Wealth

Poem : 671

Resolve is counsel's end. If resolutions halt
In weak delays, still unfulfilled, ‘tis grievous fault.

Explanation :
Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil.

Poem : 672

Slumber when sleepy work's in hand: beware
Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care;

Explanation :
Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over.

Poem : 673

When way is clear, prompt let your action be;
When not, watch till some open path you see.

Explanation :
Whenever it is possible to overcome your enemy the act {of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method.

Poem : 674

With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing,
If you reflect, like smouldering fire, ‘twill ruin bring.

Explanation :
When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire.

Poem : 675

Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act:
These five, till every doubt remove, think o'ver with care exact.

Explanation :
Do an act alter a due consideration of the (following) five, viz., Money, means, time, execution and place.

Poem : 676

Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won
By effort: these compare, then let the work be done!

Explanation :
An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great to be gained (on its completion).

Poem : 677

Who would succeed must thus begin: first let hin ask
The thoughts of them who throughly know the task.

Explanation :
The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof.

Poem : 678

By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment;
So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent.

Explanation :
To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing arother.

Poem : 679

Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do,
Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you.

Explanation :
One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) rather than perform good offices to one’s friends.

Poem : 680

The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread,
Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head.

Explanation :
Ministers of smali states, afraid of their people being frightened will yield to and acknowledge thelr superior foes, it the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation.