wealth and grain, is said to be confirmed.  When the king thinks that his power is greater than that of a foe, he should then, aided by his intelligence, seek to acquire the latter’s territories and wealth.  A king whose resources are increasing, who is compassionate unto all creatures, who never loses any time by procrastination, and who is careful in protecting, his own self, succeeds in earning advancement.  That king who behaves deceitfully towards his own people that have not been guilty of any fault, shears his own self like a person cutting down a forest with an axe.  If the king does not always attend to the task of slaying his foes, the latter do not diminish.  That king, again, who knows how to kill his own temper finds no enemies.  If the king be possessed of wisdom, he would never do any act that is disapproved by good men.  He would, on the other hand, always engage himself in such acts as would lead to his own benefit and that of others.  That king who, having accomplished all his duties, becomes happy in the approbation of his own conscience, has never to incur the reproach of others and indulge in regrets.  That king who observes such conduct towards men succeeds in subjugating both the worlds and enjoy the fruits of victory.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Thus addressed by Vamadeva, king Vasumana did as he was directed.  Without doubt, thyself also, following these counsels, shalt succeed in conquering both the worlds.’”

SECTION XCV

“Yudhishthira said, ’If a Kshatriya desires to subjugate another Kshatriya in battle, how should the former act in the matter of that victory?  Questioned by me, do thou answer it.’

“Bhishma said, ’The king, with or without an army at his back, entering the dominions of the king he would subjugate, should say unto all the people, ’I am your king.  I shall always protect you.  Give me the just tribute or encounter me in battle.’  If the people accept him for their king, there need not be any fighting.  If, without being Kshatriyas by birth, they show signs of hostility, they should then, observant as they are of practices not laid down for them, be sought to be restrained by every means.  People of the other orders do take up arms (for resisting the invader) if they behold the Kshatriya unarmed for fight, incapable of protecting himself, and making too much of the enemy.’[279]

“Yudhishthira said ’Tell me, O grandsire, how that Kshatriya king should conduct himself in fight who advances against another Kshatriya king.’

“Bhishma said, ’A Kshatriya must not put on armour for fighting a Kshatriya unclad in mail.  One should fight one, and abandon the opponent when the latter becomes disabled.[280] If the enemy comes clad in mail, his opponent also should put on mail.  If the enemy advances backed by an army, one should, backed by an army, challenge him to battle.  If the enemy fights aided by deceit, he should be met