष्टोऽयं विचार्य मतिमात्मनः आत्मार्थं च त्वदर्थं च श्रेयः साधारणं हि नौ
M. N. Dutt: By thinking I have found out this expedient for your sake and for my sake, for it will do us both good.
इदं हि नकुलोलूकं पापबुद्ध्यभितः स्थितम् न धर्षयति मार्जार तेन मे स्वस्ति सांप्रतम्
M. N. Dutt: There are the mongoose and the owl, both waiting with evil desire. O cat, so long as they do not attack me, my life is safe.
कूजंश्चपलनेत्रोऽयं कौशिको मां निरीक्षते नगशाखाग्रहस्तिष्ठंस्तस्याहं भृशमुद्विजे
M. N. Dutt: There that wretched owl with restless looks and dreadful cries is seeing me from the branch of that tree! I am stricken with great fear.
सतां साप्तपदं सख्यं सवासो मेऽसि पण्डितः सांवास्यकं करिष्यामि नास्ति ते मृत्युतो भयम्
M. N. Dutt: Good men become friends by walking together only seven steps. Highly wise as you are, you are my friend. I shall treat you as a friend. You need have no fear now.
न हि शक्नोषि मार्जार पाशं छेत्तुं विना मया अहं छेत्स्यामि ते पाशं यदि मां त्वं न हिंससि
M. N. Dutt: Without my help, O cat, you will not be able to tear the net. I, however, shall cut the net for serving you, if you do not kill me.
त्वमाश्रितो नगस्याग्रं मूलं त्वहमुपाश्रितः चिरोषिताविहावां वै वृक्षेऽस्मिन्विदितं हि ते
M. N. Dutt: You have lived on this tree and I have lived at its foot. Both of us have lived here for many long years, All this is known to you.
यस्मिन्नाश्वसते कश्चिद्यश्च नाश्वसते क्वचित् न तौ धीराः प्रशंसन्ति नित्यमुद्विग्नचेतसौ
M. N. Dutt: The wise never laud him whom nobody trusts, nor him who never trusts another. Both of them are unhappy.
तस्माद्विवर्धतां प्रीतिः सत्या संगतिरस्तु नौ कालातीतमपार्थं हि न प्रशंसन्ति पण्डिताः
M. N. Dutt: Therefore, let our love for each other increase, and let us be united. The wise never speak highly of the attempt of doing an act when its opportunity is gone.
अर्थयुक्तिमिमां तावद्यथाभूतां निशामय तव जीवितमिच्छामि त्वं ममेच्छसि जीवितम्
M. N. Dutt: Know this to be the proper time for such a compact between us. I wish that you should live, and you also wish that I should live.
कश्चित्तरति काष्ठेन सुगम्भीरां महानदीम् स तारयति तत्काष्ठं स च काष्ठेन तार्यते
M. N. Dutt: A men crosses a deep and large river by a piece of wood. It is seen there that the man takes the piece of wood to the other side, and the piece of wood also takes the man to the other side.
ईदृशो नौ समायोगो भविष्यति सुनिस्तरः अहं त्वां तारयिष्यामि त्वं च मां तारयिष्यसि
M. N. Dutt: Like this, our agreement will lead to our happiness. I will save you, also, and you also will save me.
एवमुक्त्वा तु पलितस्तदर्थमुभयोर्हितम् हेतुमद्ग्रहणीयं च कालाकाङ्क्षी व्यपैक्षत
M. N. Dutt: Having said so, which was beneficial to both of them, highly reasonable and acceptable, the mouse Palita waited for an answer.
अथ सुव्याहृतं तस्य श्रुत्वा शत्रुर्विचक्षणः हेतुमद्ग्रहणीयार्थं मार्जारो वाक्यमब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: Hearing these well-selected, reasonable and good words of the mouse, the mouse's enemy, endued with judgement and forethought, the cat said these words in reply.
बुद्धिमान्वाक्यसंपन्नस्तद्वाक्यमनुवर्णयन् तामवस्थामवेक्ष्यान्त्यां साम्नैव प्रत्यपूजयत्
M. N. Dutt: Reflecting upon his own condition, the highly intelligent and eloquent cat praised the words of the speaker and honoured him by gentle words.
ततस्तीक्ष्णाग्रदशनो वैडूर्यमणिलोचनः मूषकं मन्दमुद्वीक्ष्य मार्जारो लोमशोऽब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: Quietly looking at the mouse, the cat, called Lomasha, having sharp foreteeth and having eyes that resemble the stones called lapis lazuli answered as followsनन्दामि सौम्य भद्रं ते यो मां जीवितुमिच्छसि।
नन्दामि सौम्य भद्रं ते यो मां जीवन्तमिच्छसि श्रेयश्च यदि जानीषे क्रियतां मा विचारय
AI Translation: "O gentle one, I am pleased with you, for you desire my life. " "If you know what is best, do it, without hesitation."
अहं हि दृढमापन्नस्त्वमापन्नतरो मया द्वयोरापन्नयोः संधिः क्रियतां मा विचारय
M. N. Dutt: I am surely in great distress. You are, if possible, in greater distress still! Let there be an agreement made between us forthwith.
विधत्स्व प्राप्तकालं यत्कार्यं सिध्यतु चावयोः मयि कृच्छ्राद्विनिर्मुक्ते न विनङ्क्ष्यति ते कृतम्
M. N. Dutt: I will do that which is opportune and necessary for the success of our business, O powerful one! If you save me, your service will not go for nothing.
न्यस्तमानोऽस्मि भक्तोऽस्मि शिष्यस्त्वद्धितकृत्तथा निदेशवशवर्ती च भवन्तं शरणं गतः
M. N. Dutt: I leave myself in your hands I am devoted to you. I shall attend and serve you like a disciple. I seek refuge with you and shall always obey you.
इत्येवमुक्तः पलितो मार्जारं वशमागतम् वाक्यं हितमुवाचेदमभिनीतार्थमर्थवत्
M. N. Dutt: Thus accosted, the mouse Palita, speaking again to the cat, who was entirely under his control, said these highly significant and wise words-
उदारं यद्भवानाह नैतच्चित्रं भवद्विधे विदितो यस्तु मार्गो मे हितार्थं शृणु तं मम
M. N. Dutt: You have spoken most magnanimously. It could be expected from one like you. Hear I shall describe the expedient I have thought of for benefiting both of us.
अहं त्वानुप्रवेक्ष्यामि नकुलान्मे महद्भयम् त्रायस्व मां मा वधीश्च शक्तोऽस्मि तव मोक्षणे
M. N. Dutt: I will crouch myself beneath your body. I am in great fear of the mongoose. Do you save me. Kill me not. I am capable to save you.
