05.062
Duryodhana said:
Among men who are similar and of equal birth, how can you be certain of victory for the sons of Pritha?
All are of the same kind and belong to the human race. Grandfather, you know how victory can be achieved among the sons of Pritha.
I do not rely on Drona, Kripa, or Bahlika. I begin my endeavors after conquering other kings.
I, Karṇa, the son of Vikartana, along with my brother Duḥśāsana, will defeat the five Pāṇḍavas in battle using sharp arrows.
Then, O king, I shall perform great sacrifices and offer various abundant gifts to satisfy the Brahmins with cows, horses, and wealth.
Vidura spoke:
We have heard, dear, that some bird-catcher set a trap on the ground here for catching birds, as was done by the ancients.
In that place, two equally strong birds were caught at the same time. Both of them, taking the noose, flew away into the sky.
The bird-catcher, seeing those two ascend into the sky, chased after them without losing hope, following whichever path they took.
A sage residing in the hermitage noticed the hunter chasing the bird-seeker after completing his daily rituals.
The two celestial beings swiftly followed the earthly traveler. Then, with this verse, the sage inquired, 'O descendant of Kuru.'
"This scene is astonishing and wonderful, O hunter. You are chasing the sky-flying beings on foot."
The bird-catcher spoke:
Both of these nooses, when they quarrel, will come under my control.
Vidura spoke:
The two, having engaged in a dispute and being very evil-minded, fell to the ground, influenced by omens of death.
The two warriors, caught in the throes of battle and driven by the inevitability of death, approached without being recognized, and were then captured by the hunter.
Relatives who engage in mutual conflicts over matters end up falling under the control of their enemies, just like birds become vulnerable due to their conflicts.
Sharing meals, engaging in conversations, making inquiries, and meeting are the duties of relatives; there is never any opposition to these activities.
When all the virtuous people serve the elders, they become as unassailable as a forest guarded by lions.
O best of the Bharatas, those who constantly acquire wealth but sit like miserable ones end up bestowing their prosperity to their enemies.
The dispersed smoke and blazing torches resemble the relatives of Dhritarashtra, O best of the Bharatas.
I will now tell you another thing as I saw it on the mountain. After hearing it, O Kauravya, act in a way that is better.
We are going to the northern mountain along with the Kiratas, accompanied by Brahmins who are like gods and the Vidyājambhaka Vātikas.
The Gandhamadana mountain, lush with dense thickets and glowing with medicinal herbs, is a place frequented by Siddhas and Gandharvas.
There we all observe a pot-sized honeycomb, drunk by bees, unevenly placed in the desert.
Protected by serpents, Kubera's beloved fruit, when consumed, grants a mortal man immortality.
The Brahmins, known for achieving the impossible, say that one without eyes can gain sight and an old man can indeed become young.
Then the hunters, upon seeing that, prayed to the king and perished in the uneven mountain cave filled with snakes.
Similarly, your son desires the earth alone. He sees the sweetness but, due to delusion, does not perceive the impending danger.
Duryodhana, who is eager to fight in the battle with Arjuna, does not seem to possess the brilliance or prowess as expected.
A hero, having mounted a chariot, conquered the earth. He waits patiently and forgives what he sees of you.
Drupada, the king of the Matsyas, and the furious Dhananjaya would leave nothing behind in the battle, akin to fires fueled by the wind.
Place King Dhritarashtra and Yudhishthira in your lap, for in the battle between the two, victory is not assured.
