’Having said this unto Duryodhana who was ever incapable of bearing anything against his own wishes, Kesava of mighty arms then came out of that blazing palace of Dhritarashtra’s son.  And the high-souled Vasudeva of mighty arms, coming out of that mansion, directed his steps towards the abode of the illustrious Vidura.  And while that mighty-armed one staying within Vidura’s abode, thither came unto him Drona, and Kripa, and Bhishma, and Vahlika, and many of the Kauravas.  And the Kauravas that came there addressed Madhava, the heroic slayer of Madhu, saying, ’O thou of Vrishni’s race, we place at thy disposal our houses with all the wealth within them.’

’The slayer of Madhu, of mighty energy, answered them saying, ’Ye may go away.  I am much honoured by these your offers.’  And after all the Kurus had gone away, Vidura, with great care entertained that unvanquished hero of Dasarha’s race with every object of desire.  And Kunti then placed before the illustrious Kesava clean and savoury food in abundance.  Therewith the slayer of Madhu first gratified the Brahmanas.  Indeed, from that food he first gave a portion, along with much wealth, unto a number of Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas, and then with his attendants, like Vasava in the midst of the Marutas, he dined on what remained of the clean and savoury food supplied by Vidura.’”

SECTION XCII

“Vaisampayana said, ’After Kesava had dined and been refreshed, Vidura said unto him during the night, ’O Kesava, this advent of thine hath not been a well judged one, for, O Janardana, Dhritarashtra’s son transgresseth the rules of both profit and religion, is wicked and wrathful, insulteth others, though himself desirous of honours, and disobeyeth the commands of the aged.  He is, O Madhava, a transgressor of the scriptures, ignorant, and of wicked soul, already overtaken by fate, untractable, and disposed to do evil to those that seek his good.  His soul is possessed by desire and lust.  He foolishly regardeth himself as very wise.  He is the enemy of all his true friends.  Ever-suspicious, without any control over his soul, and ungrateful, he hath abandoned all virtue and is in love with sin.  He is foolish, with understanding uncultivated, a slave of his senses, ever obedient to the impulses of lust and avarice, and irresolute in every act that should be done.  He is endued with these and many other vices.  Although thou wilt point out to him what is for his good, he will yet disregard it all, moved by pride and anger.  He hath great faith in Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son, and Jayadratha, and, therefore, he never setteth his heart on peace, O Janardana.  Dhritarashtra’s sons, with Karna, firmly believe that the Pandavas are incapable of even looking at Bhishma, Drona, and other heroes, not to speak of fighting against them.  The foolish Duryodhana of limited sight, having assembled