उलूकाच्चैव मां रक्ष क्षुद्रः प्रार्थयते हि माम् अहं छेत्स्यामि ते पाशान्सखे सत्येन ते शपे
M. N. Dutt: O friend, this owl is also wishing for my life, so you may protect me. I shall cut the strings at that it is true.
तद्वचः संगतं श्रुत्वा लोमशो युक्तमर्थवत् हर्षादुद्वीक्ष्य पलितं स्वागतेनाभ्यपूजयत्
M. N. Dutt: Hearing the words of the mouse at that proper time, knowing very useful Lomasha praised him looking with a smile.
स तं संपूज्य पलितं मार्जारः सौहृदे स्थितः सुविचिन्त्याब्रवीद्धीरः प्रीतस्त्वरित एव हि
M. N. Dutt: Having praised Palita, the cat which was friendly disposed, thought for a moment, and gladly said without losing any time,-
क्षिप्रमागच्छ भद्रं ते त्वं मे प्राणसमः सखा तव प्राज्ञ प्रसादाद्धि क्षिप्रं प्राप्स्यामि जीवितम्
M. N. Dutt: Come quickly to me. Blessed be you, who are, indeed, a friend dear to me as life.o you of great wisdom, through your grace I have almost regained my life.
यद्यदेवंगतेनाद्य शक्यं कर्तुं मया तव तदाज्ञापय कर्ताहं संधिरेवास्तु नौ सखे
M. N. Dutt: Whatever I can do, tell me and I shall do it for your. Let there be peace between us, O friend.
अस्मात्ते संशयान्मुक्तः समित्रगणबान्धवः सर्वकार्याणि कर्ताहं प्रियाणि च हितानि च
M. N. Dutt: Freed from this danger, I shall with all iny friends and relatives, do what is agreeable and good to you.
मुक्तश्च व्यसनादस्मात्सौम्याहमपि नाम ते प्रीतिमुत्पादयेयं च प्रतिकर्तुं च शक्नुयाम्
M. N. Dutt: O amiable one, freed from this danger, I shall surely try to please you, and adore and honour you on every occasion in return for your good offices.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.79 After 79, the sequence in D7 T1 G1.2.5 is: 81ab, 80cd, 80ab. K5 V1 B0.2-5 Da Dn1.n3 D2.3.8 ins. after 79: *310 प्रत्यपकुर्वन्बह्वपि न भाति पूर्वोपकारिणा तुल्यः एकः करोति हि कृते निष्कारणमेव कुरुतेऽन्यः
ग्राहयित्वा तु तं स्वार्थं मार्जारं मूषकस्तदा प्रविवेश सुविस्रब्धः सम्यगर्थांश्चचार ह
AI Translation: Having made that his own interest, the mouse then entered fearlessly and acted according to his own interests.
एवमाश्वासितो विद्वान्मार्जारेण स मूषकः मार्जारोरसि विस्रब्धः सुष्वाप पितृमातृवत्
M. N. Dutt: Learned, and thus assured by the cat, the mouse confidently laid himself thus under the breast of the cat as if it were the lap of his father or of his mother.
लीनं तु तस्य गात्रेषु मार्जारस्याथ मूषकम् तौ दृष्ट्वा नकुलोलूकौ निराशौ जग्मतुर्गृहान्
M. N. Dutt: Seeing him thus enclosed within the body of the cat, the mongoose and the owl both gave up hopes of catching their prey.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.82 After 82, K4.5 V1 B0-2.5 Da Dn1.n3 D2.3.8 ins. (cf. 112-114): *311 तथैव तौ सुसंत्रस्तौ दृढमागततन्द्रितौ दृष्ट्वा तयोः परां प्रीतिं विस्मयं परमं गतौ बलिनौ मतिमन्तौ च सुवृत्तौ चाप्युपासितौ अशक्तौ तु नयात्तस्मात्संप्रधर्षयितुं बलात् कार्यार्थकृतसंधी तौ दृष्ट्वा मार्जारमूषिकौ उलूकनकुलौ तूर्णं जग्मतुस्तौ स्वमालयम्
लीनस्तु तस्य गात्रेषु पलितो देशकालवित् चिच्छेद पाशान्नृपते कालाकाङ्क्षी शनैः शनैः
M. N. Dutt: Thereafter, the mouse Palita, who knew well the requirements of time and place, began, as he lay under the body of the cat, to cut the strings of the noose slowly, waiting for the proper time to finish his work.
अथ बन्धपरिक्लिष्टो मार्जारो वीक्ष्य मूषकम् छिन्दन्तं वै तदा पाशानत्वरन्तं त्वरान्वितः
M. N. Dutt: Pained by the strings that fettered him, the cat became impatient upon seeing the mouse slowly cutting away the noose.
तमत्वरन्तं पलितं पाशानां छेदने तदा संचोदयितुमारेभे मार्जारो मूषकं तदा
AI Translation: Then the cat, in order to incite the mouse, began to urge the mouse, who was hurrying to cut the bonds.
किं सौम्य नाभित्वरसे किं कृतार्थोऽवमन्यसे छिन्धि पाशानमित्रघ्न पुरा श्वपच एति सः
AI Translation: O gentle one, why are you not in a hurry? Why do you despise me, thinking yourself to have accomplished your purpose? O slayer of enemies, cut the bonds, for that dog-eater is coming.
इत्युक्तस्त्वरता तेन मतिमान्पलितोऽब्रवीत् मार्जारमकृतप्रज्ञं वश्यमात्महितं वचः
AI Translation: Thus addressed by him, the wise Palita, in haste, said: "To the cat, who is not wise, he spoke words for his own good:"
तूष्णीं भव न ते सौम्य त्वरा कार्या न संभ्रमः वयमेवात्र कालज्ञा न कालः परिहास्यते
M. N. Dutt: Wait silently, O amiable one! Quickness is not necessary. Remove all your fears. We know the requirements of time. We are not wasting time.
अकाले कृत्यमारब्धं कर्तुं नार्थाय कल्पते तदेव काल आरब्धं महतेऽर्थाय कल्पते
M. N. Dutt: When a work is begun at an improper time, it never becomes profitable when finished. That act, however, which is undertaken at the proper time, yields rich fruits.
अकालविप्रमुक्तान्मे त्वत्त एव भयं भवेत् तस्मात्कालं प्रतीक्षस्व किमिति त्वरसे सखे
M. N. Dutt: If you are freed at an improper time, I shall have to fear you. Therefore, do you wait for the proper moment. Do not be impatient, О friend.
