all for protecting one’s own self.  If a person lives he can recover all the affluence that he may have to give unto foes for protecting his life.  It is not desirable to give up life like one’s wealth.  Indeed, one’s own self should always be protected by, as I have already said, giving up one’s wives and wealth.  Persons who are mindful of protecting their own selves and who do all their acts after a proper consideration and survey, never incur danger as the consequence of their acts.  They that are weak always know him for a foe who is possessed of greater strength.  Their understanding, firm in the truths of the scriptures, never loses its steadiness.’

“Thus rebuked soundly by the mouse Palita, the cat, blushing with shame, addressed the mouse and said the following words.”

“Lomasa said, ’Truly I swear by thee that to injure a friend is in my estimation very censurable.  I know thy wisdom.  I know also that thou art devoted to my good.  Guided by the science of Profit, thou said that there is cause for a breach between thee and me.  It doth not behove thee, however, O good friend, to take me for what I am not.  I cherish a great friendship for thee in consequence of thy having granted me my life.  I am, again, acquainted with duties.  I am all appreciator of other people’s merits.  I am very grateful for services received.  I am devoted to the service of friends.  I am, again, especially devoted to thee.  For these reasons, O good friend, it behoveth thee to reunite thyself with me.  If I am commanded by thee, I can, with all my kinsmen and relatives, lay down my very life.  They that are possessed of learning and wisdom see ample reason for placing their trust in persons of such mental disposition as ourselves.  O thou that art acquainted with the truths of morality, it behoveth thee not to cherish any suspicion in respect of me.’  Thus addressed by the cat, the mouse reflecting a little, said these words of grave import unto the former, ’Thou art exceedingly good.  I have heard all that thou hast said and am glad to hear thee.  For all that, however, I cannot trust thee.  It is impossible for thee, by such eulogies or by gifts of great wealth, to induce me to unite with thee again.  I tell thee, O friend, that they who are possessed of wisdom never place themselves, when there is not sufficient reason, under the power of a foe.  A weak person having made a compact with a stronger one when both are threatened by foes, should (when that common danger passes away) conduct himself heedfully and by considerations of policy.  Having gained his object, the weaker of the two parties should not again repose confidence on the stronger.  One, should never trust a person who does not deserve to be trusted.  Nor should one repose blind confidence upon a person deserving of trust.  One should always endeavour to inspire others with confidence in himself-.  One should not, however, himself repose confidence in foes.  For these reasons one should, under all circumstances,