Winning over rivals

In the grand epic Mahabharata, Dritarashtra questions Kanika Maharishi about the ways in which the rivals have to be won over. Kanika Maharishi answers the question by narrating the following interesting story.
“In a forest, there lived a fox which had a tiger, jackal, mongoose and a rat as its companions. Though the fox was friendly with the four of them, it was selfish by nature. One day the five friends saw a herd of deer and desired to have the leader of the herd for their day’s meal. But due to the swiftness of the deer, they knew that it would be a difficult task to get hold of it. So the five of them sat to think. At that moment the fox said to the tiger, “ How much ever you may try, you will not be able to catch the deer on your own. So listen to my plan. When the deer is asleep, let the rat bite off its leg. Due to the pain caused by the injury, the deer will be incapable of running swiftly. You may then catch it easily and kill it for the five of us to share.” Everyone acknowledged the fox’s plan and the rat bit the deer’s leg as bid by the rest. The tiger now pounced on the wounded deer and killed it.
The five friends encircled the dead deer and were ready for having their share when the fox said, “I will wait here while the rest of you can go have your bath and return. Once the four of you return, it will be my turn to go for a bath. We can share the food once I am back.” When the four of them left, the fox contemplated very seriously and hit upon a plan.
Tiger was the first one to return from its bath. The fox sat near the deer with a long face. The tiger asked, “Friend! What is it that has upset you when we are actually going to have a treat?” The fox replied, “Times are indeed bad! Do you know what that rat told about you who are the most powerful? It said – ‘The tiger could kill the deer only with my help. Indeed the tiger is devoid of any bravery or self esteem! That it should eat the food procured through my effort! ’. Alas! A great insult indeed to a brave one like you!”
Hearing these words the tiger said angrily, “Fie upon the food got with the help of a feeble thing like rat! I wouldn’t think of touching it! I will eat only that food which is acquired purely by my effort and strength.” Saying so, the tiger left the place.
The next to come was the rat. To it the fox said, “Dear Rat! Do you know what the mongoose told me? It seems since the tiger used its nails to kill the deer, it must be poisoned. So it refused to have its share. Now that you are my friend I’ll tell you another secret. Since the mongoose has no other option, it is planning to have you for its meal!” Hearing this the rat ran off in order to save its life.
It was jackal’s turn now. The fox said, “Friend! Listen to the secret that I have to tell you. The tiger is indeed very angry with you. It has gone to fetch its wife in order to kill you. So hurry up! Finish off your share and go away immediately lest the tiger should catch you!” Thinking that it would indeed be a waste of time to eat the deer at this point of emergency, the jackal just ran off to save itself from the impending danger. The last to come was the mongoose. The fox said, “At last you have come! I was waiting just for you. Unable to contest with me the other three ran away. You are the only one left. If you really want to have your share you may defeat me in a fight and take the deer.” The mongoose replied, “If a strong animal like tiger, angry animal like jackal and intelligent one like rat could not stand your tricks, I have no chance! You may have the deer yourself!” Saying so, the mongoose too left. Pleased with its own plan and its successful execution the fox happily feasted on the entire deer without having to share it with the other four animals.
The ruler should also be like this fox. He should use different methods to defeat various enemies. One should win over the cowards by terrifying them, the brave by tricking them, the greedy by giving them many riches and the weak by our valor.”