of such wisdom and such prowess, never indulges in grief for union and separation, for good or evil.  A person of such mildness of disposition, well-restrained soul, and settled conclusions, and observant of Brahmacharya vows, never indulges in grief and never becomes restless from desire of acquiring or fear of losing anything of small value.  It is not fit that such a man should adopt a deceitful life of mendicancy, a life that is sinful and wicked and cruel and worthy of only a wretch among men.  Do thou repair to the great forest and lead a life of happiness there, all alone and subsisting upon fruit and roots, restraining speech and soul, and filled with compassion for all creatures.  He that cheerfully leads such a life in the forest, with large-tusked elephants for companions, with no human being by his side, and contented with the produce of the wilderness, is said to act after the manner of the wise.  A large lake when it becomes turbid, resumes its tranquillity of itself.  Similarly, a man of wisdom, when disturbed in such matters, becomes tranquil of himself.  I see that a person that has fallen into such a plight as thine may live happily even thus.  When thy prosperity is almost impossible to recover, and when thou art without ministers and counsellors, such a course is open to thee.  Dost thou hope to reap any benefit by depending upon destiny?’”

SECTION CV

“The sage said, ’If, on the other hand, O Kshatriya, thou thinkest that thou hast any prowess still, I shall discourse to thee about that line of policy which thou mayst adopt for recovering thy kingdom.  If thou canst follow that line of policy and seek to exert thyself, thou canst still recover thy prosperity.  Listen attentively to all that I say unto thee in detail.  If thou canst act according to those counsels, thou mayst yet obtain vast wealth, indeed, thy kingdom and kingly power and great prosperity.  If thou likest it, O king, tell me, for then I shall speak to thee of that policy.’

“The king said, ’Tell me, O holy one, what thou wishest to say.  I am willing to hear and act according to thy counsels.  Let this my meeting with thee today be fruitful of consequences (to myself).’

“The sage said, ’Renouncing pride and desire and ire and joy and fear, wait upon thy very foes, humbling thyself and joining thy hands.  Do thou serve Janaka the ruler of Mithila, always performing good and pure deeds.  Firmly devoted to truth, the king of Videha will certainly give thee great wealth.  Thou shalt then become the right arm of that king and obtain the trust of all persons.  As a consequence of this, thou shalt then succeed in obtaining many allies possessed of courage and perseverance, pure in behaviour, and free from the seven principal faults.  A person of restrained soul and having his senses under control, by adhering to his duties, succeeds in raising himself and gladdening others.  Honoured by Janaka possessed of intelligence