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 ||
Wika ni Śārṭūla: “Hindi sasang-ayon ang aking likas na asal sa matatagal nang lingkod mo. Sila’y may bulok na pagkatao; kaya dahil sa akin, patuloy silang bubulong sa iyong tainga, maghahasik ng pagkakahati, at uudyok sa iyo laban sa akin.”
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.