Sandhi–Vigraha in Āpada: The Mouse and the Cat (सन्धिविग्रहापदि—मूषकमार्जारसंवादः)
बहूनि च सहस्राणि ग्रामणित्वेडभिवव्रिरे । निर्मर्यादानि दस्यूनां निरनुक्रोशवर्तिनाम्
bahūni ca sahasrāṇi grāmaṇitved abhivavrirē | nirmaryādāni dasyūnāṁ niranukrośavartinām ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Libu-libong tulisan—mga taong lumalabag sa lahat ng hangganan at namumuhay na walang habag—ang lumapit sa kanya at nakiusap na tanggapin niya ang tungkulin bilang kanilang pinuno.
भीष्म उवाच
Lawlessness is marked by the rejection of maryādā (ethical and social boundaries) and anukrośa (compassion). When such people seek a leader, it underscores the need for righteous governance: power should not be used to organize cruelty but to uphold restraint and protect society.
Bhishma describes a situation where thousands of ruthless bandits approach a person and request him to become their chief (grāmaṇi). The verse sets up a contrast between organized wrongdoing and the dharmic ideal of leadership grounded in compassion and limits.