2. COUNSELLORS, AIDES, ALLIES

 

Governance is  possible  only with  assistance.  A single wheel rWc  not move  Hence ministers should be appointed and their counsel  listened to.

 

(The ruler) devoid of the power of counsel, should gather around   him a collection of wise men or consult learned elders. Thus would  he attain immediate prosperity.

 

Indra's council of ministers consists of one  thousand  sages. That  is his eye. Hence it is that they call him "the thousand-eyed one",    though he has only two eyes.

 

(With whom  shall an alliance  be made?): one to whom  he is dear  or one who is dear to him?  He shall go to him, to whom he is dear.     This is the best way of forming an alliance.

 

An allv with increased power is untrustworthy   for  prosperity  changes the mind.

 

 Difficulties stabilise friendships.

 

Rendering help is the sign of a friend.

 

Those with established relationship do not desert, even if offended.

 

Such loyalty is seen even among animals. For example, cows pass  by unaccustomed herds and stay always in the company of known  herds.

 

Those whose relationship with the ruler is established over a long  period are however likely to completely take over every­thing from  the ruler  and pose as rulers themselves.

 

Classmates, though they are trustworthy, will not respect the ruler,  having been playmates. (Hence they should not be appointed as  ministers.)

 

Those who have  a  similar   nature  in  secret matters and who  have common vices and habits   (in common with  the ruler) do not  offend him out of fear that he knows their secrets.

 

Just as those not well-versed in the scriptures are unfit to eat the  feast offerings to the dead given by good people,  so too rulers not  well-versed in   the various  sciences of state are not

fit to hear   ministerial counsel.

 

(A weak ally)  even if he gets only a   small share or  the spoils of  victory from the superior ally should appear contented.

 

in the absent of support,the supported do not exist.