Chapter 25: Duryodhana and Dhṛtarāṣṭra conspire to remove the Pāṇḍavas; the plot at Vāraṇāvata is set in motion to burn them alive.
Vaiśampāyana said:
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Seeing that Bhimasena was dearer than life itself and that Dhananjaya had mastered his training, the wicked-minded Duryodhana was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-1)
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Then Karṇa, son of Vikartana, and Śakuni, son of Subala, sought by many means to kill the Pāṇḍavas. (BORI: 1-129-2)
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The Pandavas, those subduers of foes, were fully aware of all this, but gave no sign of it and followed Vidura’s counsel. (BORI: 1-129-3)
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Seeing that the sons of Pandu were endowed with virtues, the townspeople gathered at crossroads and in assembly halls and spoke among themselves: (BORI: 1-129-4)
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Dhritarashtra, the lord of the people, though endowed with the eye of wisdom, did not obtain the kingdom before because he was blind. How, then, could he become king? (BORI: 1-129-5)
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Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, true to his word and firm in his great vow, renounced the kingdom long ago and will never accept it now. (BORI: 1-129-6)
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Let us therefore duly consecrate today the eldest Pandava, young but mature in conduct, truthful and compassionate. (BORI: 1-129-7)
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For that knower of dharma will honor Bhishma, son of Shantanu, and Dhritarashtra with his sons, providing them with various enjoyments. (BORI: 1-129-8)
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When the foolish Duryodhana heard those words spoken by men devoted to Yudhishthira, he was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-9)
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Tormented, the wicked-minded man could not bear their words. Burning with jealousy, he went to Dhritarashtra. (BORI: 1-129-10)
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Then, finding his father alone, he paid him due respect and, tormented by the citizens’ affection, afterward said this: (BORI: 1-129-11)
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Father, I have heard the ominous words of the townspeople as they talk: disregarding you and Bhishma, they want the Pandava as their lord. (BORI: 1-129-12)
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This is also Bhishma’s view, though he does not wish to be king. But the people in the city seek to inflict the utmost suffering on us. (BORI: 1-129-13)
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Pāṇḍu inherited the kingdom from his father long ago through his own virtues, while you, because of your lack of virtue, failed to obtain the kingdom that had come to you. (BORI: 1-129-14)
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If this son of Pandu obtains Pandu’s inheritance, his son will surely obtain it, and after him another of his line, and so on. (BORI: 1-129-15)
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Then we, together with our sons, will be deprived of the royal lineage and despised by the people, O lord of the earth. (BORI: 1-129-16)
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Act quickly, O king, so that we do not live in perpetual misery, dependent on others for our food. (BORI: 1-129-17)
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Had you stood firm in your rule before, O king, we too would certainly have gained the kingdom, even against the people’s will. (BORI: 1-129-18)
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Seeing that the sons of Pandu were endowed with virtues, the citizens then spoke of their qualities in public assemblies, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-152-4; NILA: 01.141.023)
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Gathering in public squares and assembly halls, they said that Pāṇḍu’s eldest son had now become eligible to receive the kingdom. (KUMB: 1-152-5; NILA: 01.141.024)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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When Dhritarashtra heard these words from his son, he reflected for a moment and then said to Duryodhana: (BORI: 1-130-1)
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Pandu was ever devoted to righteousness, always doing what pleased and benefited me. He was likewise disposed toward all his kinsmen, but especially toward me. (BORI: 1-130-2)
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There is nothing he wishes to do—not even take a meal—that I do not know about; steadfast in his vows, he always places the kingdom at my disposal. (BORI: 1-130-3)
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His son Pandu is likewise devoted to righteousness, virtuous, renowned throughout the world, and highly esteemed by the citizens. (BORI: 1-130-4)
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How can we forcibly dispossess him of the kingdom inherited from his father and grandfather, especially when he has allies? (BORI: 1-130-5)
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For the ministers were supported by Pandu, and the army was constantly maintained; their sons and grandsons too were especially well provided for. (BORI: 1-130-6)
