of pay and irregularity in the distribution of rations driveth the troops
to mutiny, and that is called by the learned to be one of the greatest of
mischiefs? Are all the principal high-born men devoted to thee, and ready
with cheerfulness to lay down their lives in battle for thy sake? I hope
no single individual of passions uncontrolled is ever permitted by thee to
rule as he likes a number of concerns at the same time appertaining to the
army? Is any servant of thine, who hath accomplished well a particular
business by the employment of special ability, disappointed in obtaining
from thee a little more regard, and an increase of food and pay? I hope
thou rewardest persons of learning and humility, and skill in every kind
of knowledge with gifts of wealth and honour proportionate to their
qualifications. Dost thou support, O bull in the Bharata race, the wives
and children of men that have given their lives for thee and have been
distressed on thy account? Cherishest thou, O son of Pritha, with paternal
affection the foe that hath been weakened, or him also that hath sought
thy shelter, having been vanquished in battle? O lord of Earth, art thou
equal unto all men, and can every one approach thee without fear, as if
thou wert their mother and father? And O bull of the Bharata race,
marchest thou, without loss of time, and reflecting well upon three kinds
of forces, against thy foe when thou hearest that he is in distress? O
subjugator of all foes beginnest thou thy march when the time cometh,
having taken into consideration all the omens you might see, the
resolutions thou hast made, and that the ultimate victory depends upon the
twelve mandalas (such as reserves, ambuscades, &c, and payment of pay to
the troops in advance)? And, O persecutor of all foes, givest thou gems
and jewels, unto the principal officers of enemy, as they deserve, without
thy enemy's knowledge? O son of Pritha, seekest thou to conquer thy
incensed foes that are slaves to their passions, having first conquered
thy own soul and obtained the mastery over thy own senses? Before thou
marchest out against thy foes, dost thou properly employ the four arts of