Shloka 77
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
त॑ सम्पूज्याथ पलितं मार्जार: सौहदे स्थित: । स विचिन्त्याब्रवीद् धीर: प्रीतस्त्वरित एव च,इस प्रकार पलितकी प्रशंसा एवं पूजा करके सौहार्दमें प्रतिष्ठित हुए धीरबुद्धि मार्जारने भलीभाँति सोच-विचारकर तुरंत ही प्रसन्नतापूर्वक कहा--
taṁ sampūjyātha palitaṁ mārjāraḥ sauhade sthitaḥ | sa vicintyābravīd dhīraḥ prītastvarita eva ca ||
Bhishma said: Having duly honored and praised the grey-haired Palita, the cat—now established in a mood of friendliness—reflected carefully and then spoke at once, with composure and evident satisfaction.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how respect, praise, and a display of friendliness can precede advice or persuasion; ethically, it invites discernment—one should evaluate not only courteous words and gestures but also the intention behind them.
After honoring the elder Palita, the cat positions itself as friendly, thinks over what to say, and then speaks promptly and cheerfully—setting the stage for counsel, negotiation, or a potentially strategic appeal.