looketh up to righteousness only, like a weak man, though he is possessed of great strength.  King Dhritarashtra here, though old in years, doth not effect peace, and intoxicated with pride of children, treadeth a sinful path.  In consequence of the wickedness of Jayadratha and Karna and Dussasana and Suvala’s son, intestine dissensions will break out.  They that behave unrighteously towards him that is righteous, verily that sin of theirs soon produceth its consequences.  Who is there that will not be filled with sorrow at the sight of the Kurus persecuting righteousness in this way?  When Kesava returneth without being able to bring about peace, the Pandavas will certainly address themselves for battle.  Thereupon, the sin of the Kurus will lead to a destruction of heroes.  Reflecting on all this, I do not get sleep by day or by night.’

“Hearing these words uttered by Vidura, who always wished her sons the accomplishment of their objects, Kunti began to sigh heavily, afflicted with grief, and began to think within herself, ’Fie to wealth, for the sake of which this great slaughter of kinsmen is about to take place.  Indeed, in this war, they that are friends will sustain defeat.  What can be a greater grief than this that the Pandavas, the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the Yadavas, assembled together, will fight with the Bharatas?  Verily, I behold demerit in war. (On the other hand) if we do not fight, poverty and humiliation would be ours.  As regards the person that is poor, even death is beneficial (to him). (On the other band) the extermination of one’s kinsmen is not victory.  As I reflect on this, my heart swelleth with sorrow.  The grandsire (Bhishma), the son of Santanu, the preceptor (Drona), who is the foremost of warriors, and Karna, having embraced Duryodhana’s side, enhance my fears.  The preceptor Drona, it seemeth to me, will never fight willingly against his pupils.  As regards the Grandsire, why will he not show some affection for the Pandavas?  There is only this sinful Karna then, of deluded understanding and ever following the deluded lead of the wicked Duryodhana, that hateth the Pandavas.  Obstinately pursuing that which injureth the Pandavas, this Karna is, again, very powerful.  It is this which burneth me at present.  Proceeding to gratify him.  I will today disclose the truth and seek to draw his heart towards the Pandavas.  Pleased with me, while I was living in the inner apartments of the palace of my father, Kuntibhoja, the holy Durvasa gave me a boon in the form of an invocation consisting of mantras.  Long reflecting with a trembling heart on the strength or weakness of those mantras and the power also of the Brahmana’s words, and in consequence also of my disposition as a woman, and my nature as a girl of unripe years, deliberating repeatedly and while guarded by a confidential nurse and surrounded by my waiting-maids, and thinking also of how not to incur any reproach, how to maintain the honour of my father, and how I myself might have an