Hindu literature : Comprising The Book of good counsels, Nala and Damayanti, The Ramayana, and Sakoontala by Kalidasa;Anonymous;Toru Dutt;Valmiki
page 93 of 623 (14%)
page 93 of 623 (14%)
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'Let him be shown to a reception-room,' commanded the Goose, in reply to
a look from the King. 'He shall presently have audience.' 'War is pronounced, then,' said the King, as the attendant withdrew. 'It is offered, my Liege; but must not be rashly accepted,' replied the other-- 'With gift, craft, promise, cause thy foe to yield; When these have failed thee, challenge him a-field.' To gain time for expedients is the first point. Expedients are good for great and little matters equally, like 'The subtle wash of waves, that smoothly pass, But lay the tree as lowly as the grass.' Let his Excellency the Parrot, then, be cajoled and detained here, while we place our fort in condition to be useful. Is it not said-- 'Ten true bowmen on a rampart fifty's onset may sustain; Fortalices keep a country more than armies in the plain?' And your Majesty,' continued the Goose, 'will recall the points of a good fortress-- 'Build it strong, and build it spacious, with an entry and retreat; Store it well with wood and water, fill its garners full with wheat.' 'Whom, then, shall we entrust with this work?' asked King Silver-sides. |
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