यावत्पश्यामि चण्डालमायान्तं शस्त्रपाणिनम् ततश्छेत्स्यामि ते पाशं प्राप्ते साधारणे भये
M. N. Dutt: When I shall see the hunter come here armed with weapons, I shall cut the strings at that very moment of fear to both of us.
तस्मिन्काले प्रमुक्तस्त्वं तरुमेवाधिरोहसि न हि ते जीवितादन्यत्किंचित्कृत्यं भविष्यति
M. N. Dutt: Freed then, you will get upon the tree and not think of anything else except the safety of your own life.
ततो भवत्यतिक्रान्ते त्रस्ते भीते च लोमश अहं बिलं प्रवेक्ष्यामि भवाञ्शाखां गमिष्यति
M. N. Dutt: And when you, O Lomasha, will fly away in fear, I shall enter my hole and you will ascend the tree.
एवमुक्तस्तु मार्जारो मूषकेणात्मनो हितम् वचनं वाक्यतत्त्वज्ञो जीवितार्थी महामतिः
M. N. Dutt: Thus addressed by the mouse with these beneficial words, the intelligent and eloquent cat, impatient of saving his life, addressed the mouse in the following words.
अथात्मकृत्यत्वरितः सम्यक्प्रश्रयमाचरन् उवाच लोमशो वाक्यं मूषकं चिरकारिणम्
M. N. Dutt: Indeed, the cat, who had quickly and properly carried his own part of the agreement, addressing the mouse who was not quick enough in fulfilling his part, said,-
न ह्येवं मित्रकार्याणि प्रीत्या कुर्वन्ति साधवः यथा त्वं मोक्षितः कृच्छ्रात्त्वरमाणेन वै मया
M. N. Dutt: I saved you from a great danger with considerable promptness. Alas, honest persons never thus do the business of their friends. Filled with joy while doing it, they do it otherwise.
तथैव त्वरमाणेन त्वया कार्यं हितं मम यत्नं कुरु महाप्राज्ञ यथा स्वस्त्यावयोर्भवेत्
M. N. Dutt: You should do quickly what is for my wellbeing. O you of great wisdom, do you try a little so that good may be done to both of us.
अथ वा पूर्ववैरं त्वं स्मरन्कालं विकर्षसि पश्य दुष्कृतकर्मत्वं व्यक्तमायुःक्षयो मम
M. N. Dutt: If, however, remembering our former hostility you are only allowing the time to slip away, know, O wicked creature, that the consequence of this your act will surely lessen your own life.
यच्च किंचिन्मयाज्ञानात्पुरस्ताद्विप्रियं कृतम् न तन्मनसि कर्तव्यं क्षमये त्वां प्रसीद मे
M. N. Dutt: If I have ever, before this, unknowingly done you any wrong, you should not bear it in mind. I beg your pardon. Be pleased with me.
तमेवंवादिनं प्राज्ञः शास्त्रविद्बुद्धिसंमतः उवाचेदं वचः श्रेष्ठं मार्जारं मूषकस्तदा
M. N. Dutt: After the cat had said these words, the intelligent and wise mouse, well-read in the
श्रुतं मे तव मार्जार स्वमर्थं परिगृह्णतः ममापि त्वं विजानीहि स्वमर्थं परिगृह्णतः
M. N. Dutt: I have, O cat, heard what you have said to further your own object. Listen, however, to me as I tell you what is proper for my own objects.
यन्मित्रं भीतवत्साध्यं यन्मित्रं भयसंहितम् सुरक्षितं ततः कार्यं पाणिः सर्पमुखादिव
M. N. Dutt: That friendship which is beset with fear and which cannot be maintained without fear, should be preserved with great caution like the hand (of the snake-charmer) from the snake's fangs!
कृत्वा बलवता संधिमात्मानं यो न रक्षति अपथ्यमिव तद्भुक्तं तस्यानर्थाय कल्पते
M. N. Dutt: The person that does not protect himself after having made an agreement with a stronger individual, sees that is yields instead of good.
न कश्चित्कस्यचिन्मित्रं न कश्चित्कस्यचित्सुहृत् अर्थैरर्था निबध्यन्ते गजैर्वनगजा इव
M. N. Dutt: Nobody is nobody's friend; nobody is nobody's enemy; persons becomes friends or enemies only from motives of interest.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.104 After 104ab, K3 D4.9 read for the first time 145cd, repeating it in its proper place; while K5 V1 B Da Dn1 D1-3.5.8 ins.: *312 अर्थतस्तु निबध्यन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा
न हि कश्चित्कृते कार्ये कर्तारं समवेक्षते तस्मात्सर्वाणि कार्याणि सावशेषाणि कारयेत्
M. N. Dutt: Interest brings interest even as tame elephants catch wild elephants. Again, when a work is done, the doer is hardly thought of. Therefore, all works should be so done that something may remain undone.
तस्मिन्कालेऽपि च भवान्दिवाकीर्तिभयान्वितः मम न ग्रहणे शक्तः पलायनपरायणः
AI Translation: At that time, you were also afraid of Divākara, and were not able to seize me, being intent on fleeing.
छिन्नं तु तन्तुबाहुल्यं तन्तुरेकोऽवशेषितः छेत्स्याम्यहं तदप्याशु निर्वृतो भव लोमश
AI Translation: But the many threads have been cut, and only one thread remains. I will quickly cut that too. Be free from sorrow, O hairy one.
तयोः संवदतोरेवं तथैवापन्नयोर्द्वयोः क्षयं जगाम सा रात्रिर्लोमशं चाविशद्भयम्
M. N. Dutt: While the mouse and the cat were thus conversing, both in serious danger, the night gradually passed away. A great fear, however, possessed the heart of the cat.
ततः प्रभातसमये विकृतः कृष्णपिङ्गलः स्थूलस्फिग्विकचो रूक्षः श्वचक्रपरिवारितः
AI Translation: Then, at dawn, a deformed, black-red, fat-buttocked, open-eyed, rough, surrounded by dogs,
शङ्कुकर्णो महावक्त्रः पलितो घोरदर्शनः परिघो नाम चण्डालः शस्त्रपाणिरदृश्यत
AI Translation: Shankukarna, Mahavaktra, Palita, and the terrible-looking one, The caṇḍāla named Parighā was seen with a weapon in hand.
तं दृष्ट्वा यमदूताभं मार्जारस्त्रस्तचेतनः उवाच पलितं भीतः किमिदानीं करिष्यसि
M. N. Dutt: Seeing that who resembled a messenger of Yama, the cat was stricken with fear. Filled with fear, he addressed Palita, saying,-What will you do now?
