01.129
Core:Duryodhana cribs in front of Dhritarastra
Vaiśampāyana said:
Observing Bhīmasena, dearer than life, and Dhanañjaya, accomplished in learning, Duryodhana, the evil-minded, was distressed.
Then Karṇa, son of Vikartana, and Śakuni, son of Subala, sought to harm the Pāṇḍavas by many means.
And the Pāṇḍavas, best among men, recognizing all that, did not retaliate but remained according to Vidura's counsel.
Seeing the sons of Pāṇḍu endowed with virtues, the citizens then would gather and speak of them in the open squares and assemblies.
Because Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, was blind and had not earlier attained the kingdom, how can he now be king?
Likewise, Bhīṣma, son of Śantanu, bound to truth and of great vow, having renounced the kingdom earlier, will not now ever accept it.
Therefore, let us today anoint the eldest Pāṇḍava, though young in age, as king—he who is virtuous, truthful, and compassionate in nature.
Indeed, he who knows dharma will honor Bhīṣma and Dhṛtarāṣṭra with his son, involving them in various enjoyments.
Hearing those words spoken by those devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira, the evil-minded Duryodhana was tormented.
Burning within and evil-minded, he could not endure their words. Consumed by envy, he approached Dhṛtarāṣṭra.
Then, having seen his father alone and duly honored him, scorched by the citizens' affection, he afterwards spoke this.
O father, I have heard the inauspicious words of the citizens as they speak—they desire the Pāṇḍava as lord, disregarding you and Bhīṣma.
This too is Bhīṣma’s opinion—that he does not desire the kingdom. But the people in the city intend to cause us great affliction.
Pāṇḍu formerly obtained the kingdom from our father through his own virtues. But though you also attained it, due to lack of merit you did not secure it.
If the Pāṇḍava obtains the inheritance of Pāṇḍu, then certainly his son shall gain it, and so on to each thereafter.
Thus we, deprived of the royal lineage along with our sons, shall become disregarded by the world, O lord of the earth.
Constantly falling into hell, living on the food of others—let us not become that, O king. Therefore, let something be quickly arranged.
Had you, O king, been firm in the kingdom before, we certainly would have gained the kingdom even over a subjugated people.
