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Pancharatra: Bhishma concludes the day's teaching by saying: break the enemy's side by both crooked and straight means; delighting the armies, constantly supervising the people, being tireless in duties, and likewise increasing the treasury - are essential; a kingdom is a vast and complex system, hard to sustain for those lacking self-mastery.

Bhīṣma said.

O Yudhishthira, this is the essence of kingly duties for you; for Bṛhaspati, the revered one, indeed praises no other duty.

Viśālākṣa, the venerable one, Kāvya (Śukra), the great ascetic, Sahasrākṣa (Indra), Mahendra, and also Manu, the son of Pracetas, were present.

Bharadvāja and the venerable Gaurashira, both sages, were authors of treatises on polity, devoted to Brahman and expounders of Brahman.

O lotus-copper-eyed, best of the upholders of dharma, protection and righteousness are praised as the means for kings; now listen here.

O Yudhishthira, a spy and an agent at the right time, giving gifts, absence of envy; giving with reason, and not taking improperly—these are to be practiced.

Gathering the virtuous, valor, dexterity, truth, and the welfare of the people; breaking the enemy's side by both crooked and straight means.

Never abandon the virtuous, support the noble, accumulate and serve even the lowly, and also the wise.

Always delighting the armies, constantly supervising the people, being tireless in duties, and likewise increasing the treasury—these are essential.

Protection of the city, trust, breaking up of citizen assemblies, inspection of banners and of those that are worn out, and indeed care for those who are declining.

The application of the two kinds of punishment should be determined according to the time; likewise, the investigation of enemies, neutrals, and friends should be conducted as appropriate.

Secret instigation among one's servants by revealing oneself to others, distrust in oneself, and likewise, giving reassurance to another.

Always follow conduct and righteousness, be ever diligent, never disregard enemies, and always avoid the ignoble.

Bṛhaspati spoke thus: "The effort of kings is paramount; listen to the verses here, which are the foundation of royal duty, as I explain them to you."

Through effort, the nectar of immortality was gained; through effort, the demons were destroyed; through effort, Mahendra (Indra) attained supremacy both in heaven and on earth.

A man who is steadfast in effort commands those who are wise in speech. The wise in speech delight in and honor the one who is resolute in effort.

Even an intelligent king who lacks initiative is always liable to be oppressed by his enemies, just as a serpent without poison is vulnerable.

One should never disregard an enemy, even if he is weak, when one is strong. For even a small fire can burn, and a little poison can destroy.

Even a single enemy, if he arises with just one horse and takes refuge in a fortress, can trouble any country, even one that is prosperous and ruled by a king.

The king's secret words, whether for victory, for the welfare of the people, or whatever may be hidden in his heart or spoken for a particular reason, should be understood accordingly.

Whatever action of his that is sinful is borne only with honesty. For the sake of impressing people, one should perform the most righteous act.

Indeed, a kingdom is a vast and complex system, hard to sustain for those lacking self-mastery; the highest position, which is subject to many challenges, cannot be borne by the weak.

O Yudhishthira, a kingdom and all its desires are always sustained here by honesty. Therefore, one should always act with a mixture (of qualities or means).

Even if a protector's subjects face calamity, his righteousness is still great; for kings of such conduct, this is indeed the case.

This is a portion of the royal duties described to you. If you have any further doubt, tell me, O best of speakers.

Vaiśampāyana said.

Then Vyāsa, the venerable Devasthāna with Aśman, Vāsudeva, Kṛpa, Sātyaki, and Sañjaya were also present.

Delighted, their faces shining as if prospering, they exclaimed "Well done, well done!" and praised Bhishma, the tiger among men, the foremost among the upholders of dharma.

Then, with a sorrowful heart, the foremost of the Kurus spoke to Bhishma, his eyes brimming with tears, as he gently touched his feet.

O grandsire, tomorrow I will ask you my own doubt. Now the Sun also approaches its setting, having drunk the essence of the earth.

Then, after saluting the twice-born, Keśava, Kṛpa, and Yudhiṣṭhira and the others, circumambulated the son of the great river and then, filled with joy, ascended their chariots.

The well-vowed ones, having bathed in the Dṛṣadvatī, performed the water-rites and completed auspicious mutterings. Having duly worshipped the twilight, those scorcher of foes then entered the city of Gajāhvaya (Hastināpura).