Chapter 29

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Saradwata’s son, Kripa said, ‘What the agedBhishma hath said concerning the Pandavas is reasonable, suited to theoccasion, consistent with virtue and profit, agreeable to the ear,fraught with sound reason, and worthy of him. Listen also to what I wouldsay on this subject. It behoveth thee to ascertain the track they havefollowed and their abode also by means of spies,[23] and to adopt thatpolicy which may bring about thy welfare. O child, he that is solicitousof his welfare should not disregard even an ordinary foe. What shall Isay, then, O child, of the Pandavas who are thorough masters of allweapons in battle. When, therefore, the time cometh for the reappearanceof the high-souled Pandavas, who, having entered the forest,[24] are nowpassing their days in close disguise, thou shouldst ascertain thystrength both in thy own kingdom and in those of other kings. Withoutdoubt, the return of the Pandavas is at hand. When their promised term ofexile is over, the illustrious and mighty sons of Pritha, endued withimmeasurable prowess, will come hither bursting with energy. Do thou,therefore, in order to conclude an advantageous treaty with them, haverecourse to sound policy and address thyself to increase thy forces andimprove the treasury. O child, ascertaining all these, reckon thou thyown strength in respect of all thy allies weak and strong.[25]Ascertaining the efficiency, and weakness, and indifference of thyforces, as also who amongst them are well-affected and who aredisaffected, we should either fight the foe or make treaty with him.Having recourse to the arts of conciliation, disunion, chastisement,bribery, presents and fair behaviour, attack thy foes and subdue the weakby might, and win over thy allies and troops and by soft speeches. Whenthou hast (by these means) strengthened thy army and filled thy treasury,entire success will be thine. When thou hast done all this, thou wilt beable to fight with powerful enemies that may present themselves, letalone the sons of Pandu deficient in troops animals of their own. Byadopting all these expedients according to the customs of thy order, thouwilt, O foremost of men, attain enduring happiness in due time!'”