else hath been said by Karna have our fullest approval.  Let all the spies engage themselves in the search according to the directions already given.  Let these and others engage in the search from province to province according to approved rules.  It is my belief, however, that the track the Pandavas have followed or their present abode or occupation will not be discovered.  Perhaps, they are closely concealed; perhaps, they have gone to the other side of the ocean.  Or, perhaps, proud as they are of their strength and courage, they have been devoured by wild beasts; or perhaps, having been overtaken by some unusual danger, they have perished for eternity.  Therefore, O prince of the Kuru race, dispelling all anxieties from thy heart, achieve what thou wilt, always acting according to thy energy.’”

SECTION XXVII

Vaisampayana said, “Endued with mighty energy and possessed of great discernment, Drona then said, ’Persons like the sons of Pandu never perish nor undergo discomfiture.  Brave and skilled in every science, intelligent and with senses under control, virtuous and grateful and obedient to the virtuous Yudhishthira, ever following in the wake of their eldest brother who is conversant with the conclusions of policy and virtue and profit, who is attached to them as a father, and who strictly adhereth to virtue and is firm in truth,—­persons like them that are thus devoted to their illustrious and royal brother, who gifted with great intelligence, never injureth any body and who in his turn himself obeyeth his younger brothers, never perish in this way.  Why, then, should not (Yudhishthira) the son of Pritha possessing a knowledge of policy, be able to restore the prosperity of his brothers who are so obedient and devoted and high-souled?  It is for this that they are carefully waiting for the arrival of their opportunity.  Men such as these never perish.  This is what I see by my intellect.  Do, therefore, quickly and without loss of time, what should now be done, after proper reflection.  And let also the abode which the sons of Pandu with souls under control as regards every purpose of life, are to occupy, be now settled.  Heroic and sinless and possessed of ascetic merit, the Pandavas are difficult to be discovered (within the period of non-discovery).  Intelligent and possessed of every virtue, devoted to truth and versed in the principles of policy, endued with purity and holiness, and the embodiment of immeasurable energy, the son of Pritha is capable of consuming (his foes) by a glance alone of his eyes.  Knowing all this, do what is proper.  Let us, therefore, once more search after them, sending Brahmanas and Charanas, ascetics crowned with success, and others of this kind who may have a knowledge of those heroes!’”

SECTION XXVIII