14. Should he happen to meet an enemy in a contest, who is ready to strike the first blow on him; he tries to evade it by eluding his opponent by some artifice or sleight of art or skill.
15. He is the patron of gentle and polite men, and protector of women and his family; and is as the nectarious physic to the souls, of all those that ailing under sickness and sick-heartedness.
16. He is particularly a patron of learning, and patronizer of the learned; he is a servitor of venerable men, and a favourer of the eloquent and argumentative. He is a compeer and alter ego to his equals in births and breeding.
17. He conciliates the favour of princes, noblemen and the liberal towards him; and in conducting all sacrifices, acts of charities, austerities of devotion and pilgrimages, by contribution of his honest means.
18. He partakes of his good food and drink, in company with his friends and Bráhmans; and joining with his wife and children, and all the dependants and inmates of his family (i.e., he never eats alone), and he never keeps company save with the good and great.
19. He abstains from all enjoyments, deeming them as straws and causes of disease; and indulging himself in conversing upon good subjects, with his view to the edification and beatification of mankind.
20. In this manner he passes his time, in company with his friends and family; he is content with his own state, and glad at what fortune has provided for him (i.e., his own lot and profession).
21. Ráma rejoined:—Tell me Sir, in short, who are his wives and children and his friends also; what are their different forms, and what are the qualities and virtues they are respectively possessed of.
22. Vasishtha replied:—Sacred ablutions and charities, religious austerities and meditation are his so many sons; that are all of great souls, and entirely devoted to him.
23. His wife is named Chandra-lekha, who is like a digit of the moon in her appearance, and whose very sight delights the eyes; she is his constant companion, always loving to him and content in herself.