Propriety and impropriety of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength and weakness should be ascertain through one's own spies as well as the spies of the enemies. Favour should be shown to honest persons that have prudently sought protection. But lawless and disobedient persons should always be punished.
स्वेभ्यश्चैव परेभ्यश्च कार्याकार्यसमुद्भवा। बुद्धिः कर्मसु विज्ञेया रिपूणां च बलाबलम्॥ बुद्ध्या स्वप्रतिपन्नेषु कुर्यात् साधुष्वनुग्रहम्। निग्रहं चाप्यशिष्टेषु निर्मर्यादेषु कारयेत्॥