Vaisampayana continued,—­“O best of kings, thus addressed by his son Dhritarashtra, that prince of poets, the Muni (Vyasa) concentrated his mind in supreme Yoga.  Having contemplated for only a short space of time, Vyasa once more said,—­’Without doubt, O king of kings, it is Time that destroyeth the universe.  It is Time also that createth the worlds.  There is nothing here that is eternal.  Show the path of righteousness to the Kurus, to thy kinsmen, relatives, and friends.  Thou art competent to restrain them.  The slaughter of kinsmen hath been said to be sinful.  Do not do that which is disagreeable to me.  O king, Death himself hath been born in the shape of thy son.  Slaughter is never applauded in the Vedas.  It can never be beneficial.  The usages of one’s race are as one’s own body.  Those usages slay him that destroyeth them.  For the destruction of this race and of those kings of the earth it is Time that maketh thee deviate into the wrong path like one in distress, although thou art competent (to walk along the path of righteousness).  O king, in the shape of thy kingdom hath calamity come to thee.  Thy virtue is sustaining a very great diminution.[26] Show what righteousness is unto thy sons.  O thou that art invincible, of what value is that kingdom to thee which bringeth sin to thee?  Take care of thy good name, thy virtue, and thy fame.  Thou wilt then win heaven.  Let the Pandavas have their kingdom, and let the Kauravas have peace.”

“While that best of Brahmanas was saying these words in a sorrowful tone, Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, accomplished in speech, once more addressed him, saying.—–­’My knowledge of life and death is similar to thine.  The truth is known to me as regards these.  Man, however, in what concerns his own interests, is deprived of judgment.  O sire, know me to be one who is an ordinary person.  Of immeasurable power thou art.  I pray thee to extend thine towards us.  Of soul under complete control, thou art our refuge and instructor.  My sons are not obedient to me, O great Rishi.  My understanding too is not inclined to commit sin.[27] Thou art the cause of the fame, the achievements, and the inclination for virtue, of the Bharatas.  Thou art the reverend grandsire of both the Kurus and the Pandavas.’

“Vyasa said,—­’O royal son of Vichitravirya, tell me freely what is in thy mind.  I will remove thy doubts.”

“Dhritarashtra said,—­’O holy one, I desire to hear from thee of all those indications that happen unto those that become victorious in battle.”

“Vyasa said,—­’The (sacred) fire assumes a cheerful radiance.  Its light ascends upwards.  Its flame bends towards the right.  It blazes up without being smoky.  The libations poured on it yield a fragrant scent.  It is said that these are the indications of future success.  The conches and cymbals yield sounds that are deep and loud.  The Sun as well as the Moon gives pure rays.  It is said that these are the indications