by disgrace, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household.  That learned courtier who always pleaseth the king and his son with agreeable speeches, succeedeth in dwelling in a royal household as a favourite.  The favourite courtier who, having lost the royal favour for just reason, does not speak evil of the king, regains prosperity.  The man who serveth the king or liveth in his domains, if sagacious, should speak in praise of the king, both in his presence and absence.  The courtier who attempts to obtain his end by employing force on the king, cannot keep his place long and incurs also the risk of death.  None should, for the purpose of self-interest, open communications with the king’s enemies.[8] Nor should one distinguish himself above the king in matters requiring ability and talents.  He that is always cheerful and strong, brave and truthful, and mild, and of subdued senses, and who followeth his master like his shadow, is alone worthy to dwell in a royal household.  He that on being entrusted with a work, cometh forward, saying,—­I will do this—­is alone worthy of living in a royal household.  He that on being entrusted with a task, either within the king’s dominion or out of it, never feareth to undertake it, is alone fit to reside in a royal household.  He that living away from his home, doth no remember his dear ones, and who undergoeth (present) misery in expectation of (future) happiness, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household.  One should not dress like the king, nor should one indulge, in laughter in the king’s presence nor should one disclose royal secrets.  By acting thus one may win royal favour.  Commissioned to a task, one should not touch bribes for by such appropriation one becometh liable to fetters or death.  The robes, ornaments, cars, and other things which the king may be pleased to bestow should always be used, for by this, one winneth the royal favour.  Ye children, controlling your minds, do ye spend this year, ye sons of Pandu, behaving in this way.  Regaining your own kingdom, ye may live as ye please.”

Yudhishthira said, “We have been well taught by thee.  Blessed be thou.  There is none that could say so to us, save our mother Kunti and Vidura of great wisdom.  It behoveth thee to do all that is necessary now for our departure, and for enabling us to come safely through this woe, as well as for our victory over the foe.”

Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, Dhaumya, that best of Brahmanas, performed according to the ordinance the rites ordained in respect of departure.  And lighting up their fires, he offered, with mantras, oblations on them for the prosperity and success of the Pandavas, as for their reconquest of the whole world.  And walking round those fires and round the Brahmanas of ascetic wealth, the six set out, placing Yajnaseni in their front.  And when those heroes had departed, Dhaumya, that best of ascetics, taking their sacred fires, set out for the Panchalas.  And Indrasena, and others already mentioned, went to the Yadavas, and looking after the horses and the cars of the Pandavas passed their time happily and in privacy.”