अथ चापि सुसंत्रस्तौ तं दृष्ट्वा घोरदर्शनम् क्षणेन नकुलोलूकौ नैराश्यं जग्मतुस्तदा
AI Translation: But when they saw him, who was so terrible to look at, they were very frightened. In a moment, the mongoose and the owl became despondent.
बलिनौ मतिमन्तौ च संघातं चाप्युपागतौ अशक्यौ सुनयात्तस्मात्संप्रधर्षयितुं बलात्
AI Translation: They were strong and wise, and had come to the army. They were not to be overcome by force, even by good policy.
कार्यार्थं कृतसंधी तौ दृष्ट्वा मार्जारमूषकौ उलूकनकुलौ तूर्णं जग्मतुः स्वं स्वमालयम्
AI Translation: Seeing the cat and the mouse who had made an agreement for the sake of their purpose, the owl and the mongoose quickly went to their own homes.
ततश्चिच्छेद तं तन्तुं मार्जारस्य स मूषकः विप्रमुक्तोऽथ मार्जारस्तमेवाभ्यपतद्द्रुमम्
AI Translation: Then the mouse cut that rope of the cat. Then the cat, being released, again attacked that tree.
स च तस्माद्भयान्मुक्तो मुक्तो घोरेण शत्रुणा बिलं विवेश पलितः शाखां भेजे च लोमशः
AI Translation: And he, freed from that fear, freed from the terrible enemy, Entered a hole, and Palita took to a branch.
उन्माथमप्यथादाय चण्डालो वीक्ष्य सर्वशः विहताशः क्षणेनाथ तस्माद्देशादपाक्रमत् जगाम च स्वभवनं चण्डालो भरतर्षभ
M. N. Dutt: Seeing everything, the hunter took up his net. His hopes defeated, he also quickly left that place.
ततस्तस्माद्भयान्मुक्तो दुर्लभं प्राप्य जीवितम् बिलस्थं पादपाग्रस्थः पलितं लोमशोऽब्रवीत्
AI Translation: Then, released from that fear, having obtained life which is difficult to obtain, the one with gray hair, standing on the top of the tree, spoke to the one in the hole.
अकृत्वा संविदं कांचित्सहसाहमुपप्लुतः कृतज्ञं कृतकल्याणं कच्चिन्मां नाभिशङ्कसे
AI Translation: Not having made any agreement, I have been suddenly overwhelmed. Do you not suspect me, who am grateful and well-disposed?
गत्वा च मम विश्वासं दत्त्वा च मम जीवितम् मित्रोपभोगसमये किं त्वं नैवोपसर्पसि
M. N. Dutt: Having created confidence in me and having given me my life, why do you not come to me at a time when friends should enjoy the sweets of friendship?
कृत्वा हि पूर्वं मित्राणि यः पश्चान्नानुतिष्ठति न स मित्राणि लभते कृच्छ्रास्वापत्सु दुर्मतिः
M. N. Dutt: Having made friends, he who forgets them afterwards, is a wicked person and never gets friends at times of danger and necessity.
तत्कृतोऽहं त्वया मित्रं सामर्थ्यादात्मनः सखे स मां मित्रत्वमापन्नमुपभोक्तुं त्वमर्हसि
M. N. Dutt: I have been, O friend, respected and served by you to the best of your power. You should now enjoy the company of my poor self who has become your friend.
यानि मे सन्ति मित्राणि ये च मे सन्ति बान्धवाः सर्वे त्वां पूजयिष्यन्ति शिष्या गुरुमिव प्रियम्
M. N. Dutt: Like disciples adoring their preceptor, all the friends I have, all my relatives and kinsmen, will respect and adore you.
अहं च पूजयिष्ये त्वां समित्रगणबान्धवम् जीवितस्य प्रदातारं कृतज्ञः को न पूजयेत्
M. N. Dutt: I myself too shall adore you with all your friends and kinsmen. What grateful person is there who will not adore the giver of his life.
ईश्वरो मे भवानस्तु शरीरस्य गृहस्य च अर्थानां चैव सर्वेषामनुशास्ता च मे भव
M. N. Dutt: Be you the master of both my body and home! Be you the disposer of all my wealth and properties.
अमात्यो मे भव प्राज्ञ पितेव हि प्रशाधि माम् न तेऽस्ति भयमस्मत्तो जीवितेनात्मनः शपे
M. N. Dutt: Be you my respected adviser and do you govern me like a father! I swear by my life that you need not fear us.
बुद्ध्या त्वमुशनाः साक्षाद्बले त्वधिकृता वयम् त्वन्मन्त्रबलयुक्तो हि विन्देत जयमेव ह
M. N. Dutt: In intelligence you are like Ushanas himself. By the power of your understanding you have conquered us. Clever in policy, you have given us our life.
एवमुक्तः परं सान्त्वं मार्जारेण स मूषकः उवाच परमार्थज्ञः श्लक्ष्णमात्महितं वचः
M. N. Dutt: Accosted thus with sweet words by the cat, the mouse, who knew all which produces the highest good, replied in these sweet words that were beneficial to himself.
यद्भवानाह तत्सर्वं मया ते लोमश श्रुतम् ममापि तावद्ब्रुवतः शृणु यत्प्रतिभाति माम्
M. N. Dutt: I have heard, O Lomasha, all that you have, said. Listen now as I say what I think.
वेदितव्यानि मित्राणि बोद्धव्याश्चापि शत्रवः एतत्सुसूक्ष्मं लोकेऽस्मिन्दृश्यते प्राज्ञसंमतम्
M. N. Dutt: Friends should be well tried. Enemies also should be well studied. In this world, a task like this is considered by even the learned as a difficult one requiring sharp intelligence.
शत्रुरूपाश्च सुहृदो मित्ररूपाश्च शत्रवः सान्त्वितास्ते न बुध्यन्ते रागलोभवशं गताः
M. N. Dutt: Friends appear like enemies, and enemies appear like friends. When agreements of friendship are made, it is difficult for the parties to know whether they are really actuated by lust and anger.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.131 D4 ins. after 131ab: D7 (reading twice) T G2.5 M ins. after 131: *313 एषां सौम्यानि मित्राणि क्रोधनाश्चैव शत्रवः सान्त्वितास्ते न बुध्यन्ते रागलोभवशं गताः
नास्ति जात्या रिपुर्नाम मित्रं नाम न विद्यते सामर्थ्ययोगाज्जायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा
M. N. Dutt: There is no such thing as a friend. It is circumstances which make friends and enemies.
यो यस्मिञ्जीवति स्वार्थं पश्येत्तावत्स जीवति स तस्य तावन्मित्रं स्याद्यावन्न स्याद्विपर्ययः
M. N. Dutt: He, who considers his own interests safe as long as another lives, and thinks himself in danger when the latter dies takes him as his friend so long as those interests of his are not clashed against.
