Again how should he behave hiinself when he is surrounded by wicked ministers, when his counsels are all divulged, when he does not find his way clearly before him, when he attacks another kingdom, when he is engaged in grinding a hostile kingdom, and when though weak he is at war with a powerful king? How should a king act whose affairs are iilmanaged and who disregards the requirements of place and time, who is unable, for his oppressions, to bring about peace and create disunion among his enemies? Should he try to acquire wealth by foul means or should he sacrifice his life without seeking wealth?
दुष्टामात्यसहायस्य च्युतमन्त्रस्य सर्वतः। राज्यात् प्रच्यवमानस्य गतिमभ्यामपश्यतः॥ परचक्राभियातस्य परराष्ट्राणि मृद्गतः। विग्रहे वर्तमानस्य दुर्बलस्य वलीयसा॥ असंविहितराष्ट्रस्य देशकालावजानतः। अप्राप्यं च भवेत् सान्त्वंभेदो वाप्यतिपीडनात्। जीवितं त्वर्थहेतुर्वा तत्र किं सुकृतं भवेत्॥