should the king apply for the destruction of his foe.  Agreeably to the science known to Usanas, arrays called Sakata, Padma, and Vijra, should be formed, O Bharata, for fighting the enemy.[23] Knowing everything about the enemy’s strength through spies, and examining his own strength himself the king should commence war either within his own territories or within those of his foe.[24] The king should always gratify his army, and hurl all his strongest warriors (against the enemy).  First ascertaining the state of his kingdom, he should apply conciliation or the other well-known means.  By all means, O king, should the body be protected.  One should do that which is highly beneficial for one both here and hereafter.  The king, O monarch, by behaving duly according to these ways, attains to Heaven hereafter, after ruling his subjects righteously in this world.  O foremost one of Kuru’s race, it is even thus that thou shouldst always seek the good of thy subjects for attaining to both the worlds.[25] Thou hast been instructed in all duties by Bhishma, by Krishna, and by Vidura, I should also, O best of kings, from the affection I bear thee, give thee these instructions.  O giver of profuse presents in sacrifices, thou shouldst do all this duly.  Thou shalt, by conducting thyself in this way, become dear to thy subjects and attain to felicity in Heaven.  That king who adores the deities in a hundred horse-sacrifices, and he who rules his subjects righteously, acquire merit that is equal.’”

SECTION VIII

“Yudhishthira said, ’O lord of Earth, I shall do as thou biddest me.  O foremost of kings, I should be further instructed by thee.  Bhishma has ascended to Heaven.  The slayer of Madhu has departed (for Dwaraka).  Vidura and Sanjaya also will accompany thee to the forest.  Who else, therefore, than thee will teach me?  Those instructions which thou imparted today, desirous of doing good to me, I shall certainly follow, O lord of Earth.  Be thou assured of this, O king.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Thus addressed by king Yudhishthira the just, of great intelligence, the royal sage, Dhritarashtra, O chief of the Bharatas, wished to obtain the king’s permission (about his retirement to the forest).  And he said, ‘Cease, O son, great has been my toil.’  Having said these words, the old king entered the apartments of Gandhari.  Unto that husband of hers who resembled a second Lord of all creatures, while resting on a seat, Gandhari of righteous conduct, conversant with the opportuneness of everything, said these words, the hour being suited to them,—­’Thou hast obtained the permission of that great Rishi, viz., Vyasa himself.  When, however, wilt thou go to the forest, with the permission of Yudhishthira?’

“Dhritarashtra said, ’O Gandhari, I have received the permission of my high-souled sire.  With the permission of Yudhishthira (next obtained), I shall soon retire into the woods.  I desire, however, to give away some wealth capable of following the status of Preta, in respect of all those sons of mine who were addicted to calamitous dice.  Verily, I desire to make those gifts, inviting all the people to my mansion.’[26]