Mahabharata 05 (eng)..

UDYOGA PARAVA
SECTION XXI
latter endeavoured in various ways to remove the sons of Pandu from their path by employment
even of murderous contrivances; but as their destined terms of life had not wholly run out, the sons
of Pandu could not be sent to the abode of Yama. Then again, when those high-souled princes had
carved out a kingdom by their own strength, the mean-minded sons of Dhritarashtra, aided by Suvala's
son, robbed them of it by deceit. This Dhritarashtra gave his sanction even to that act as hath
been usual with him. And for thirteen years they were then sent to sojourn in the great wilderness.
In the council-hall, they had also been subjected to indignities of various kinds, along with their
wife, valiant though they were. And great also were the sufferings that they had to endure in the
woods. Those virtuous princes had also to endure unspeakable woes in the city of Virata, – such as
are endured only by vicious men when their souls transmigrate into the forms of inferior beings, Ye
best of Kuru's race, overlooking all these injuries of yore they desire nothing but a peaceful settlement
with the Kurus! Remembering their behaviour, and that of Duryodhana also, the latter's
friends should entreat him to consent to peace! The heroic sons of Pandu are not eager for war with
the Kurus. They desire to get back their own share without involving the world in ruin. If Dhritarashtra's
son assigns a reason in favour of war, that can never be a proper reason. The sons of Pandu
are more powerful. Seven Akshauhinis of troops have been collected on behalf of Yudhishthira, all
eager to fight with the Kurus, and they are now awaiting his word of command. Others there are
tigers among men, equal in might to a thousand Akshauhinis, such as Satyaki and Bhimasena, and
the twin brothers of mighty strength. It is true that these eleven divisions of troops are arrayed on
one side, but these are balanced on the other by the mighty-armed Dhananjaya of manifold form.
And as Kiritin exceeds in strength even all these troops together, so also doth Vasudeva's son of
great effulgence and powerful intellect. Who is there that would fight, in view of the magnitude of
the opposing force, the valour of Arjuna, and the wisdom of Krishna? Therefore, I ask you to give
back what should be given, as dictated by morality and compact. Do not let the opportunity pass!'"
SECTION XXI
Vaisampayana said, 'Having heard his words, Bhishma, senior in wisdom, and endued with great
effulgence, paid honours to him, and then spoke words suitable to the occasion. And he said, 'How
fortunate that they are all well, with Krishna! How fortunate that they have procured aid, and that
they are inclined to a virtuous course! How fortunate that those scions of Kuru's race desire peace
with their cousins! There is no doubt that what thou hast said is true. Thy words, however, are exceedingly
sharp, – the reason, I suppose, being that thou art a Brahmana. No doubt, the sons of
Pandu were much harassed both here and in woods. No doubt, by law they are entitled to get all the
property of their father. Arjuna, the son of Pritha, is strong trained in weapons, and is a great carwarrior.
Who, in sooth, can withstand in battle Dhananjaya the son of Pandu. Even the wielder himself
of the thunderbolt cannot, – other bowmen are hardly worth mention. My belief is that he is a
match for all the three worlds!' And while Bhishma was thus speaking, Karna wrathfully and insolently
interrupted his words, and looking at Duryodhana said, 'There is no creature in the world, O
Brahmana, who is not informed of all these facts. What is the good of repeating them again and
again? On behalf of Duryodhana, Sakuni formerly won in game of dice. Yudhishthira, the son of
Pandu went to the woods according to a stipulation. He is now paying no regard to that stipulation,
but confident of aid from the Matsyas and Panchalas, he wisheth to get back his ancestral throne. O
learned man, Duryodhana would not yield even a single foot of land if thou appealest to his fears,
but if justice requires, he would give up the whole earth even to a foe. If they wish to get back their
ancestral throne, they should pass the specified period of time in the forest as had been stipulated.
Afterwards let them live as the dependants of Duryodhana, safe and sound. From dull-headedness,
however, let them not turn their mind towards an absolutely unrighteous course. If, nevertheless,
abandoning the path of virtue, they desire war, then when they encounter in battle these praiseworthy
Kurus, they will remember these my words.'
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