Couplet 461
Expenditure, return, and profit of the deed
In time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed
Explanation
Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act
Couplet 462
With chosen friends deliberate; next use the private thought;
Then act By those who thus proceed all works with ease are wrought
Explanation
There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends
Couplet 463
To risk one's all and lose, aiming at added gain,
Is rash affair, from which the wise abstain
Explanation
Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal
Couplet 464
A work of which the issue is not clear,
Begin not they reproachful scorn who fear
Explanation
Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them
Couplet 465
With plans not well matured to rise against your foe,
Is way to plant him out where he is sure to grow
Explanation
One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances)
Couplet 466
'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing;
Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring
Explanation
58 He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to
Couplet 467
Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry,
'Deed dared, we'll think,' disgraced shall be
Explanation
Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly
Couplet 468
On no right system if man toil and strive,
Though many men assist, no work can thrive
Explanation
The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it
Couplet 469
Though well the work be done, yet one mistake is made,
To habitudes of various men when no regard is paid
Explanation
There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men
Couplet 470
Plan and perform no work that others may despise;
What misbeseems a king the world will not approve as wise
Explanation
Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt
