es in battle with thee, he will do
what as a Kshatriya he should do. Indeed, if after the manner of his
sires and grandsires he fights for conquering thee, it will be thy duty
to fight him, observant as thou art of the Kshatriya duty of conquering
antagonists. Without engaging in battle, however, do thou, at my command,
employ him under thee from desire of benefiting thyself. Cast thy eyes on
righteousness, giving up covetousness that is improper. It behoveth thee
not to abandon the duties of thy order from lust or desire of battle.
Victory, O sire, is not certain. Defeat also is not certain. Remembering
this, peace should be made with an enemy by giving him food and other
articles of enjoyment. One may see victory and defeat in his own case.
They that seek to exterminate a foe are sometimes exterminated themselves
in course of their efforts.' Thus addressed, king Janaka, properly
saluting and honouring that bull among Brahmanas who deserved every
honour, replied unto him, saying, 'Thou art of great learning and great
wisdom. That which thou hast said from desire of benefiting us, is
certainly advantageous for both of us. Such a course of conduct is highly
beneficial (to us). I have no hesitation in saying this.' The ruler of
Videha then, addressing the prince of Kosala, said these words: 'In
observance of Kshatriya duties as also with aid of Policy, I have
conquered the world. I have, however, O best of kings, been conquered by
thee with thy good qualities. Without cherishing any sense of humiliation
(if thou remainest by my side), live thou with me as a victor.[326] I
honour thy intelligence, and I honour thy prowess. I do not disregard
thee, saying that I have conquered thee. On the other hand, live thou
with me as a victor. Honoured duly by me, O king, thou wilt go to my
abode.' Both the kings then worshipped that Brahmana, and trusting each
other, proceeded to the capital of Mithila. The ruler of the Videhas,
causing the prince of Kosala to enter his abode, honoured him, who
deserved every honour, with offerings of water to wash his feet, honey
and curds and the usual articles. King Janaka also bestowed upon his
guest his own daughter and diverse kinds of gems and jewels. This (the
establishment of peace) is the high duty of kings; victory and defeat are
both uncertain."'"

SECTION CVII

"'Yudhishthira said, "Thou hast, O scorcher of foes, described the course
of duties, the general conduct, the means of livel