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Those Paurava people were honored in the past by Pandu, my son. Why would they not kill us and our kinsmen for Yudhishthira’s sake? (BORI: 1-130-7)
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Duryodhana said:
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Father, I too have considered this matter in just this way. Recognizing the danger to myself, I have won over all the leading citizens with wealth and honors. (BORI: 1-130-8)
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They will certainly be our principal allies. The treasury, together with the ministers, is now under my control, O king. (BORI: 1-130-9)
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You should therefore quickly send the Pandavas away to the city of Varanavata, using only gentle means. (BORI: 1-130-10)
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When the kingdom is securely established in my hands, O king, Kunti and her sons will return, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-130-11)
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Dhritarashtra said:
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Duryodhana, this too has been turning over in my mind. But because the intention is wicked, I do not disclose it. (BORI: 1-130-12)
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Neither Bhishma nor Drona nor Kshatta nor Gautama will ever consent to the sons of Kunti being banished. (BORI: 1-130-13)
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For, my son, in the eyes of the Kauravas, we and these men are equal. Righteous and high-minded, they would not wish for unequal treatment. (BORI: 1-130-14)
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How then, dear son, could we avoid becoming deserving of death at the hands of the Kauravas, these great-souled men, and likewise the world? (BORI: 1-130-15)
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Duryodhana said:
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Bhishma is always neutral, but Drona’s son stands with me. Wherever his son is, Drona will be too; there is no doubt of this. (BORI: 1-130-16)
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Kripa, son of Sharadvata, will likewise be wherever these three are. He will never abandon Drona and his nephew. (BORI: 1-130-17)
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The chamberlain is bound to us by material interests, though secretly devoted to the others; and alone he is not capable of thwarting us on behalf of the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-130-18)
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So, without misgivings, send the sons of Pandu away with their mother to Varanavata this very day. No blame will attach to this. (BORI: 1-130-19)
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By this act, extinguish the terrible fire of grief that has arisen, causing sleeplessness and lodged in my heart like a dart. (BORI: 1-130-20)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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Then King Duryodhana, together with his younger brothers, gradually won over all the subjects by bestowing wealth and honors upon them. (BORI: 1-131-1)
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Meanwhile, some skillful advisers, prompted by Dhritarashtra, began to speak of the charms of the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-2)
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This great festival of Pashupati, the most delightful on earth, is now taking place in the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-3)
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“in that place, filled with every kind of treasure and delightful to men.” Thus, at Dhritarashtra’s bidding, they spoke in this way. (BORI: 1-131-4)
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O king, as the delightful city of Varanavata was being described in this way, the sons of Pandu conceived a desire to go there. (BORI: 1-131-5)
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When the king thought, “They have grown curious,” Ambikā’s son then said to the Pāṇḍavas: (BORI: 1-131-6)
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These men of mine constantly tell me, again and again, that the city of Varanavata is the most delightful place in the world. (BORI: 1-131-7)
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My sons, if you wish to attend the festival at Varanavata, enjoy yourselves there like the gods, together with your companions and retinues. (BORI: 1-131-8)
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Give jewels freely to the Brahmins and singers according to your pleasure, like the radiant gods. (BORI: 1-131-9)
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After spending some time in this way and experiencing the greatest delight, you will return happily to Hastinapura. (BORI: 1-131-10)
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Realizing Dhritarashtra’s wish and his own lack of allies, Yudhishthira replied to him, “So be it.” (BORI: 1-131-11)
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Then Bhishma, the profoundly wise Vidura, Drona, Bahlika, and Somadatta the Kaurava... (BORI: 1-131-12)
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Kripa, the preceptor’s son, and the illustrious Gandhari—Yudhishthira then softly spoke these sorrowful words to them: (BORI: 1-131-13)
