princes had carved out a kingdom by their own strength, the mean-minded sons of Dhritarashtra, aided by Suvala’s son, robbed them of it by deceit.  This Dhritarashtra gave his sanction even to that act as hath been usual with him.  And for thirteen years they were then sent to sojourn in the great wilderness.  In the council-hall, they had also been subjected to indignities of various kinds, along with their wife, valiant though they were.  And great also were the sufferings that they had to endure in the woods.  Those virtuous princes had also to endure unspeakable woes in the city of Virata,—­such as are endured only by vicious men when their souls transmigrate into the forms of inferior beings, Ye best of Kuru’s race, overlooking all these injuries of yore they desire nothing but a peaceful settlement with the Kurus!  Remembering their behaviour, and that of Duryodhana also, the latter’s friends should entreat him to consent to peace!  The heroic sons of Pandu are not eager for war with the Kurus.  They desire to get back their own share without involving the world in ruin.  If Dhritarashtra’s son assigns a reason in favour of war, that can never be a proper reason.  The sons of Pandu are more powerful.  Seven Akshauhinis of troops have been collected on behalf of Yudhishthira, all eager to fight with the Kurus, and they are now awaiting his word of command.  Others there are tigers among men, equal in might to a thousand Akshauhinis, such as Satyaki and Bhimasena, and the twin brothers of mighty strength.  It is true that these eleven divisions of troops are arrayed on one side, but these are balanced on the other by the mighty-armed Dhananjaya of manifold form.  And as Kiritin exceeds in strength even all these troops together, so also doth Vasudeva’s son of great effulgence and powerful intellect.  Who is there that would fight, in view of the magnitude of the opposing force, the valour of Arjuna, and the wisdom of Krishna?  Therefore, I ask you to give back what should be given, as dictated by morality and compact.  Do not let the opportunity pass!’”

SECTION XXI

“Vaisampayana said, ’Having heard his words, Bhishma, senior in wisdom, and endued with great effulgence, paid honours to him, and then spoke words suitable to the occasion.  And he said, ’How fortunate that they are all well, with Krishna!  How fortunate that they have procured aid, and that they are inclined to a virtuous course!  How fortunate that those scions of Kuru’s race desire peace with their cousins!  There is no doubt that what thou hast said is true.  Thy words, however, are exceedingly sharp,—­the reason, I suppose, being that thou art a Brahmana.  No doubt, the sons of Pandu were much harassed both here and in woods.  No doubt, by law they are entitled to get all the property of their father.  Arjuna, the son of Pritha, is strong trained in weapons, and is a great car-warrior.  Who, in sooth, can withstand in battle