68. The Method of Acting

Chapter. 68. The Method of Acting
Kural-671
Resolve is counsel's end, If resolutions halt
In weak delays, still unfulfilled, 'tis grievous fault.
Meaning : Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil.
Kural-672
Slumber when sleepy work's in hand: beware
Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care!
Meaning : Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over.
Kural-673
When way is clear, prompt let your action be;
When not, watch till some open path you see.
Meaning : Whenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method.
Kural-674
With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing,
If you reflect, like smouldering fire, 'twill ruin bring.
Meaning : When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire.
Kural-675
Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act:
These five, till every doubt remove, think o'er with care exact.
Meaning : Do an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz. money, means, time, execution and place. Do an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz. money, means, time, execution and place.
Kural-676
Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won
By effort: these compare,- then let the work be done.
Meaning : An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion).
Kural-677
By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment;
So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent.
Meaning : The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof.
Kural-678
By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment;
So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent.
Meaning :To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another.
Kural-679
Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do,
Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you.
Meaning : One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends.
Kural-680
The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread,
Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head.
Meaning : Ministers of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation.