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DECEMBER, 1909.)
THE ARTHASASTRA OF CHANAKYA.
307
If a superior king discards the proposal of an inferior king for peace, the latter should take the attitude of a conquered king, or play the part of an inferior king towards a superior.23
When a king of equal power does not like peace, then the same amount of vexation as his opponent has received at bis bands should be given to him in return; for it is power that brings about peace between any two kings: no piece of iron that is not made red-hot will combine with another piece of iron.
When an inferior king is all submissive, peace should be made with him; for when provoked by causing him troubles and anger, an inferior king, like a wild fire, will attack his enemy and will also be favoured by (his) Circle of States.
When a king in peace with another finds that greedy, impoverished, and oppressed as are the subjects of his ally, they do not yet immigrate into his own territory lest they might be called back by their master, then he should, though of inferior power, proclain war against his ally.
When a king at war with another finds that greedy, impoverished, and oppressed as are the subjects of his enemy, still they do not come to his side in consequence of the troubles of war, then he should, though of superior power, make peace with his enemy or remove the troubles of war as far as possible.
When one of the two kings at war with ench other and equally involved in trouble finds his own troubles to be greater than his enemy's, and thinks tbat by getting rid of bis (enemy's) trouble his enemy can successfully wage war with him, then he should, though possessing greater resources, sue for peace,
When, either in peace or war, a king finds neither loss to his enemy nor gain to himself, he should, though superior, observe neatrality.
When a king finds the troubles of his enemy irremediable, he should, though of inferior power, march against the enemy,
When a king finds himself threatened by imminent dangers or troubles, he should, though superior, seck the protection of another.
When a king is sure to achieve his desired ends by making peace with one and waging war with another, he should, though superior, adopt the double policy.
Thus it is that the six forms of policy are applied together.
As to their special application :
(a) When a powerless king finds himself attacked by a powerful king, leading a Circle of States, he should submissively sue for peace on the condition of offering treasure, army, himself, or his territory.
(6) Agreement made on the condition that with a fixed number of troops or with the flower of his army, a king should present himself (when called for), is peace termed atmamisha, offering himself as flesh
23 Seo Book XII.
