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VII, 20%.
THE KING.
202. But having fully ascertained the wishes of all the (conquered), let him place there a relative of the (vanquished ruler on the throne), and let him impose his conditions.
203. Let him make authoritative the lawful (customs) of the (inhabitants), just as they are stated (to be), and let him honour the (new king) and his chief servants with precious gifts.
204. The seizure of desirable property which causes displeasure, and its distribution which causes pleasure, are both recommendable, (if they are) resorted to at the proper time.
205. All undertakings (in) this (world) depend both on the ordering of fate and on human exertion ; but among these two (the ways of) fate are unfathomable; in the case of man's work action is possible.
206. Or (the king, bent on conquest), considering a friend, gold, and land (to be) the triple result (of an expedition), may, using diligent care, make peace with (his foe) and return (to his realm).
207. Having paid due attention to any king in the circle of neighbouring states) who might attack him in the rear, and to his supporter who opposes
205. Yâgñ. I, 348. 'Action,' i.e. careful investigation,' hence one should strive to attain one's ends by exertion (Gov., Kull.), or * remedial action' (pratikriyâ, Nár.), or an effort' (purushakâra, Râgh.). Nand. takes the last clause differently, if there is a human effort, the action of fate takes place' (mânushe purushakâre sati daivasya kriyâ vidyate).
206. According to Gov., Kull., and Nâr. the meaning is that, if the foe is willing to make an alliance, to pay tribute, and to cede some territory, the king, bent on conquest, may also make peace with him without actually fighting and return home. In the MSS. of Medh. this and the next verses down to verse 211 are wanting, and the commentary on verse 211 is partly given.
207. The meaning of the verse is according to Gov., Kull., and
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