05.020
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
He, the priest of Drupada, upon reaching the Kauravas, was honored by Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, and Vidura.
He began by speaking of all skills and inquiring about the well-being, and then he addressed the words among all the army leaders.
The eternal royal duty is known to all of you; however, I will speak for the purpose of quoting, as it is already known.
Dhritarashtra and Pandu, both sons of the same lineage, are renowned. There is no doubt that their ancestral wealth is equal.
The sons of Dhritarashtra have received their ancestral wealth. How is it that the Pandavas have not received their ancestral wealth?
Thus, as you knew from before by the sons of Pandu, the ancestral wealth was not obtained because it was withheld by the son of Dhritarashtra.
Even with numerous life-threatening efforts, those who strive are unable to lead the remaining ones to the abode of Yama.
Once more, the kingdom that was expanded by the great souls through their own strength was deceitfully seized by the mean sons of Dhritarashtra along with Saubala.
That action was indeed approved by him, and they lived in the great forest here for thirteen years.
In the assembly, the heroes, along with their wives, were greatly tormented; in the forest, they encountered various very terrible troubles.
In the city of Virata, great distress was experienced by those who had taken other forms, similar to the suffering caused by the wicked, as understood by the great souls.
The best of the Kurus, having put all their past sins behind, now seek only peace with the Kauravas.
Understanding the behavior of both them and Duryodhana, the friends are here to persuade Dhritarashtra.
The Pandavas do not engage in conflict with the Kauravas because they desire their own indestructible world.
Whoever may be the cause of Dhritarashtra's conflict should not be considered stronger, for indeed they are not.
Seven divisions of Dharmaputra's army have gathered, ready to battle the Kauravas, and are awaiting his orders.
Others, who are like tigers among men and equal to a thousand divisions, include Satyaki, Bhimasena, and the very mighty twins.
Eleven armies gathered on one side, while on the other stood the mighty and versatile Arjuna.
Just as Arjuna, the one with a crown, stands out among all the armies, so does the mighty-armed Vasudeva, Krishna, shine with great splendor.
Who would dare to fight, knowing the vastness of the armies, the valor of Arjuna, and the wisdom of Krishna?
Gentlemen, let them give what is due according to the law and the time, so that your opportunity does not pass by.