नास्ति मैत्री स्थिरा नाम न च ध्रुवमसौहृदम् अर्थयुक्त्या हि जायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा
M. N. Dutt: There is no condition that passes for ever by the name either of friendship or enemies. Both friends and enemies arise from considerations of interest and gain.
मित्रं च शत्रुतामेति कस्मिंश्चित्कालपर्यये शत्रुश्च मित्रतामेति स्वार्थो हि बलवत्तरः
M. N. Dutt: Friendship becomes enmity in the course of time. An enemy also becomes a friend. Selfinterest is very powerful.
यो विश्वसति मित्रेषु न चाश्वसति शत्रुषु अर्थयुक्तिमविज्ञाय चलितं तस्य जीवितम्
AI Translation: He who trusts his friends and does not trust his enemies, His life is unstable, not knowing the right way to act.
अर्थयुक्तिमविज्ञाय यः शुभे कुरुते मतिम् मित्रे वा यदि वा शत्रौ तस्यापि चलिता मतिः
M. N. Dutt: He, who blindly places confidence in friends and always treats enemies mistrustfully without paying any heed to considerations of policy, finds his life unsafe. He, who, neglecting all considerations of policy, seeks either friends or foes, is regarded as a person whose understanding has been unhinged.
न विश्वसेदविश्वस्ते विश्वस्तेऽपि न विश्वसेत् विश्वासाद्भयमुत्पन्नं मूलान्यपि निकृन्तति
M. N. Dutt: One should not trust a person undeserving of truth, nor should one trust too much a person worthy of trust. The anger from blind confidence is such that it cuts the very roots.
अर्थयुक्त्या हि दृश्यन्ते पिता माता सुतास्तथा मातुला भागिनेयाश्च तथा संबन्धिबान्धवाः
M. N. Dutt: The father, the mother, the son, the maternal uncle, the sister's son, and other relatives and kinsmen, are all moved by interest and profit.
पुत्रं हि मातापितरु त्यजतः पतितं प्रियम् लोको रक्षति चात्मानं पश्य स्वार्थस्य सारताम्
M. N. Dutt: Father and mother may be seen to discard the dear son if he is addicted to irregular practices. People take care of their own selves. See the efficacy of self-interest.
तं मन्ये निकृतिप्रज्ञं यो मोक्षं प्रत्यनन्तरम् कृत्यं मृगयसे कर्तुं सुखोपायमसंशयम्
M. N. Dutt: O highly wise one, his escape is very difficult, who, immediately after he is freed from danger, seeks the means of his enemy's happiness.
अस्मिन्निलय एव त्वं न्यग्रोधादवतारितः पूर्वं निविष्टमुन्माथं चपलत्वान्न बुद्धवान्
M. N. Dutt: You have come down from the top of the tree to this very spot. You could not, from foolishness know that a net had been spread here.
आत्मनश्चपलो नास्ति कुतोऽन्येषां भविष्यति तस्मात्सर्वाणि कार्याणि चपलो हन्त्यसंशयम्
M. N. Dutt: A person, who has no sense, cannot protect his own self. How can be protect others? Such a person, forsooth, ruins all his acts.
ब्रवीति मधुरं कंचित्प्रियो मे ह भवानिति तन्मिथ्याकरणं सर्वं विस्तरेणापि मे शृणु
M. N. Dutt: You speak sweetly that I am very dear to you. Hear me, however, O friends, the reasons which I have on my side.
कारणात्प्रियतामेति द्वेष्यो भवति कारणात् अर्थार्थी जीवलोकोऽयं न कश्चित्कस्यचित्प्रियः
M. N. Dutt: One becomes dear from a sufficient cause. One becomes an enemy from sufficient cause. The entire world of creatures is actuated by the desire of gain. One never becomes dear to another without cause.
सख्यं सोदरयोर्भ्रात्रोर्दंपत्योर्वा परस्परम् कस्यचिन्नाभिजानामि प्रीतिं निष्कारणामिह
AI Translation: Friendship between brothers or between husband and wife, I do not know of any other kind of friendship here that is without a cause.
यद्यपि भ्रातरः क्रुद्धा भार्या वा कारणान्तरे स्वभावतस्ते प्रीयन्ते नेतरः प्रीयते जनः
AI Translation: Even if the brothers are angry or the wife is angry for some reason, they are naturally pleased, but not so the other person.
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापरः मन्त्रहोमजपैरन्यः कार्यार्थं प्रीयते जनः
M. N. Dutt: One becomes dear for his liberality. Another becomes dear for his sweet words. A third becomes so for his religious acts. Generally, a person becomes dear for the purpose he serves.
उत्पन्ने कारणे प्रीतिर्नास्ति नौ कारणान्तरे प्रध्वस्ते कारणस्थाने सा प्रीतिर्विनिवर्तते
M. N. Dutt: The love between us originated from an adequate cause, That cause no longer exists. On the other hand, from sufficient reasons that friendship between us has terminated,
किं नु तत्कारणं मन्ये येनाहं भवतः प्रियः अन्यत्राभ्यवहारार्थात्तत्रापि च बुधा वयम्
M. N. Dutt: What is that reason, I ask, for which I have become so dear to you, besides your desire for eating me up? You should know that I am not forgetful of this.
कालो हेतुं विकुरुते स्वार्थस्तमनुवर्तते स्वार्थं प्राज्ञोऽभिजानाति प्राज्ञं लोकोऽनुवर्तते
M. N. Dutt: Time spoils reasons. You seek your own interests. Otherwise men, again, understand their own interests. The world is guided by the example of the wise. You should not thus speak to a person who is learned and capable of understanding his own interests.
न त्वीदृशं त्वया वाच्यं विदुषि स्वार्थपण्डिते अकालेऽविषमस्थस्य स्वार्थहेतुरयं तव
AI Translation: But you should not speak like this to a wise man who is clever in his own interest. This is not for your own interest, at a time when you are not in a difficult situation
तस्मान्नाहं चले स्वार्थात्सुस्थितः संधिविग्रहे अभ्राणामिव रूपाणि विकुर्वन्ति क्षणे क्षणे
AI Translation: Therefore, I am not shaken from my own goal, well-established in peace and war. Like the forms of clouds, they change from moment to moment.
