In battle, in the forest, at the precipice in the mountains,
On the dark great sea, in the midst of javelins and arrows,
In sleep, in confusion, in the depths of shame,
The good deeds a man has done before defend him.

-- Robert Oppenheimer translation

In a forest, in a battle, amongst enemies, amidst water or fire,
in a vast ocean or on the tip of a mountain, while asleep,
awake or in danger - virtuous deeds from (our) past are the protectors.

--Niti Shataka, verse 97
Sanskrit Pearls

In the forest, in the battle-field, in the midst of enemies, or waters, or fire,
in the great ocean or on the top of the mountain,
whether one is sleeping, or intoxicated, or in any danger,
the meritorious actions of the past alone protect a man.