From ancient times it has been observed that gambling breeds quarrels; therefore the wise should never resort to it, even in jest. O son of Pratipa, at the time of that game of dice I told you, O king, that it was wrong. But, O son of Vicitravirya, these words of mine did not please you, like medicine to a sick man. O king, you wish to defeat the sons of Pandu, who are like peacocks of brilliant plumage, while all your own sons are like crows. Having cast aside lions, you shelter jackals! O king, when the time comes, you will grieve over all this. That lord, O sovereign, who does not vent his displeasure upon devoted servants who zealously seek his welfare, wins the trust of his servants; indeed, they remain loyal to him even in adversity. By confiscating the grants made to his servants, or by withholding their pay, one should not seek to amass wealth, for even gentle counselors, deprived of their livelihood and comforts, will rise against him and abandon him in misfortune. Having first weighed all intended undertakings, and adjusting the wages and maintenance of his servants to his income and expenditure, a king should form proper alliances, for there is nothing that cannot be achieved through allies.