II.30The Method of Acting

Resolve is counsel's end. If resolutions halt
In weak delays, still unfulfilled, ‘tis grievous fault.

Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil,”

Slumber when sleepy work's in hand: beware
Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care;

Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over.

When way is clear, prompt let your action be;
When not, watch till some open path you see.

Whenever it is possible to overcome your enemy the act {of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more ‘successful method,

With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing,
If you reflect, like smouldering fire, ‘twill ruin bring.

When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the {unextinguished} remnant of a fire,

Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act:
These five, till every doubt remove, think o'ver with care exact.

Do an act alter a due consideration of the {following} five, viz., Money, means, time, execution and place.

Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won
By effort: these compare, then let the work be done!

An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great to be gained {on its completion).

Who would succeed must thus begin: first let hin ask
The thoughts of them who throughly know the task.

The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof,

By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment;
So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent.

To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing arother.

Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do,
Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you.

One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes} rather than perform good offices to one’s friends,

The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread,
Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head.

Ministers of smali states, afraid of their people being frightened will yield to and acknowledge thelr superior foes, it the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation