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 ||
舍尔图拉说道：“我的性情与汝那些旧日侍从终难相合。他们品行败坏；为着我之故，他们必不断在你耳边低语，播下离间，使你与我生隙。”
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.