Vaisampayana continued,—­“The messenger, obedient to the command of Duryodhana, going once again to the palace, himself much distressed, said unto Draupadi,—­’O princess, they that are in the assembly are summoning thee.  It seemeth that the end of the Kauravas is at hand.  When Duryodhana, O princess, is for taking thee before the assembly, this weak-brained king will no longer be able to protect his prosperity.’

“Draupadi said,—­’The great ordainer of the world hath, indeed, ordained so.  Happiness and misery pay their court to both the wise and unwise.  Morality, however, it hath been said, is the one highest object in the world.  If cherished, that will certainly dispense blessings to us.  Let not that morality now abandon the Kauravas.  Going back to those that are present in that assembly, repeat these my words consonant with morality.  I am ready to do what those elderly and virtuous persons conversant with morality will definitely tell me.

Vaisampayana continued,—­“The Suta, hearing these words of Yajnaseni, came back to the assembly and repeated the words of Draupadi.  But all sat with faces downwards, uttering not a word, knowing the eagerness and resolution of Dhritarashtra’s son.

“Yudhishthira, however, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing of Duryodhana’s intentions, sent a trusted messenger unto Draupadi, directing that although she was attired in one piece of cloth with her navel itself exposed, in consequence of her season having come, she should come before her father-in-law weeping bitterly.  And that intelligent messenger, O king, having gone to Draupadi’s abode with speed, informed her of the intentions of Yudhishthira.  The illustrious Pandavas, meanwhile, distressed and sorrowful, and bound by promise, could not settle what they should do.  And casting his eyes upon them, king Duryodhana, glad at heart, addressed the Suta and said,—­’O Pratikamin, bring her hither.  Let the Kauravas answer her question before her face.  The Suta, then, obedient to his commands, but terrified at the (possible) wrath of the daughter of Drupada, disregarding his reputation for intelligence, once again said to those that were in the assembly,—­what shall I say unto Krishna?’

“Duryodhana, hearing this, said,—­’O Dussasana, this son of my Suta, of little intelligence, feareth Vrikodara.  Therefore, go thou thyself and forcibly bring hither the daughter of Yajnasena, Our enemies at present are dependent on our will.  What can they do thee?’ Hearing the command of his brother, prince Dussasana rose with blood-red eyes, and entering the abode of those great warriors, spake these words unto the princess, ’Come, come, O Krishna, princess of Panchala, thou hast been won by us.  And O thou of eyes large as lotus leaves, come now and accept the Kurus for thy lords.  Thou hast been won virtuously, come to the assembly.’  At these words, Draupadi, rising up in great affliction, rubbed her pale face with her hands, and distressed