Shloka 26
Vyāghra–Gomāyu Saṃvāda (व्याघ्रगोमायु संवाद) — Testing Character Beneath Appearances
नयोक्ष्यति हि मे शीलं तव भृत्यै: पुरातनै: । ते त्वां विभेदयिष्यन्ति दुःशीलाश्न मदन्तरे
nayoṣyati hi me śīlaṁ tava bhṛtyaiḥ purātanaiḥ | te tvāṁ vibhedayiṣyanti duḥśīlāś ca mad-antare ||
Śārṭūla dit : «Mon naturel ne s’accordera pas avec tes serviteurs de longue date. Ils sont d’un caractère corrompu; et à cause de moi, ils ne cesseront de te souffler à l’oreille, semant la division et te dressant contre moi.»
शार्टूल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that unethical attendants can undermine relationships through slander and faction-making. It highlights the moral danger of listening to divisive talk and the need for discernment in choosing advisers and household retainers.
Śārṭūla cautions his interlocutor that the latter’s long-established servants will not accept Śārṭūla’s presence or temperament. He predicts they will attempt to alienate the master from him by whispering accusations and creating dissension.