For these reasons, one should, when in fear, seem to be fearless, and when mistrusting (others) should seem to be trustful.  One should not, in view of even the gravest acts, behave towards others with falsehood.  Thus have I recited to thee, O Yudhishthira, the old story (of the mouse and the cat).  Having listened to it, do thou act duly in the midst of thy friends and kinsmen.  Deriving from that story a high understanding, and learning the difference between friend and foe and the proper time for war and peace, thou wilt discover means of escape when overwhelmed with danger.  Making peace, at a time of common danger, with one that is powerful, thou shouldst act with proper consideration in the matter of uniting thyself with the foe (when the common danger has passed away).  Indeed, having gained thy object, thou shouldst not trust the foe again.  This path of policy is consistent with the aggregate of three (viz., Virtue, Profit, and Pleasure), O king!  Guided by this Sruti, do thou win prosperity by once more protecting thy subjects.  O son of Pandu, always seek the companionship of Brahmanas in all thy acts.  Brahmans constitute the great source of benefit both in this world and the next.  They are teachers of duty and morality.  They are always grateful, O puissant one!  If worshipped, they are sure to do thee good.  Therefore, O king, thou shouldst always worship them.  Thou wilt then, O king, duly obtain kingdom, great good, fame, achievement’s and progeny in their proper order.  With eyes directed to this history of peace and war between the mouse and the cat, this history couched in excellent words and capable of sharpening the intelligence, a king should always conduct himself in the midst of his foes.’”

SECTION CXXXIX

“Yudhishthira said, ’Thou hast laid it down, O mighty one, that no trust should be placed upon foes.  But how would the king maintain himself if he were not to trust anybody?  From trust, O king, thou hast said, great danger arises to kings.  But how, O monarch, can a king, without trusting others, conquer his foes?  Kindly remove this doubt of mine.  My mind has become confused, O grandsire, at what I have heard thee say on the subject of mistrust.’

“Bhishma said, ’Listen, O king, to what happened at the abode of Brahmadatta, viz., the conversation between Pujani and king Brahmadatta.  There was a bird named Pujani who lived for a long time with king Brahmadatta in the inner apartments of his palace at Kampilya.  Like the bird Jivajivaka, Pujani could mimic the cries of all animals.  Though a bird by birth, she had great knowledge and was conversant with every truth.  While living there, she brought forth an offspring of great splendour.  At the very same time the king also got by his queen a son.  Pujani, who was grateful for the shelter of the king’s roof, used every day to go to the shores of the ocean and bring a couple of fruits for the nourishment of