15.013
The speech of Dhritarashtra.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
I will do this exactly as you have said, O lord of the earth. And again, I am to be instructed by you, O best of kings. (15-13-1)
With Bhīṣma having ascended to heaven, Madhusūdana departed, and Vidura and Sañjaya too—who else is worthy to address me? (15-13-2)
O Bhārata, O king, be satisfied, for I will do that which you here today instruct me as beneficial. (15-13-3)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O best of the Bharatas, thus addressed by the wise Dharmarāja, the royal sage wished to obtain Kunteya's permission. (15-13-4)
“Son, you should rest for a while; I too am quite weary.” Thus having spoken, the king then entered Gāndhārī's palace. (15-13-5)
The righteous lady Gāndhārī, knowing the proper time, spoke to her husband—who was seated and equal to Prajāpati—at the appropriate moment. (15-13-6)
Having been permitted yourself by him, by Vyāsa who is also a great sage, and with the approval of Yudhiṣṭhira, when will you go to the forest? (15-13-7)
Dhritarashtra said.
I have been permitted by Gāndhārī and myself by my great-souled father; with Yudhiṣṭhira's approval, I will soon go to the forest. (15-13-8)
I indeed truly desire to give, after my death, the wealth belonging to all those men skilled in evil dice to their sons, having caused it to be done in my own house in the presence of all officials. (15-13-9)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having said this, the king sent it to Dharmarāja; and, by that command, the ruler of the earth brought everything. (15-13-10)
Then the king, having come out from the inner palace at that time, summoned all his friends, officials, as well as all the assembled citizens and country people. (15-13-11)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the king of great splendor, then spoke to the brāhmaṇas and kings who had assembled from various regions. (15-13-12)
The Brāhmaṇas of Kurujāṅgala, with concentrated minds, listen; and the Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras too, all assembled. (15-13-13)
You and the Kurus have long lived together as friends, devoted to each other's welfare. (15-13-14)
Whatever I now say at this present time, that should be done by you all, without questioning my word. (15-13-15)
My decision to go to the forest along with Gāndhārī is made with the approval of Vyāsa, the king, and Kuntī's son. You also should permit it, and let there be no other deliberation among you. (15-13-16)
The affection that exists between us and you is truly eternal; I believe such affection among kings is not found in other lands. (15-13-17)
I am exhausted by old age and also have become bereft of my son; I am emaciated by fasting, together with Gandhari, O sinless ones. (15-13-18)
Now that Yudhishthira has gained the kingdom, I have found great happiness. I consider this to be superior to the sovereignty of Duryodhana, O best of men. (15-13-19)
But for me—being blind, old, and bereft of my son—what other path is there? Except the forest; O highly fortunate ones, you ought to permit me that. (15-13-20)
O bull of the Bharatas, all those Kurujāṅgalas, having heard his words, wept with voices choked by tears. (15-13-21)
Seeing them silent and somewhat absorbed in sorrow and grief, the mighty Dhritarashtra again spoke as follows. (15-13-22)
