Shloka 18
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । मार्जारस्य च संवाद न्यग्रोधे मूषिकस्य च,इस विषयमें विद्वान् पुरुष वटवृक्षके आश्रयमें रहनेवाले एक बिलाव और चूहेके संवादरूप एक प्रचीन कथानकका दृष्टान्त दिया करते हैं
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | mārjārasya ca saṁvādaṁ nyagrodhe mūṣikasya ca ||
Here too, the learned cite an ancient illustrative tale: the dialogue between a cat and a mouse, connected with a nyagrodha (banyan) tree. It is offered as an example to illuminate the ethical point under discussion.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma signals a moral lesson through an old exemplum: ethical discernment is sharpened by studying illustrative stories, especially those involving apparent friendship, hidden danger, and the need for prudent judgment.
Bhishma introduces an ancient story used by learned people as an example—the conversation between a cat and a mouse associated with a banyan tree—preparing the listener for a didactic episode that will clarify the topic at hand.