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Dear ones, we shall stay with our attendants in the delightful, populous city of Varanavata, in obedience to Dhritarashtra’s command. (BORI: 1-131-14)
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With joyful hearts, all of you utter auspicious words. Strengthened by your blessings, we shall not be overcome by evil. (BORI: 1-131-15)
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Thus addressed by the son of Pandu, all the Kauravas brightened and approached the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-131-16)
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May you always fare well on your journey and be safe from all beings in every way. May no misfortune befall you from any quarter, sons of Pandu. (BORI: 1-131-17)
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Then, after auspicious rites had been performed for their attainment of the kingdom, the Pandavas completed all their preparations and departed for Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-18)
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Then King Duryodhana, together with his younger brothers, gradually won over all the people by bestowing wealth and honors upon them, except for Yuyutsu alone, his brother and a son of Dhritarashtra. (KUMB: 1-155-1)
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You have studied all the scriptures here thoroughly, as well as weaponry under Drona and Gautama, the son of Sharadvat. (KUMB: 1-155-7)
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You have accomplished all that was required and are proficient in every branch of learning. Therefore, dear sons, now that matters stand thus, I am constantly considering from every angle the kingdom’s protection, administration, and welfare. (KUMB: 1-155-8)
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Remain there, wholly devoted to its protection; nothing will go amiss there, O scorchers of foes. (KUMB: 1-155-13)
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Kripa and the preceptor’s son, as well as Bhurishravas, the other honored ministers, and Brahmins rich in austerity... (KUMB: 1-155-16; NILA: 01.143.013)
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After paying his respects to the priests, the grandsons, the illustrious Gandhari, all the mothers, and Vidura’s wives, the dejected Yudhishthira then softly spoke these words. (KUMB: 1-155-17; NILA: 01.143.014)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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When the king had spoken thus to the noble Pandavas, the wicked Duryodhana was filled with supreme delight. (BORI: 1-132-1)
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Then Subala’s son, Karna, and Duryodhana resolved to burn Kunti together with her sons. After consulting with them, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra… (KUMB: 1-156-2)
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O best of the Bharatas, he took his counselor Purocana aside, grasped him by the right hand, and said: (BORI: 1-132-2)
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This earth, full of riches, is mine, Purocana. Just as it is mine, so it is yours; therefore you should protect it. (BORI: 1-132-3)
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For I have no other ally more trustworthy than you, with whom I could consult in confidence as I can with you. (BORI: 1-132-4)
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Keep this counsel secret, my dear, and eliminate my enemies by a skillful stratagem. Do as I tell you. (BORI: 1-132-5)
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Dhritarashtra has sent the Pandavas to Varanavata. At his command, they will enjoy the festival there. (BORI: 1-132-6)
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Therefore, arrange to go to Varanavata this very day in a swift chariot drawn by donkeys. (BORI: 1-132-7)
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Once there, have a very costly four-winged house built beside the arsenal, thoroughly enclosed. (BORI: 1-132-8)
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Have all the flammable materials available here—hemp, resin, and anything else of that kind—brought there. (BORI: 1-132-9)
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Mix clay with ghee, oil, and a large quantity of lac, and have the walls coated with it. (BORI: 1-132-10)
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You should place hemp, bamboo, ghee, timber, and various devices throughout that house. (BORI: 1-132-11)
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It must be made so that neither the Pandavas nor any other people, even upon examining it, suspect you or think that it is combustible. (BORI: 1-132-12)
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Once the house there has been prepared in this way, you should receive the sons of Pandu with the highest honors and lodge them there, along with Kunti and their friends. (BORI: 1-132-13)
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There you must provide the sons of Pandu with the finest seats, conveyances, and beds, so that my father may be pleased. (BORI: 1-132-14)
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Everything must be arranged so that they may enjoy themselves without suspicion in the city of Varanavata until the appointed time has elapsed. (BORI: 1-132-15)
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But once you know that they are sound asleep, fully trusting and free from fear, you must then set fire to the house at its door. (BORI: 1-132-16)
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Then, once they have thus been burned in their own house, the people—or even their relatives—will eventually say of the Pandavas, “They were burned to death.” (BORI: 1-132-17)
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Having promised the Kaurava, “It shall be so,” Purocana set out in a donkey-drawn carriage for the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-132-18)
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Having gone there swiftly, O king, Purochana, intent on carrying out Duryodhana’s plan, did everything as the prince had instructed. (BORI: 1-132-19)
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Then Subala’s son, Karna, and Duryodhana resolved to burn Kunti together with her sons. After consulting with them, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra… (KUMB: 1-156-2)
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mixed with balvaja grass and also with beeswax… (KUMB: 1-156-11)
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After coating the heavy wooden contrivances, wrapped in lac, hemp, and beeswax, with clay as well, have them installed at once. (KUMB: 1-156-13)
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so that they do not learn of it in the city of Varanavata. (KUMB: 1-156-17)
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But he prepared a dreadful house for those sons of Pandu. (KUMB: 1-156-22)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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The Pandavas yoked their chariots with fine horses like the wind and, as they mounted, clasped Bhishma’s feet like men in distress… (BORI: 1-133-1)
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and those of King Dhritarashtra, the great-souled Drona, the other elders, Vidura, and Kripa. (BORI: 1-133-2)
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Thus, after saluting all the elder Kurus, those faithful to their vows embraced their peers and received the salutations of the younger ones... (BORI: 1-133-3)
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Having taken leave of all their mothers and all the citizens, and having circumambulated them, they departed for Varanavata. (BORI: 1-133-4)
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The exceedingly wise Vidura, the other foremost Kurus, and the citizens, worn down by grief, followed the tigers among men. (BORI: 1-133-5)
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Then some fearless Brahmins there, grieving deeply for the sons of Pandu, said, “O best of the Bharatas,” (BORI: 1-133-6)
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The king, shrouded entirely in darkness, sees things wrongly. Dhritarashtra is utterly foolish and does not perceive what is right. (BORI: 1-133-7)
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For the sinless Yudhishthira will not approve of evil, nor will Bhima, foremost of the strong, nor Kunti’s son Dhananjaya. How much less would Madri’s two exceedingly wise sons commit it? (BORI: 1-133-8)
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Dhritarashtra cannot abide the kingdom they inherited from their father. How can this Bhishma condone such utter injustice—the sons of Kunti, bulls of the Bharatas, being wrongfully driven into exile? (BORI: 1-133-9)
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For Shantanu’s son, our lord, was formerly like a father to us, as were the royal sage Vichitravirya and Pandu, delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-133-10)
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Now that that tiger among men has met his appointed fate, Dhritarashtra cannot tolerate these young princes. (BORI: 1-133-11)
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All of us, unable to endure this from the foremost man of the city, will leave our homes and go wherever Yudhishthira goes. (BORI: 1-133-12)
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Deeply distressed by the suffering citizens who spoke in this way, the righteous king Yudhishthira addressed them with great affection: (BORI: 1-133-13)
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The king is our father, worthy of honor, and our highest teacher. Whatever he commands, we must carry out without hesitation—such is our vow. (BORI: 1-133-14)
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You are our friends. Walk around us clockwise, bless us with your good wishes, and then return to your respective homes. (BORI: 1-133-15)
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But when we have need of you, you shall do what is both pleasing and beneficial to me. (BORI: 1-133-16)
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They promised, “So be it,” circumambulated them, blessed them, and then returned to the city. (BORI: 1-133-17)
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When the townspeople had turned back, the wise Vidura, knower of every duty, skilled in discourse and discerning dharma and artha correctly, instructed the wise foremost of the Pandavas and spoke these words: (BORI: 1-133-18)
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Understanding this, one should act so as to escape danger. Enemies do not strike down one who recognizes the sharp, non-iron weapon that cuts the body and knows how to counter it. (BORI: 1-133-19)
