that they may collect an army for us. Let speedy
messengers go to Salya, and Dhrishtaketu, and Jayatsena,
and the prince of the Kekayas. Duryodhana also,
on his part, will send word to all the kings, Rightminded
persons, however, respond to the request of those that
first beseech them. Therefore, I ask you to make
haste in first preferring your suit to these rulers
of men. Meseems that a great undertaking is awaiting
us. Quickly send word to Salya, and to the kings
under him, and to king Bhagadatta of immeasurable
valour residing on the eastern sea-coast, and to fierce
Hardikya, and Ahuka, and the king of the Mallas of
powerful understanding, and Rochamana. Let Vrihanta
be summoned and king Senavindu, and Vahlika and Mudjakesa
and the ruler of the Chedis, and Suparsva, Suvahu;
and that great hero, Paurava; and also the kings of
the Sakas, the Pahlavas, and the Daradas, and Surari,
and Nadija, and king Karnavest, and Nila, and the
valiant king Viradharman; and Durjaya, and Dantavakra,
and Rukmi, and Janamejaya; and Ashada and Vayuvega,
and king Purvapali; and Bhuritejas, and Devaka, and
Ekalaya with his sons; and also the kings of the Krausha
race, and the valiant Kshemamurti, and the kings of
the Kamboja and the Richika tribes, and of the western
sea-coast; and Jayatsena and the king of Kashi, and
the rulers of the land of the five rivers, and the
proud son of Kratha, and the rulers of the mountain
regions, and Janaki, and Susarman and Maniman, and
Potimatsyaka, and the valiant Dhrishtaketu, and the
ruler of the kingdom of Pansu; and Paundra, and Dandadhara,
and the brave Vrihatsena; and Aparajita, and Nishada
and Srenimat and Vasumat; and Vrihadvala of great
strength, and Vahu the conqueror of hostile cities;
and the warlike king Samudrasena with his son; and
Uddhava, and Kshemaka and king Vatadhana; and Srutayus,
and Dridhayus, and the gallant son of Salwa; and the
king of the Kalingas, and Kumara, unconquerable in
battle. Speedily send word to these. This
is what recommends itself to me. And let this
my priest, learned Brahmana, be sent, O king, to Dhritarashtra.
Tell him the words he is to say and what Duryodhana
should be told; and how Bhishma is to be addressed,
and how Drona, that best of car-warriors!”
SECTION V
“Krishna said, ’These worlds are worthy of the chief of the Somaka tribe, and are calculated to promote the interests of Pandu’s son of immeasurable strength. As we are desirous of adopting a politic course, this is, no doubt, our first duty; a man acting otherwise would be a great fool. But our relationship to both the Kurus and the Pandus is equal, howsoever these two parties may behave with each other. Both you and we have been invited here on the occasion of a marriage. The marriage having now been celebrated, let us go home well-pleased. You are the foremost of kings, both in years and learning; and here we all, no doubt are as if your pupils. Dhritarashtra