Vedas and the religious ordinances; while men maintain themselves by (following) the ordinances of Vrihaspati and Usanas and also by these avocations, by which the world is maintained,—­serving for wages, (receiving) taxes, merchandise, agriculture and tending kine and sheep.  The world subsisteth by profession.  The (study of the) three Vedas and agriculture and trade and government constitutes, it is ordained by the wise, the professions of the twice born ones; and each order maintaineth itself by following the profession prescribed for it.  And when these callings are properly pursued, the world is maintained with ease.  If, however, people do not righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in consequence of the want of Vedic merit and government.  And if people do not resort to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish, but by regularly following the three professions, they bring about religion.  The religion of the Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge of the soul and the hue of that order alone is universally the same.  The celebration of sacrifices, and study and bestowal of gifts are well-known to be the three duties common (to all these orders).  Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the acceptance of gifts are the duties of a Brahmana.  To rule (the subjects) is the duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya, while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the Sudra.  The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform homas, or observe vows; and they must dwell in the habitation of their masters.  Thy vocation, O son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya, which is to protect (the subjects).  Do thou carry out thy own duties, in an humble spirit, restraining thy senses.  That king alone can govern, who taketh counsel of experienced men, and is helped by honest, intelligent and learned ministers; but a king who is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat.  Then only is the order of the world secured, when the king duly punisheth and conferreth favours.  Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain through spies the nature of the hostile country, its fortified places and the allied force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the way in which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to their side.  Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king; and tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness lead to success.  And success is to be attained through these, either in separation, or combined—­namely, conciliation, gift, sowing dissensions, chastisement, and sight.  And, O chief of the Bharatas, polity hath for its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is the main qualification of spies.  And polity, if well judged conferreth success.  Therefore, in matters of polity the counsels of Brahmanas should be resorted to.  And in secret affairs, these should not be consulted,—­namely, a woman, a sot, a boy, a covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that betrayeth signs of insanity.