Shloka 48
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
एवं विचिन्तयामास मूषिक: शरत्रुचेष्टितम्
evaṁ vicintayāmāsa mūṣikaḥ śatrucēṣṭitam |
Ainsi la souris réfléchit avec soin à la manœuvre de l’ennemi. Habile à discerner les moyens d’assurer son dessein, et sachant juger quand il fallait concilier ou combattre, elle apaisa le chat et parla d’une voix douce — dissimulant la stratégie sous l’apparence de la douceur.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should read an opponent’s intentions accurately and choose the appropriate policy—conciliation or confrontation—without being misled by appearances; sweet speech can be a tool of prudent strategy, not merely sentiment.
The mouse, recognizing the enemy’s move, thinks it through and then calms the cat with gentle, pleasing words, preparing to act with calculated prudence.