04.004
Yudhiṣṭhira said;
You will do those actions as spoken by you, and I too will, with determination and as my understanding suggests, do those which are agreeable to me. (04-4-1)
May this household priest protect our fire-offerings together with the cooks and priests in Drupada's dwelling. (04-4-2)
My thought is this: let these (warriors), with Indrasena at their head, taking only chariots, quickly proceed to Dvāravatī. (04-4-3)
Let these women, the attendants of Draupadī, all together, go to the Pāñcāla country along with the cooks and chaplains. (04-4-4)
It should also be said by everyone that the Pāṇḍavas are not found; they have indeed all left us and gone from the Dvaita forest. (04-4-5)
Dhaumya said.
When something is known and is to be spoken by affectionate friends, therefore I too shall state it. Please understand only the reason for this. (04-4-6)
Indeed, O princes, I show you this royal residence so that, upon serving in the royal household, the servant will not suffer any harm. (04-4-7)
But, O Kauravya, Durvasa—knowing this—remained in the royal palace, unhonored by those unrecognized, he who was worthy of great honor, for a year. (04-4-8)
One who has a destined way should find a method, and should not trust kings. One should only seek such a position where no one else can cause harm. (04-4-9)
He should not mount any vehicle, couch, seat, elephant, or chariot, thinking 'I am approved,' and he should reside in the royal residence. (04-4-10)
Therefore, wherever wicked persons might suspect him (of wrongdoing) while sitting there, he should never sit there; he should reside in the royal residence. (04-4-11)
One must never instruct a king who has not enquired; instead, one should serve him silently, showing him due honor at the appropriate time. (04-4-12)
Kings are indeed envious of people who speak untruth, and in the same way, they also despise a minister who speaks falsely. (04-4-13)
A wise man should never make friendship with the wives of these men. Those who live in the women's quarters, those who are hostile, and those who are not well-wishers. (4-4-14)
When his intentions are known, even the easiest tasks should be performed; in this manner, as the king acts thus, he suffers no loss anywhere. (04-4-15)
One should carefully serve him as one would serve fire or a deity; for if he is honored with falsehood, it would undoubtedly harm him. (04-4-16)
She should exactly follow whatever conduct the husband pursues. She must avoid error, neglect, and anger. (04-4-17)
In every situation, whether of benefit or affection, one should praise only the beneficial; and to him, even more than what is pleasing, one should speak what is for his good. (04-4-18)
He should be supportive in every matter and in conversations, and should not tell him anything disagreeable or harmful. (04-4-19)
A wise person, not thinking ‘I am not dear to him’, should serve. Being vigilant and diligent, he should do what is beneficial and whatever is pleasing. (04-4-20)
He should not engage in undesirable acts of his own, should not associate with wicked people, should not leave his own place, and should reside in the king's residence. (04-4-21)
A learned person should sit either on the right or left side. The position for armed guards is prescribed behind. A prominent seat in the front is always forbidden. (04-4-22)
One should not utter anything—even something greatly increased—in the presence of others; for truly, this is the prime place of deceit for the poor. (04-4-23)
One should not make known among men what the king has falsely spoken; nor should mention that man whom the kings disparage. (04-4-24)
One should not be arrogant saying "I am brave" or again "I am intelligent". Only by pleasing conduct does one become dear to the king and thereby live a life of enjoyment. (04-4-25)
After attaining sovereignty, which is difficult to obtain, and what is dear through kingship, a king should remain vigilant, both toward those who are dear and those who are beneficial. (04-4-26)
Whose anger is a great affliction and whose favor yields great rewards—who, even in thought, would desire misfortune for such a person, being esteemed by the wise? (04-4-27)
He should never twist his lips, nor abbreviate a sentence; always, sneezing, passing wind, and spitting—these he should do quietly. (04-4-28)
Even when some humorous things are present, one should not be overly delighted, nor should one laugh like a madman. (04-4-29)
One should not act with excessive reserve, since true dignity is thus achieved. But a smile, arising from gladness, should be shown with a gentle manner. (04-4-30)
He who does not rejoice in gain, is not distressed by insult, and who is always unconfused, is fit to dwell in the king's palace. (04-4-31)
Whoever, as a wise minister, always supports the king or the prince, he remains in prosperity for a long time. (04-4-32)
A minister who is restrained and controlled by proper reasons does not constrain the king and again obtains favor. (04-4-33)
One who is discerning and speaks of virtues, understanding both what is directly and indirectly perceived, should be a dependent of the king and should reside within the king’s domain. (04-4-34)
A minister who, indeed, seeks to forcefully obtain enjoyment from the king will not long hold his position and will face danger to his life. (04-4-35)
When a person recognizes the excellence of a virtuous nature, he should not engage in discussion about others with the king; nor should he always single out the king in appropriate situations. (04-4-36)
He who is unwithered, strong, heroic, constantly unwavering like a shadow, truthful, gentle, and self-restrained should reside in the royal palace. (04-4-37)
But when another is being sent, whoever rushes forward first saying, 'What shall I do?'—he should stay in the king's palace. (04-4-38)
Whether it is hot or cold, at night or by day—if commanded, he should not hesitate; he should stay in the royal residence. (04-4-39)
Whoever departs from his home and lives abroad should not remember loved ones; he should seek happiness through hardship and reside in the royal household. (04-4-40)
One should not display intimacy, nor laugh too loudly in the presence (of the king); one should not offer advice repeatedly; in this way, one would become dear to the king. (04-4-41)
Unless employed in work, one should not touch anything tied up; for (one) certainly obtains the charge of stolen goods, imprisonment, or even execution. (04-4-42)
He should always wear the vehicle, cloth, ornaments, and whatever else is given; in this way, he becomes dearer. (04-4-43)
O dear one, remain here for this year in this way, desiring to enjoy; then, after reaching your own territories, you will move about as you wish. (04-4-44)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
You have already been instructed—good for you!—there is not anyone else who could speak thus to us, except for our mother Kuntī and the greatly wise Vidura. (04-4-45)
You ought to perform whatever is indeed the next task, for the purpose of deliverance from this suffering, for departure, and for victory. (04-4-46)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, when addressed by the king, Dhaumya, the best of the twice-born, performed all that is prescribed for a departure, in full accordance with the rules. (04-4-47)
He kindled their fires, and offered oblations with mantras for prosperity, growth, and the conquest of the earth. (04-4-48)
After circling the fire and the Brāhmaṇas, who are endowed with austerity, to the right, and with Yājñasenī at the forefront, the six of them then departed. (04-4-49)
