Couplet 471
The force the strife demands, the force he owns, the force of foes,
The force of friends; these should he weigh ere to the war he goes
Explanation
Let (one) weigh well the strength of the deed (he purposes to do), his own strength, the strength of his enemy, and the strength of the allies (of both), and then let him act
Couplet 472
Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this,
Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss
Explanation
There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and
Couplet 473
Ill-deeming of their proper powers, have many monarchs striven,
And midmost of unequal conflict fallen asunder riven
Explanation
There are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it
Couplet 474
Who not agrees with those around, no moderation knows,
In self-applause indulging, swift to ruin goes
Explanation
59 He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does
Couplet 475
With peacock feathers light, you load the wain;
Yet, heaped too high, the axle snaps in twain
Explanation
The axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks' feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded
Couplet 476
Who daring climbs, and would himself upraise
Beyond the branch's tip, with life the forfeit pays
Explanation
There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further
Couplet 477
With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give!
That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live
Explanation
Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property
Couplet 478
Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there,
If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare
Explanation
Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income
Couplet 479
Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound,
His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found
Explanation
The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue
Couplet 480
Beneficence that measures not its bound of means,
Will swiftly bring to nought the wealth on which it leans
Explanation
The measure of his wealth will quickly perish, whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property
