12.129
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Of the diminished, the procrastinator, the compassionate, among relatives, of one whose citizens and kingdom are disaffected, and of one whose wealth is exhausted.
O Bhārata, in every way, the chief who is doubted, the counsel that is merely heard, the friend who is not trusted, and the minister who is divided are all unreliable.
Tell me, when a weak person is attacked by a stronger enemy force and is mentally afflicted, what should be done?
Bhīṣma said.
If an external enemy wishes to conquer, one should be skilled in dharma and artha, pure, and quickly make alliances, releasing the previous ones.
If a powerful person, intent on evil and seeking to conquer through unrighteousness, arises, one should make peace with him by self-restraint.
If one must, he should abandon the capital city or move to another place. Whether that is possible or not, he should strive to earn wealth again while living.
But as for those calamities that can be overcome merely by renunciation, who there, being wise in wealth and righteousness, would abandon himself even more?
One should feel aversion due to confinement; what compassion is appropriate regarding a rival's wealth? But indeed, the self should never be given away in any way, if it can be avoided.
Yudhishthira said.
When there is turmoil within, oppression outside, the treasury is depleted, and counsel is lost, what action remains to be done?
Bhīṣma said.
One should either quickly seek alliance or act with sharp prowess; the swift removal of the army—this is the essential rule in battle.
O king, a ruler who is devoted, well-nourished, and joyful can conquer the earth even with a small army.
If slain, he ascends to heaven; if victorious, he lives on earth. But if he gives up his life in battle, he attains the same world as Indra.
One should, after considering the ways of all people and adopting gentleness, proceed; from trust, one should act with humility or decide even about sandals.
If he wishes to depart, or as he desires, he should first try to conciliate. Then, having gone in disguise with a friend, he should approach himself.
