Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 77
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
त॑ सम्पूज्याथ पलितं मार्जार: सौहदे स्थित: । स विचिन्त्याब्रवीद् धीर: प्रीतस्त्वरित एव च
taṁ sampūjyātha palitaṁ mārjāraḥ sauhade sthitaḥ | sa vicintyābravīd dhīraḥ prītastvarita eva ca ||
毗湿摩说道：那猫既已恭敬礼赞白发的帕利塔，且摆出亲善之态，便沉着思量一番，随即开口，神色镇定，喜意分明。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how respect, praise, and a display of friendliness can precede advice or persuasion; ethically, it invites discernment—one should evaluate not only courteous words and gestures but also the intention behind them.
After honoring the elder Palita, the cat positions itself as friendly, thinks over what to say, and then speaks promptly and cheerfully—setting the stage for counsel, negotiation, or a potentially strategic appeal.