THE NITIPRAKAilKA. 



27 



tlie existence of fire-arms in India can hardly be exag- 

 gerated, but after the Vedic verses, which we have given 

 before, and which contain the clearest evidence of the exist- 

 ence of fire-arms, no more need be added. 43 



The 51st sloka discusses the favorable time in the year Favor- 

 when expeditions may be undertaken ; the month Marga- fo^war- 6 

 slrsa 44 is specially recommended ; besides this Phalguna and fare - 

 Caitra are mentioned. Then follow some double verses, 

 which contain the names of the already known army corps 45 

 and give some general advice as to the leading of troops and 

 combating the enemy. 



One should whisper mischief to the mischief-makers in General 



• • • • £1(1 V1C6 



the hostile camp, one should disunite the disunited, and one 

 should gain the covetous by bribery. A king should sum- 

 marily punish such soldiers when found among his troops ; he 

 should keep his own secrets, but obtain a knowledge of the 

 secret plans of his enemy. A king should in time of war put 

 to death those men who oppose his orders, the soldiers who 

 run away and do not keep their weapons, avaricious generals 

 who fight treacherously, men who do not face the enemy, who 

 fight amongst each other, who deceitfully tell the enemy 

 the designs of the king, who give way to the enemy and enjoy 

 the king's misfortune. If an ambassador commits even a 

 very serious offence he should not be killed. This is a note- 

 worthy precept, though it has not always been observed. 

 The seventh chapter finishes with the declaration that the 

 king who releases the innocent and who punishes severely 

 the evil-doers, will through his righteousness have performed 

 a sacrifice which is equal to 100 sacrifices. 



The eighth chapter is entirely devoted to' the general duties Eighth 

 a king has to perform in the government and administration Cha P ter - 

 of his kingdom. It contains many lines which are also 



43 See pages 10—14. 

 " See Manu VII, 82. 

 ** See Manu VII, 190 ff. 