अद्यैव हि रिपुर्भूत्वा पुनरद्यैव सौहृदम् पुनश्च रिपुरद्यैव युक्तीनां पश्य चापलम्
AI Translation: For today he is an enemy, and today he is a friend; and today he is an enemy again. See the fickleness of policies.
आसीत्तावत्तु मैत्री नौ यावद्धेतुरभूत्पुरा सा गता सह तेनैव कालयुक्तेन हेतुना
M. N. Dutt: There was friendship between us as long as there was necessity for the same. That reason, the outcome of time, is gone. Without it, that friendship also has passed away.
त्वं हि मेऽत्यन्ततः शत्रुः सामर्थ्यान्मित्रतां गतः तत्कृत्यमभिनिर्वृत्तं प्रकृतिः शत्रुतां गता
M. N. Dutt: You are by nature my enemy. From circumsiances you became my friend. That state of things has gone away. The old but natural state of enmity has returned.
सोऽहमेवं प्रणीतानि ज्ञात्वा शास्त्राणि तत्त्वतः प्रविशेयं कथं पाशं त्वत्कृतं तद्वदस्व मे
M. N. Dutt: I am well-read in the dictates of policy; tell me, why shall I enter to-day, for your sake, the net that is spread for me?
त्वद्वीर्येण विमुक्तोऽहं मद्वीर्येण तथा भवान् अन्योन्यानुग्रहे वृत्ते नास्ति भूयः समागमः
M. N. Dutt: Through your power I was freed from a great danger. Through my power you have। been freed from a similar danger. Each of us has served the other. There is no need for us for becoming friends again.
त्वं हि सौम्य कृतार्थोऽद्य निर्वृत्तार्थास्तथा वयम् न तेऽस्त्यन्यन्मया कृत्यं किंचिदन्यत्र भक्षणात्
M. N. Dutt: O amiable one, your object has been accomplished. The object I had, has also been accomplished. You do not require me except to make me your food.
अहमन्नं भवान्भोक्ता दुर्बलोऽहं भवान्बली नावयोर्विद्यते संधिर्नियुक्ते विषमे बले
M. N. Dutt: I am your food. You are the eater. I am weak. You are strong. There cannot be any friendship between us when we are so unevenly placed.
संमन्येऽहं तव प्रज्ञां यन्मोक्षात्प्रत्यनन्तरम् भक्ष्यं मृगयसे नूनं सुखोपायमसंशयम्
M. N. Dutt: I understand your wisdom. Having been released from the net, you speak highly of me so that you may easily make food to me.
भक्ष्यार्थमेव बद्धस्त्वं स मुक्तः प्रसृतः क्षुधा शास्त्रज्ञमभिसंधाय नूनं भक्षयिताद्य माम्
M. N. Dutt: You were entangled in the net for the sake of food. You have been freed from it. You feel now the pangs of hunger. Following wisdom of the scriptures, you try to eat me up to-day.
जानामि क्षुधितं हि त्वामाहारसमयश्च ते स त्वं मामभिसंधाय भक्ष्यं मृगयसे पुनः
M. N. Dutt: I know that you are hungry. I know that this is the time of you taking food. You are seeking your prey, and you have your eyes on me.
यच्चापि पुत्रदारं स्वं तत्संनिसृजसे मयि शुश्रूषां नाम मे कर्तुं सखे मम न तत्क्षमम्
M. N. Dutt: You have sons and wives, You still try to make friends hip srith me and wish to treat me with affection anu do me vices. O friend, I carnot accept this proposal.
त्वया मां सहितं दृष्ट्वा प्रिया भार्या सुताश्च ये कस्मान्मां ते न खादेयुर्हृष्टाः प्रणयिनस्त्वयि
M. N. Dutt: Seeing me with you, why will not your dear wife and your loving children cheerfully eat me up?
नाहं त्वया समेष्यामि वृत्तो हेतुः समागमे शिवं ध्यायस्व मेऽत्रस्थः सुकृतं स्मर्यते यदि
M. N. Dutt: I shall not, therefore, make friendship with you. There is no reason any longer for such a union. If, indeed, you do not forget my good offices, think of what will be good for me and be comfortable.
शत्रोरन्नाद्यभूतः सन्क्लिष्टस्य क्षुधितस्य च भक्ष्यं मृगयमाणस्य कः प्राज्ञो विषयं व्रजेत्
M. N. Dutt: What sane man will place himself under the power of an enemy who is not well-known for virtue, who is hungry, and who is in search of a prey?
स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु गमिष्यामि दूरादपि तवोद्विजे नाहं त्वया समेष्यामि निर्वृतो भव लोमश
AI Translation: May you be well. I shall go away, even from a distance, I am not pleased with you. Be satisfied, O Lomaharshana.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.168 K3.5 V1 B Da Dn1.n3 D2.3.8 ins. after 168: D5 after 166ab: *314 यदि त्वं सुकृतं वेत्सि तत्सख्यमनुसारय विश्वस्तं वा प्रमत्तं वा एतदेव कृतं भवेत्
बलवत्संनिकर्षो हि न कदाचित्प्रशस्यते प्रशान्तादपि मे प्राज्ञ भेतव्यं बलिनः सदा
AI Translation: For the association of the strong is never praised. Even from the peaceful, the wise should always be afraid of the strong.
यदि त्वर्थेन मे कार्यं ब्रूहि किं करवाणि ते कामं सर्वं प्रदास्यामि न त्वात्मानं कदाचन
M. N. Dutt: If you do not seek your own interests, tell me then what is there that I can do for you. I shall certainly give you everything save my life.
आत्मार्थे संततिस्त्याज्या राज्यं रत्नं धनं तथा अपि सर्वस्वमुत्सृज्य रक्षेदात्मानमात्मना
M. N. Dutt: For protecting one's own self one should abandon his very children, kingdom, jewels, and wealth. One should sacrifice one's all for protecting one's own self.
ऐश्वर्यधनरत्नानां प्रत्यमित्रेऽपि तिष्ठताम् दृष्टा हि पुनरावृत्तिर्जीवतामिति नः श्रुतम्
M. N. Dutt: If a person lives he can recover all the wealth that he may have to give to enemies for protecting his life.
न त्वात्मनः संप्रदानं धनरत्नवदिष्यते आत्मा तु सर्वतो रक्ष्यो दारैरपि धनैरपि
M. N. Dutt: It is not desirable to abandon life like one's riches. Indeed, one's own self should always be protected by, as I have already said, even removing his wives and wealth.
