03.227
Vaiśampāyana said.
When he heard Karṇa's words, King Duryodhana first became gladdened, but then again sorrowful, and spoke these words. (03-227-1)
O Karṇa, whatever you have said, all of it is fixed in my mind. But I will not obtain permission to go where the Pāṇḍavas are. (03-227-2)
King Dhritarashtra mourns those heroes and, due to the practice of austerity, considers the Pāṇḍavas to be even greater. (03-227-3)
Now, or if the king also understands our intention, then even while safeguarding the future he ought to grant permission. (03-227-4)
Indeed, in the Dvaita forest, there is no purpose whatsoever other than the destruction of my enemies who dwell in the forest. (03-227-5)
You know well how the charioteer (Vidura), when the gambling took place, said those words to me, to you, and to Saubala (Śakuni) at that time. (03-227-6)
Having reflected on those earlier utterances and all other lamentations, I do not find any way to go or to do otherwise. (3-227-7)
Indeed, I too would feel great joy if I could see Bhīma and Arjuna together with Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) in this tormented forest. (03-227-8)
I would not attain such happiness, even if I obtained the earth, as I do when I see the sons of Paṇḍu wearing bark garments and deer-skins. (03-227-9)
What, indeed, could be greater than if I, Karna, were to see Draupadī, the daughter of Drupada, in the forest wearing red clothes. (03-227-10)
If Dharmarāja and Bhīmasena, the Pāṇḍava, see me endowed with supreme fortune, it would be as if life itself would continue. (03-227-11)
But I do not see any means by which we could go to that forest, and by which the king might permit me to depart (03-227-12)
He, together with Saubala and with Duhśāsana, seek a skillful means by which we may go to that forest. (03-227-13)
Today also, having firmly decided, whether to go or for some other reason, I will indeed go early to the king’s presence. (03-227-14)
When I am seated there, and Bhīṣma, the foremost of the Kurus, is also present, you should say whatever means you perceive, together with Saubala (Śakuni). (03-227-15)
Then, having heard of the departure of Bhīṣma and the king, I will take leave of the grandsire and make my resolution. (03-227-16)
Having thus spoken, they all went to their lodgings. When the night had passed, Karṇa approached the king. (03-227-17)
Then Karna, smiling, said to Duryodhana: "This means has been considered; know it, O lord of men." (03-227-18)
O king, all the herds in the Dvaita forest wait for you; under the pretext of a cattle-station journey, we shall go, without doubt. (03-227-19)
It is always proper to go on the cattle-camp expedition, O lord of the people; thus, O king, your father ought to grant you permission. (03-227-20)
Thus, while those two were discussing the decision about the Ghoṣa-yātrā, the king of Gandhara, Śakuni, replied as if laughing. (03-227-21)
This is a means, found by me, that is safe for our departure. The king will permit us and will even encourage us. (03-227-22)
All the herdsmen are awaiting you in the Dvaita forest, O king; we shall go under the pretext of a cowherd expedition, without any doubt. (03-227-23)
Then all of them, smiling, joined hands with one another, and having decided that, they saw the best of the Kurus. (03-227-24)
