आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
तथैव तौ सुसंत्रस्तौ दृढमागततन्द्रितौ । दृष्टवा तयो: परां प्रीतिं विस्मयं परमं गतौ
tathaiva tau susaṁtrastau dṛḍham āgatatandritau | dṛṣṭvā tayoḥ parāṁ prītiṁ vismayaṁ paramaṁ gatau ||
またその二者はひどく怯え、重い眠気に襲われた。鼠と猫との並外れた親愛を目の当たりにして、マングースと梟はこの上ない驚愕に打たれた。
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights how extraordinary concord between natural enemies can appear, prompting reflection on nīti: alliances may arise from circumstance, fear, or higher prudence, and one should judge conduct by observed reality rather than fixed assumptions about enmity.
The mouse and the cat are both overwhelmed—frightened and drowsy—while the mongoose and the owl witness their unusual mutual affection and are amazed at this unexpected friendship between traditional foes.