There is nothing we should be quite so grateful for as the last line of the poem that goes, 'When your own heart asks. - Yamamoto Tsunetomo

A faultless person is one who withdraws from affairs. This must be done with strength.

Shower praise on one’s lord though he may be reticent and mediocre, and ensure that he can execute his duties without blundering. This will help cultivate his confidence. If he is an unyielding or intelligent leader, it is an act of “great loyalty” to be a thorn in his side to the extent that, before implementing his designs, he respects you enough to contemplate “What would my pesky retainer think?” Without such retainers, the lord will pay no attention to his men, thinking that his domain is full of panderers who cajole him to gain favor. He will then become conceited.

In offering one’s opinion, one must first ascertain whether or not the recipient is in the right frame of mind to receive counsel.