05.085

Vidura said:

O King, you are highly respected and the best even among the three worlds, esteemed and honored by the people, O Bhārata. (5-85-1)

Whatever you might say in this situation, having reached old age—whether grounded in scripture or sound reasoning—you are steadfast, for you are indeed an elder. (5-85-2)

O King, the people have decided that righteousness is great in you, just as brilliance is (clear) in the sun upon a tablet, or a great wave is in the ocean. (5-85-3)

O king, the people have always regarded you for your abundant virtues; always strive, together with your kinsmen, to protect those virtues. (5-85-4)

Adopt uprightness—do not, out of childishness, go to ruin in many ways, along with your kingdom, sons, grandsons, and even your most beloved friends. (5-85-5)

Whatever you give to Kṛṣṇa as an honored guest, O king—this and even more—the scion of the Dāśārhas deserves, even the whole earth. (5-85-6)

However, you do not desire this for Kṛṣṇa with reference to righteousness or for what would please him; I call upon truth as my witness. (5-85-7)

This is deception, truly lacking in substance, this is a pretense, O giver of great gifts. I know your hidden intention, O king, behind your outward actions. (5-85-8)

The Pāṇḍavas desire only five villages, O King, but you do not give them even those—so who will bring about peace? (5-85-9)

But you wish to take the mighty-armed descendant of Vrishni by means of wealth, and by this very approach you wish to obtain the Pandavas. (5-85-10)

This cannot be accomplished by wealth, nor by effort, nor by reproach—no one other than Dhananjaya can do it. I tell you this truth. (5-85-11)

He knows Kṛṣṇa's greatness, he knows his fixed devotion. I know that Dhanañjaya is as dear to him as his own life and cannot be abandoned. (5-85-12)

Janardana will not want water from some other full pitcher, nor the water used for washing feet, nor any other inquiry after his health. (5-85-13)

O King, whatever hospitality would be pleasing to him, who is great-souled and worthy of honor, let that be done for him—for Janardana is indeed worthy of honor. (5-85-14)

Keshava comes to the Kurus, hoping for their well-being; O King, provide him with exactly the intention he seeks. (5-85-15)

Kṛṣṇa desires peace for you, for Duryodhana, and for the Pāṇḍavas, O king; therefore, grant his request. (5-85-16)

You are their father, O king, and they are your sons; you are the elder, the others are children. Act towards them as a father would, for they indeed behave towards you as sons. (5-85-17)