“Vaisampayana continued, ’Then Vidura, at the command of Dhritarashtra, repaired, O Bharata, unto Yajnasena and the Pandavas.  And he repaired thither carrying with him numerous jewels and various kinds of wealth for Draupadi and the Pandavas and Yajnasena also.  Arrived at Drupada’s abode, Vidura conversant with every rule of morality and deep in every science, properly accosted the monarch and waited upon him.  Drupada received Vidura in proper form and they both enquired after each other’s welfare.  Vidura then saw there the Pandavas and Vasudeva.  As soon as he saw them he embraced them from affection and enquired after their well being.  The Pandavas also along with Vasudeva, in due order, worshipped Vidura of immeasurable intelligence.  But Vidura, O king, in the name of Dhritarashtra repeatedly enquired with great affection after their welfare.  He then gave, O monarch, unto the Pandavas and Kunti and Draupadi, and unto Drupada and Drupada’s sons, the gems and various kinds of wealth that the Kauravas had sent through him.  Possessed of immeasurable intelligence, the modest Vidura then, in the presence of the Pandavas and Keshava, addressed the well-behaved Drupada thus: 

“With thy ministers and sons, O monarch, listen to what I say.  King Dhritarashtra, with ministers, sons, and friends, hath with a joyous heart, O king, repeatedly enquired after thy welfare.  And, O monarch, he hath been highly pleased with this alliance with thee.  So also, O king, Bhishma of great wisdom, the son of Santanu, with all the Kurus, enquired after thy welfare in every respect.  Drona also of great wisdom the son of Bharadwaja and thy dear friend, embracing thee mentally, enquired of thy happiness.  And, O king of Panchalas, Dhritarashtra and all the Kurus, in consequence of this alliance with thee regard themselves supremely blest.  O Yajnasena, the establishment of this alliance with thee hath made them happier than if they had acquired a new kingdom.  Knowing all this, O monarch, permit the Pandavas to re-visit their ancestral kingdom.  The Kurus are exceedingly eager to behold the sons of Pandu.  These bulls among men have been long absent (from their kingdom).  They as well as Pritha must be very eager to behold their city.  And all the Kuru ladies and the citizens and our subjects are eagerly waiting to behold Krishna the Panchala Princess.  This, therefore, is my opinion, O monarch, that thou shouldst, without delay, permit the Pandavas to go thither with their wife.  And after the illustrious Pandavas, O king, will have received thy permission to go thither, I shall send information unto Dhritarashtra by quick messengers.  Then, O king, will the Pandavas set out with Kunti and Krishna.’”

SECTION CCIX

(Viduragamana Parva continued)