By thy delay in accomplishing my bidding thou hast
today made me happy for ever.' That learned and best of Rishis then
uttered these verses upon the subject of the merits of such cool men as
reflect for a long time before setting their hands to any action. If the
matter is the death of a friend, one should accomplish it after a long
while. If it is the abandonment of a project already begun, one should
abandon it after a long while. A friendship that is formed after a long
examination lasts for a long time. In giving way to wrath, to
haughtiness, to pride, to disputes, to sinful acts, and in accomplishing
all disagreeable tasks he that delays long deserves applause. When the
offence is not clearly proved against a relative, a friend, a servant, or
a wife, he that reflects long before inflicting the punishment is
applauded.' Thus, O Bharata, was Gautama pleased with his son, O thou of
Kuru's race, for that act of delay on the latter's part in doing the
former's bidding. In all acts a man should, in this way, reflect for a
long time and then settle what he should do. By conducting himself in
this way one is sure to avoid grief for a long time. That man who never
nurses his wrath for a long while, who reflects for a long time before
setting himself to the performance of any act, never does any act which
brings repentance. One should wait for a long while upon those that are
aged, and sitting near them show them reverence. One should attend to
one's duties for a long time and be engaged for a long while in
ascertaining them.
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