Heroism, the temper of a hero; vigour, boldness; constancy, firmness, by which a man held up does not flag in any condition; skill, the temper of one capable, swift unbewildered action in tasks that suddenly arise; and not turning the back even in battle, not fleeing from enemies; giving, an open hand in what is to be given; and lordliness, the temper of a ruler, the display of a master's power toward those to be ruled; this is the action of the kshatriya class, the action enjoined for it, born of their nature.

Heroism is the power of entering battle without fear. Vigour is the not being overpowered by others. Constancy is, in a begun action, even at the befalling of an obstacle, the power of bringing it to completion. Skill is the power of carrying out all acts. And not fleeing in battle is, even with the certainty of one's own death in battle, the not turning back. Giving is the relinquishment of one's own substance to the point of making it the property of another. Lordliness is the power of governing all people other than oneself. This is the kshatriya's nature-born action.

This is a brief sub-gloss. For a fuller reading of this verse, see Madhusūdana, Śaṅkara, or Rāmānuja above.

Madhvacharya does not comment on this verse.