सञ्जययान पर्व — पुरोहित का आगमन

Vaishampayana said Having heard these words of his, Bhishma, of great luster and old in wisdom, did him due honours and spoke these words to him as suited the occasion.

It is lucky that they all along with Damodara are doing well; it is lucky that have secured aid and it is lucky that they are intent on acting virtuously.

And it is lucky that our cousins, the sons of Kuru, desire peace, it is lucky that the sons of Pandu are not desirous of war with their relations.

Truth has been spoken by you; it is so; no doubt your words are very sharp; in my opinion that is so because you are a Brahmana.

Kiritin the son of Pritha is strong, well coached in handling weapons and of mighty prowess; who is there to stand against Dhananjaya the son of Pandu?

These sons, of Pandu, have doubtless borne much troubles here and in the forest and rightly speaking they are doubtless entitled to the wealth of their fathers.

Even the holder of the thunderbolt himself (cannot withstand him) how can others bearing the bow? He is capable of standing against the three worlds; this is my opinion.

While Bhishma was speaking Karna, having interrupted his words in anger and insolence and looking at Duryodhana, said-

Brahmana, what you say is not unknown in this world nor by any being; why do you repeat it again and again?

In days of old, Shakuni on behalf of Duryodhana defeated (Yudhishthira) at a game of dice and it was according to a stipulation that Yudhishthira the son of Pandu went to the forest.

He now, like a fool disregarding that stipulation, wants his paternal wealth depending on the armies supplied him by the Matsyas and by the king of Panchala.

O learned one, Duryodhana will not yield even one foot of ground through fear, but responding to the call of virtue he will yield even the entire world to his enemy.

If they want back the kingdom of their forefathers let them, as stipulated, reside in the forest to the end of the period (agreed on).

Then may they come to seek refuse with Duryodhana without any fear; let them not through folly adopt an unrighteous course,

If the sons of Pandu, bidding adieu to a righteous course, desire war, then will they, after coming face to face with these foremost among the race of Kurus, have occasion to remember my words.

Bhishma said O son of Radha, why do you talk so much? It is fitting that you should remember his deeds; alone the son of Pritha vanquished in battle six charioteers.

You have seen the deeds of him who had been victories on many occasions; if we do not do what this Brahmana has said most certainly shall we be killed by him.

Vaishampayana said Then Dhritarashtra, having pleased Bhishma by approving of his words and having rebuked the son of Radha, said these words.

What Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, has said is calculated to promote sur interests and those of the entire world.

After mature deliberation, shall I send Sanjaya to the sons of Pritha, therefore do you go back at once this day to the sons of Pandu.

And the son of Kuru, having done him honours, sent him to the sons of Pandu and having summoned Sanjaya to the council, said these words.