आत्मरक्षिततन्त्राणां सुपरीक्षितकारिणाम् आपदो नोपपद्यन्ते पुरुषाणां स्वदोषजाः
M. N. Dutt: Persons who care to protect their own selves and who do all their works after a proper consideration, never suffer from dangers as the consequence of their acts.
शत्रून्सम्यग्विजानन्ति दुर्बला ये बलीयसः तेषां न चाल्यते बुद्धिरात्मार्थं कृतनिश्चया
M. N. Dutt: The weak always regard the powerful as their enemies. Their understanding, based firmly on the truths of the scriptures, is never unhinged.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.175 After 175ab, D7 S (G3.4 absent) ins.: *315 शङ्कनीयः स सर्वत्र प्रियमप्याचरन्सदा कुलजानां सुमित्राणां धार्मिकाणां महात्मनाम्
इत्यभिव्यक्तमेवासौ पलितेनावभर्त्सितः मार्जारो व्रीडितो भूत्वा मूषकं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: Thus rebuked by the mouse palita the cat, hushing with shame, said to the mouse.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.176 After 176, K3.5 V1 B Da Dn1.n3 D2.3.5.8 ins.: *316 लोमश उवाच सत्यं शपे त्वयाहं वै मित्रद्रोहो विगर्हितः K3 V1 B Da Dn1 D5 cont. (cf. 54ab): *317 सतां सप्तपदं मित्रं कथं त्वं मां न विश्वसेः
संमन्येऽहं तव प्रज्ञां यस्त्वं मम हिते रतः उक्तवानर्थतत्त्वेन मया संभिन्नदर्शनः
AI Translation: I approve of your wisdom, since you are intent on my welfare. You have spoken the truth about the matter, with a mind that is open.
न तु मामन्यथा साधो त्वं विज्ञातुमिहार्हसि प्राणप्रदानजं त्वत्तो मम सौहृदमागतम्
AI Translation: But, O good one, you should not know me in any other way. From you, my friendship has come about due to the gift of life.
धर्मज्ञोऽस्मि गुणज्ञोऽस्मि कृतज्ञोऽस्मि विशेषतः मित्रेषु वत्सलश्चास्मि त्वद्विधेषु विशेषतः
AI Translation: I am a knower of dharma, a knower of qualities, and especially a knower of gratitude. I am affectionate towards friends, especially towards those like you.
तन्मामेवंगते साधो न यावयितुमर्हसि त्वया हि याव्यमानोऽहं प्राणाञ्जह्यां सबान्धवः
AI Translation: Therefore, O good man, you should not try to revive me in this state. For, if you revive me, I and my kinsmen will give up our lives.
धिक्शब्दो हि बुधैर्दृष्टो मद्विधेषु मनस्विषु मरणं धर्मतत्त्वज्ञ न मां शङ्कितुमर्हसि
AI Translation: The word "shame" is seen by the wise in the wise like me. O knower of the truth of Dharma, you should not suspect me.
इति संस्तूयमानो हि मार्जारेण स मूषकः मनसा भावगम्भीरं मार्जारं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: Thus addressed by the cat, the mouse, thinking a while, said these weighty words to the former.
साधुर्भवाञ्श्रुतार्थोऽस्मि प्रीयते न च विश्वसे संस्तवैर्वा धनौघैर्वा नाहं शक्यः पुनस्त्वया
M. N. Dutt: You are highly good. I have heard all that you have said and am glad to hear you. For all that, however, I cannot trust you. It is impossible for you, by such eulogiums or by present of great wealth, to induce me to unite with you again.
न ह्यमित्रवशं यान्ति प्राज्ञा निष्कारणं सखे अस्मिन्नर्थे च गाथे द्वे निबोधोशनसा कृते
M. N. Dutt: I tell you, O friend, that the wise never place themselves, without sufficient reason, under the power of an enemy. Regarding this, two stories have been recited by Sage Usanasa. Listen carefully.
शत्रुसाधारणे कृत्ये कृत्वा संधिं बलीयसा समाहितश्चरेद्युक्त्या कृतार्थश्च न विश्वसेत्
M. N. Dutt: Having made an agreement with a stronger one, when both are threatened by enemies, a weak person should act carefully after considerations of policy. Having gained his object, the weaker of the two parties should not again trust the stronger.
Supplementary Passages:
12.136.185 After 185, K4.5 V1 B Dn1.n3 D3.7.9 S (G3.4 absent) ins.: *318 न विश्वसेदविश्वस्ते विश्वस्ते नातिविश्वसेत् नित्यं विश्वासयेदन्यान्परेषां तु न विश्वसेत्
तस्मात्सर्वास्ववस्थासु रक्षेज्जीवितमात्मनः द्रव्याणि संततिश्चैव सर्वं भवति जीवतः
M. N. Dutt: For these reasons one should, under every circumstances, protect his own self. One's possessions, children and everything else are so long valuable as he is alive.
संक्षेपो नीतिशास्त्राणामविश्वासः परो मतः नृषु तस्मादविश्वासः पुष्कलं हितमात्मनः
M. N. Dutt: In short, the highest truth of all works on policy is Mistrust. Therefore, mistrust of all persons yields the greatest good.
वध्यन्ते न ह्यविश्वस्ताः शत्रुभिर्दुर्बला अपि विश्वस्तास्त्वाशु वध्यन्ते बलवन्तोऽपि दुर्बलैः
M. N. Dutt: However weak people may be, if they mistrust their enemies, the latter, even if strong, never succeed in reigning supreme over them.
त्वद्विधेभ्यो मया ह्यात्मा रक्ष्यो मार्जार सर्वदा रक्ष त्वमपि चात्मानं चण्डालाज्जातिकिल्बिषात्
M. N. Dutt: O cat, one like myself should always guard his life from persons like you. Do you also
स तस्य ब्रुवतस्त्वेवं संत्रासाज्जातसाध्वसः स्वबिलं हि जवेनाशु मार्जारः प्रययौ ततः
M. N. Dutt: While the mous, thus spoke, the cat frightened at the mention of the hunter, hastily left the branch of the tree, ran away with great speed.
ततः शास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञो बुद्धिसामर्थ्यमात्मनः विश्राव्य पलितः प्राज्ञो बिलमन्यज्जगाम ह
M. N. Dutt: Having thus shown his power of understanding, the mouse Palita also, who was conve. sant with the trists of scripture and endued with wisdom, entered another hole.
एवं प्रज्ञावता बुद्ध्या दुर्बलेन महाबलाः एकेन बहवोऽमित्राः पलितेनाभिसंधिताः
M. N. Dutt: Bhishma continued Thus did the wise mouse Palita, though weak, and alone, succeed in baffling many powerful enemies.
