द्वाभ्यामुच्छिन्नो वा मध्यमोदासीनयोस्तत्पक्षीयाणां वा राज्ञां न्यायवृत्तिमाश्रयेत ॥ कZ_०७.२.२३ ॥
dvābhyām ucchinno vā madhyamodāsīnayor tatpakṣīyāṇāṃ vā rājñāṃ nyāyavṛttim āśrayeta
Or, if cut off by two powers, he should adopt a policy of just conduct—either that of the mediator and the neutral, or that of kings aligned with their side.
A reputation for justice attracts protectors and reduces pretexts for aggression, making it easier to gain external support or mediation.