If, O Yudhishthira, a king becomes severe, he is hated of all creatures. If, on the other hand, he becomes mild, he is disregarded by all. Do you, therefore, practise both severity and mildness.
द्वेष्यो भवति भूतानामुग्रो राजा युधिष्ठिर। मृदुमप्यवमन्यन्ते तस्मादुभयमाचरेत्॥