अरिणापि समर्थेन संधिं कुर्वीत पण्डितः मूषकश्च बिडालश्च मुक्तावन्योन्यसंश्रयात्
M. N. Dutt: An intelligent and learned man should make peace with a powerful enemy. The mouse and the cat escaped by their reliance upon each other's services.
इत्येष क्षत्रधर्मस्य मया मार्गोऽनुदर्शितः विस्तरेण महीपाल संक्षेपेण पुनः शृणु
M. N. Dutt: I have thus pointed out to you fully the course of Kshatriya duties. Listen now to me in brief.
अन्योन्यकृतवैरौ तु चक्रतुः प्रीतिमुत्तमाम् अन्योन्यमभिसंधातुमभूच्चैव तयोर्मतिः
M. N. Dutt: When two persons who were once enemy 1.1ake peace with each other, it is certain that each of them has it in his heart to control the other.
तत्र प्राज्ञोऽभिसंधत्ते सम्यग्बुद्धिबलाश्रयात् अभिसंधीयते प्राज्ञः प्रमादादपि चाबुधैः
M. N. Dutt: In such a case the wise man succeeds by the power of his understanding in controlling the other. He, on the other hand, who has no। wisd m suffers himself, for his carelessness, to be defeated by the wise.
तस्मादभीतवद्भीतो विश्वस्तवदविश्वसन् न ह्यप्रमत्तश्चलति चलितो वा विनश्यति
M. N. Dutt: It is necessary, therefore, that in fear one should appear to be fearless, and, while really mistrusting others, one should seem to be truthful. One, who acts with such carefulness nev r loses his steps, or, even losing it, is never ruined.
कालेन रिपुणा संधिः काले मित्रेण विग्रहः कार्य इत्येव तत्त्वज्ञाः प्राहुर्नित्यं युधिष्ठिर
M. N. Dutt: When the opportunity presents its-self, one should make peace with an enemy; and when the time comes, one should make war with even a friend. Those, who are well read in peace and war, say that one should conduct hiinself thus, O king.
एवं मत्वा महाराज शास्त्रार्थमभिगम्य च अभियुक्तोऽप्रमत्तश्च प्राग्भयाद्भीतवच्चरेत्
M. N. Dutt: knowing this, O king, and remembering the truths of scripture, one should, ser:sibly and carefully, act like a person in fear before the cause of fear actually arrives.
भीतवत्संविधिः कार्यः प्रतिसंधिस्तथैव च भयादुत्पद्यते बुद्धिरप्रमत्ताभियोगजा
M. N. Dutt: One should before the cause of fear actually arrived, act like a person in fear, and make peace with enenies. Such fear and carefulness beget keenness of understanding.
न भयं विद्यते राजन्भीतस्यानागते भये अभीतस्य तु विस्रम्भात्सुमहज्जायते भयम्
M. N. Dutt: If one acts like a man in fear before the cause of fear is so near, one is never filled with fear when that cause actually arrives. And from the fear of a person, who always acts with "carlessness, very great fear criginates.
न भीरुरिति चात्यन्तं मन्त्रोऽदेयः कथंचन अविज्ञानाद्धि विज्ञाते गच्छेदास्पददर्शिषु
M. N. Dutt: Never cherish fear,-such an advice should never be given to any one. The person, who entertains fear from a consciousness of his weakness, always seuks the advice of wise and experienced men.
तस्मादभीतवद्भीतो विश्वस्तवदविश्वसन् कार्याणां गुरुतां बुद्ध्वा नानृतं किंचिदाचरेत्
M. N. Dutt: For these reasons, one should, when afraid, appear to be fearless and when mistrusting (others', should seem to be truthful. One should not, even iil serious acts, !reat others with falsehood.
एवमेतन्मया प्रोक्तमितिहासं युधिष्ठिर श्रुत्वा त्वं सुहृदां मध्ये यथावत्समुपाचर
M. N. Dutt: Thus have recited to you, O Yudhishthira, the old story (of the mouse and the cat). Havii.g listened to it, do you: act properly in the midst of your friends and kinsmen.
उपलभ्य मतिं चाग्र्यामरिमित्रान्तरं तथा संधिविग्रहकालं च मोक्षोपायं तथापदि
M. N. Dutt: Deriving a great lesson from that story, and learning the difference between friend and enemy and the proper time for war and peace, You will discover means of escape when beset with dangers.
शत्रुसाधारणे कृत्ये कृत्वा संधिं बलीयसा समागमं चरेद्युक्त्या कृतार्थो न च विश्वसेत्
M. N. Dutt: Making peace, at a time of common danger, with a powerful enemy, you should act with proper consideration when uniting yourself with hin (when the common danger is gone). Indeed, having gained your objeci, you should not trust the enemies again.
अविरुद्धां त्रिवर्गेण नीतिमेतां युधिष्ठिर अभ्युत्तिष्ठ श्रुतादस्माद्भूयस्त्वं रञ्जयन्प्रजाः
M. N. Dutt: This path of policy is quite of a piece with the three-fold objects of life, (viz., Virtue, Profit, and Pleasure) O king! Guided by this Shruti, do you acquire prosperity by once more protecting your subjects.
ब्राह्मणैश्चापि ते सार्धं यात्रा भवतु पाण्डव ब्राह्मणा हि परं श्रेयो दिवि चेह च भारत
M. N. Dutt: O son of Pandu, always try to associate with Brahmanas in all your acts! Brahmanas give great benefit both in this world and the next.
एते धर्मस्य वेत्तारः कृतज्ञाः सततं प्रभो पूजिताः शुभकर्माणः पूर्वजित्या नराधिप
M. N. Dutt: They are teachers of duty and morality. They are always grateful, O powerful one! If adored, they are sure to do you good. Therefore, o king, you should always adore them.
राज्यं श्रेयः परं राजन्यशः कीर्तिं च लप्स्यसे कुलस्य संततिं चैव यथान्यायं यथाक्रमम्
M. N. Dutt: You will then, O king, duly acquire ki'igdom, great food, fame, achievements, and offspring in their proper order.
द्वयोरिमं भारत संधिविग्रहं; सुभाषितं बुद्धिविशेषकारितम् तथान्ववेक्ष्य क्षितिपेन सर्वदा; निषेवितव्यं नृप शत्रुमण्डले
M. N. Dutt: Always looking at this history of peace and war between the mouse and the cat, written in excellent words and capable of sharpening the intelleci, a king should always act in thie midst of his enemies,