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VII, 318.
THE KING.
251
213. For times of need let him preserve his wealth; at the expense of his wealth let him preserve his wife; let him at all events preserve himself even by (giving up) his wife and his wealth.
214. A wise (king), seeing that all kinds of misfortunes violently assail him at the same time, should try all (the four) expedients, be it together or separately, (in order to save himself.)
215. On the person who employs the expedients, on the business to be accomplished, and on all the expedients collectively, on these three let him ponder and strive to accomplish his ends.
216. Having thus consulted with his ministers on all these (matters), having taken exercise, and having bathed afterwards, the king may enter the harem at midday in order to dine.
217. There he may eat food, (which has been prepared) by faithful, incorruptible (servants) who know the (proper) time (for dining), which has been well examined (and hallowed) by sacred texts that destroy poison.
218. Let him mix all his food with medicines (that are) antidotes against poison, and let him always be careful to wear gems which destroy poison.
215. The person who employs the expedients,' i.e. himself' (Gov., Kull., Nâr., Râgh.); "his minister or the like' (Nand.). Asritya, let him ponder on' (manasa balabalâ didvârâ niskitya, Nâr., Râgh.), means according to Medh., Gov., Kull. 'let him depend on.
217-220. Vi. III, 85, 87-88; Yågñ. I, 326.
218. Medh., Gov., Nár., and Nand. read negayet, and Ragh. sodhayet, ' let him purify,' instead of yogayet (Kull., K.), 'let him mix.' Når. explains niyatah (Medh., När., Râgh.) or prayatah, careful' (yatnavân, Gov., Kull., Râgh.), by being pure.'
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