05.078

Nakula said:

Yudhishthira, who knows righteousness and is generous, has spoken at length, Madhava—his words precisely in accordance with dharma. (5-78-1)

O Mādhava, having understood the opinions of the king and Bhīmasena, the restraint and the strength of Mādhava himself were revealed. (5-78-2)

In the same way, what was said by Phalguna has also been heard by you, O hero, and your own opinion has been stated by you many times. (5-78-3)

O best of men, setting all this aside, after hearing the superior opinion, do what you consider appropriate for the time. (5-78-4)

Keśava, on each and every occasion, a view arises; but what is timely should be done personally by a person, O subduer of enemies. (5-78-5)

Indeed, an aim that is conceived in one way often turns out otherwise; people's opinions in this world are inconstant, O best of men. (5-78-6)

Indeed, O Krishna, while we were dwelling unseen in the forest, people's intentions toward us were one way; but when we became visible again, they changed and became different. (5-78-7)

Even for us, O Vārṣṇeya, when we were wandering in the forest then, the affection was not as great in the kingdom as it is now. (5-78-8)

Hero, after our return from exile in the forest, having heard of us, these seven military divisions have assembled here, Janardana, indeed by your favor. (5-78-9)

For indeed, who here—seeing these tigers among men of inconceivable strength and courage, armed for battle—would not be shaken? (5-78-10)

So, among the Kurus, you should speak conciliatory words to that frightened Suyodhana, so that the foolish one is not disturbed. (5-78-11)

Yudhisthira, Bhimasena, Vibhatsu the undefeated, Sahadeva, me, you, Rama, and Keshava, (5-78-12)

Sātyaki of great might, Virāṭa with his sons, Drupada along with his ministers, and Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Pārṣata, (5-78-13)

Who among mortals, bearing flesh and blood, would fight in battle against the valiant king of Kāśi, Dhṛṣṭaketu, and the chief of the Cedis? (5-78-14)

He—indeed, you—will surely accomplish, merely by going, the desired goal for Yudhiṣṭhira alone, O mighty-armed one, without doubt. (5-78-15)

Vidura, Bhishma, Drona, and Bahlika as well—they are capable of understanding what is best, O sinless one, of what you are saying. (5-78-16)

And they will try to persuade Dhritarashtra, lord of the people, as well as Duryodhana, who is of wicked conduct, together with his counsellors. (5-78-17)

Vidura is the listener in this matter, and you, Janardana, are the speaker—who else could set right a situation gone astray from its proper course? (5-78-18)