beneficial counsels that are consistent with virtue and profit and competent to dispel the present calamity.  I will, therefore, sincerely endeavour to bring about the good of Dhritarashtra’s sons and of the Pandavas, as also of all the Kshatriyas on the face of the earth.  If while endeavouring to bring about the good (of my friends), Duryodhana judgeth me wrongly, I shall have the satisfaction of my own conscience, and a true friend is one who assumeth the functions of an intercessor when dissensions break out between kinsmen.  In order, again, that unrighteous, foolish, and inimical persons may not afterwards say that though competent, still Krishna did not make any attempt to restrain the angry Kurus and the Pandavas from slaughtering one another I have come here.  Indeed, it is to serve both parties that I have come hither.  Having striven to bring about peace, I will escape the censure of all the kings.  If after listening to my auspicious words, fraught with virtue and profit, the foolish Duryodhana accept them not, he will only invite his fate.  If without sacrificing the interests of the Pandavas I can bring about peace among the Kurus, my conduct will be regarded as highly meritorious, O high-souled one, and the Kauravas themselves will be liberated from the meshes of death.  If the sons of Dhritarashtra reflect coolly on the words I shall utter—­words fraught with wisdom, consistent with righteousness, and possessed of grave import,—­then that peace which is my object will be brought about and the Kauravas will also worship me (as the agent thereof).  If, on the other hand, they seek to injure me, I tell thee that all the kings of the earth; united together, are no match for me, like a herd of deer incapable of standing before an enraged lion.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Having said these words, that bull of the Vrishni race and delighter of Yadavas, then laid himself down on his soft bed for sleep.’”

SECTION XCIV

“Vaisampayana said, ’In such conversation between those two distinguished persons, both of whom were endued with great intelligence, that night, lit with bright stars, passed away.  Indeed, the night passed away against the wishes of the illustrious Vidura, who had been listening to the varied conversation of Krishna fraught with virtue, profit, and desire, and made up of delightful words and syllables of agreeable import; and also those of Krishna himself, of ’immeasurable prowess, listening to discourses equal in style and character.  Then, at early dawn a band of choristers and bards gifted with melodious voices, awoke Kesava with sweet sounds of conchs and cymbals.  And rising from bed, Janardana of Dasarha’s race, that bull amongst all the Sattwatas, went through all the customary acts of the morning.  And having cleansed himself by a bath, recited the sacred Mantras and poured libations of clarified butter on the sacrificial fire.  Madhava decked his person and began to worship