04.025
Vaiśampāyana said;
Then King Duryodhana, after hearing their words and remaining thoughtful for a long time, replied to the members of the assembly. (04-25-1)
It is indeed very difficult to know the outcome of events in the end. Therefore, all of you look around to see where the Pāṇḍavas might have gone. (04-25-2)
Little remains of the time; most of it has already passed; for them, in this thirteenth year of incognito residence. (04-25-3)
If the Pāṇḍavas spend the remainder of this year here, then, as their period (of exile) is over, they are truly devoted to their vows. (04-25-4)
They would certainly be enraged towards the Kauravas, flowing as if kings among serpents, all resembling venomous snakes and bringing pain. (04-25-5)
As soon as they perceived the imminent time bringing hardships again, those who had conquered anger would once more enter the forest at that very moment. (04-25-6)
Therefore, quickly strive so that our kingdom may be utterly everlasting, free from conflict, without agitation, devoid of enemies, and enduring for a long time. (04-25-7)
Then Karṇa said: Let them go quickly, O Bhārata. Others are more cunning, skilled, reserved, and doers of good deeds. (04-25-8)
Let them wander throughout regions filled with prosperous and populous settlements. There, in assemblies and elsewhere, and among accomplished mendicants too. (04-25-9)
That which should be known by humans is to be determined, with proper reasoning and right conduct, in services, holy places, and various sources. (04-25-10)
By various persons devoted to that task, who properly know of it, and who are accompanied by experts, the Pāṇḍavas dwelling in hiding must be carefully searched for. (04-25-11)
In the groves by rivers, at sacred fords, in villages, in cities, in hermitages, in delightful places, in mountains, and in caves. (4-25-12)
Then Duḥśāsana, the brother born immediately after the eldest and attached to evil intentions, spoke to his eldest brother there. (04-25-13)
And as Karṇa has spoken, let us observe everything accordingly. Let all the scouts search everywhere as instructed. These and many other men also should proceed from region to region according to rule. (04-25-14)
But for them, neither their course, their dwelling, nor their activity can be ascertained; whether they are highly placed or hidden, they have crossed to the other shore of the surging sea. (04-25-15)
Those who considered themselves brave were either devoured by wild beasts in the great forest or, having encountered danger, have perished for all time. (04-25-16)
Therefore, O Kurunandana, compose your mind and calmly perform such duties as you think right with enthusiasm, O lord of men. (04-25-17)
