SECTION CXLVIII

“Vasudeva said, ’After Bhishma had said these words, Drona, always competent to speak, then addressed Duryodhana in the midst of the (assembled) monarchs and said these words that are beneficial to thee.  And he said, ’O sire, as Pratipa’s son, Santanu, was devoted to the welfare of his race, and as Devavrata, otherwise called Bhishma was devoted to the welfare of his race, so was the royal Pandu, that king of the Kurus, who was firmly devoted to truth, who had his passions under control, who was virtuous, of excellent vows, and attentive to all duties. (Though king by right) that perpetuator of Kuru’s race yet made over the sovereignty to his elder brother, Dhritarashtra, endued with great wisdom, and to his younger brother Kshattri (Vidura).  And placing this Dhritarashtra of unfading glory on the throne, that royal son of Kuru’s race went to the woods with his two wives.  And that tiger among men, Vidura, with great humility, placing himself in subjection to Dhritarashtra, began to wait on him like a slave, fanning him with the branch of a tender palm.  And all the subjects then, O sire, duly tendered their submission to king Dhritarashtra just as they had done to king Pandu himself.  And having made over the kingdom to Dhritarashtra and Vidura, that conqueror of hostile cities, Pandu, wandered over the whole earth.  Always devoted to truth, Vidura then took charge of the finances, gifts, superintendence of the servants (of the state), and the feeding of all, while that conqueror of hostile cities, Bhishma, of mighty energy, supervised the making of war and peace and the necessity of making or withholding gifts to kings.  When king Dhritarashtra of great strength was on the throne, the high-souled Vidura was near him.  Born in Dhritarashtra’s race how dost thou venture to bring about a disunion in the family?  Uniting with thy brothers (the Pandavas) enjoy all objects of enjoyment.  O king, I do not say this to you from cowardice, nor for the sake of wealth.  I am enjoying the wealth that Bhishma gave me, and not thou, O best of kings.  I do not desire, O king, to have from thee my means of sustenance.  Where Bhishma is, there Drona must be.  Do what Bhishma hath told thee.  O grinder of foes, give unto the sons of Pandu half the kingdom.  O sire, I acted as their preceptor as much as thine.  Indeed, even as Aswatthaman is to me, so is Arjuna of white steeds.  What use is there of much declamation?  Victory is there where righteousness is.’

“Vasudeva continued, ’After Drona, of immeasurable energy, had said this, the virtuous Vidura then, O king, who is devoted to truth, said these words, turning towards his uncle (Bhishma) and looking at his face.  And Vidura said, ’O Devavrata, attend to the words I speak.  This race of Kuru, when it became extinct, was revived by thee.  It is for this that thou art indifferent to my lamentations now.  In this our race, its stain is this Duryodhana,