SECTION XXIX
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Saradwata's son, Kripa said, 'What the aged
Bhishma hath said concerning the Pandavas is reasonable, suited to the
occasion, consistent with virtue and profit, agreeable to the ear,
fraught with sound reason, and worthy of him. Listen also to what I would
say on this subject. It behoveth you to ascertain the track they have
followed and their abode also by means of spies,[23] and to adopt that
policy which may bring about your welfare. O child, he that is solicitous
of his welfare should not disregard even an ordinary foe. What shall I
say, then, O child, of the Pandavas who are thorough masters of all
weapons in battle. When, therefore, the time cometh for the reappearance
of the high-souled Pandavas, who, having entered the forest,[24] are now
passing their days in close disguise, you shouldst ascertain thy
strength both in your own kingdom and in those of other kings. Without
doubt, the return of the Pandavas is at hand. When their promised term of
exile is over, the illustrious and mighty sons of Pritha, endued with
immeasurable prowess, will come hither bursting with energy. Do thou,
therefore, in order to conclude an advantageous treaty with them, have
recourse to sound policy and address thyself to increase your forces and
improve the treasury. O child, ascertaining all these, reckon you thy
own strength in respect of all your allies weak and strong.[25]
Ascertaining the efficiency, and weakness, and indifference of thy
forces, as also who amongst them are well-affected and who are
disaffected, 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 your foes and subdue the weak
by might, and win over your allies and troops and by soft speeches. When
thou hast (by these means) strengthened your army and filled your treasury,
entire success will be thine. When you hast done all this, you wilt be
able to fight with powerful enemies that may present themselves, let
alone the sons of Pandu deficient in troops animals of their own. By
adopting all these expedients according to the customs of your order, thou
wilt, O foremost of men, attain enduring happiness in due time!'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 4 : UPA-PARVA 29 ---------------------
