05.024
Sanjaya said:
O son of Pandu, you rightly inquire about the well-being of the Kurus and the people, as is appropriate. Dear son of Pritha, you ask about the welfare of the wise among the best of the Kurus.
There are indeed elders and virtuous people among the sons of Dhritarashtra, and there are also wicked ones, O Pandava, know this. The son of Dhritarashtra would even give to his enemy; how then could he withhold gifts from the Brahmins?
If that is your stance, it is not righteous; treating the wronged as wronged is not good. Dhritarashtra and his sons, betrayers of friends, would be wicked in hating you, the virtuous ones.
Ajatashatru, the elder, does not permit and suffers greatly; he grieves internally. He listens to the Brahmins gathered, understanding that betrayal of friends is considered a graver sin.
They recall you, O king, in the assembly and in battle, as well as the victorious leader of battles. In the resounding noise of drums and conches, they remember Bhimasena wielding his mace.
The sons of Madri, unshakeable great warriors, stood in the midst of the battlefield, showering arrows continuously in all directions, remembering their duty.
O king, I believe that the future of a man is unknown. You, O son of Pandu, who possesses all virtues, have encountered suffering in a challenging form.
You should reconcile all this with wisdom, O Ajatashatru. The sons of Pandu should not abandon their duty for desire, as they are all like Indra.
You, O born enemy, with your wisdom, should bring about peace so that the sons of Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas, the Srinjayas, and other assembled kings may find happiness.
O Ajatashatru, understand the words spoken by your father Dhritarashtra at night, when he was with his ministers and sons, having gathered together, O king.
