Shloka 18
Jaratkāru’s Marital Compact and Departure (जरत्कारु–जरत्कारुणी संवादः)
सौतिर्वाच तक्षकस्य वच: श्रुत्वा काश्यपो द्विजसत्तम: । प्रदध्यौ सुमहातेजा राजानं प्रति बुद्धिमान्
Sautir uvāca: Takṣakasya vacaḥ śrutvā Kāśyapo dvijasattamaḥ | pradadhyau sumahātejā rājānaṃ prati buddhimān ||
苏底说道：听到塔克沙迦的话，迦叶波——婆罗门中最卓越者，光辉炽盛而又睿智——停步沉思，将心念转向波利克希特王之事。
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores ethical restraint and discernment: after hearing a provocative or consequential statement, a wise person reflects carefully—especially when the welfare of a ruler and the wider social order (dharma) may be affected.
Takṣaka has spoken, and the narrator reports that the sage Kāśyapa, renowned for wisdom and spiritual power, listens and then thoughtfully considers the situation concerning King Parīkṣit—signaling a pivotal moment before further action unfolds.