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The fire that consumes dry grass and dispels the cold would not burn creatures dwelling in holes in a vast thicket; whoever thus protects himself survives. (BORI: 1-133-20)
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A blind man does not know the path or discern the directions; one without fortitude does not attain prosperity. Understand this, now that you have been instructed. (BORI: 1-133-21)
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A man accepts a weapon not made of iron when it is given by those he does not trust. By reaching a porcupine’s shelter, he may escape from a fire. (BORI: 1-133-22)
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By traveling, one comes to know the roads; by the stars, one finds the directions. By mastering one’s five senses through self-control, one is not afflicted. (BORI: 1-133-23)
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After instructing and accompanying the Pandavas, and circumambulating them, Vidura took his leave of them and departed for home. (BORI: 1-133-24)
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When Vidura, Bhishma, and the townspeople had departed, Kunti addressed Ajatashatru and said: (BORI: 1-133-25)
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What Kshatta said amid the people, as though saying nothing, and to which you replied, “Yes”—we do not understand it. (BORI: 1-133-26)
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If it is proper for us to hear it and there is no fault in doing so, I wish to hear the entire conversation between you and him. (BORI: 1-133-27)
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Yudhishthira said:
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Vidura told me, “You must be alert to poison and fire.” He also said, “Let no path at all be unknown to you.” (BORI: 1-133-28)
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He also told me, “With your senses under control, you will gain the earth.” I replied to Vidura, “I understand all that.” (BORI: 1-133-29)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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They set out on the eighth day of Phalguna, under Rohini. Upon reaching Varanavata, they saw the townspeople. (BORI: 1-133-30)
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The wise man, versed in cryptic speech, spoke to the wise man who was likewise versed in it: (NILA: 01.145.020)
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who understood another’s wisdom when it accorded with the science of statecraft. (KUMB: 1-157-20; NILA: 01.145.021)
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Thus addressed, Dharma King Yudhishthira, the Pandava, replied to Vidura, foremost of the wise: “It is understood.” (KUMB: 1-157-26; NILA: 01.145.027)
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“The walls, too, must be investigated; then there will be certainty,” he said. (KUMB: 1-157-31)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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Then all the citizens of Varanavata, equipped with every auspicious object and diligently following the prescribed rites… (BORI: 1-134-1)
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On hearing that the sons of Pandu had arrived, they came by the thousands in various conveyances to meet those foremost of men, filled with supreme joy at the news. (BORI: 1-134-2)
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The people of Vāraṇāvata approached the sons of Kuntī, and after all had offered blessings for their victory, they gathered around them and stood in attendance. (BORI: 1-134-3)
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Surrounded by them, Yudhishthira, the king of dharma and tiger among men, shone like a god—like the wielder of the thunderbolt among the immortals. (BORI: 1-134-4)
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Honored by the townspeople, those blameless men in turn honored them and entered Varanavata, adorned and thronged with people. (BORI: 1-134-5)
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After entering the city, those heroes quickly went, O king, to the homes of Brahmins devoted to their own duties… (BORI: 1-134-6)
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Those best of men also visited the homes of the city officials and chariot warriors, as well as those of Vaishyas and Shudras. (BORI: 1-134-7)
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Honored by the townspeople, the Pandavas, bulls of the Bharata line, then went to their residence with Purochana leading the way. (BORI: 1-134-8)
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Purocana provided them with food and drink, fine beds, and the finest seats. (BORI: 1-134-9)
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There they were treated with honor by him and furnished with exceedingly costly amenities; attended by men of the city, they remained there. (BORI: 1-134-10)
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After they had stayed there for ten nights, Purochana told them of the inauspicious house called “Auspicious.” (BORI: 1-134-11)
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At Purocana’s bidding, those tiger-like men entered it with their retinue and belongings, like the Guhyakas entering Kailasa. (BORI: 1-134-12)
[PV-KDV:01_025_146]
After inspecting that house, Yudhishthira, well versed in every duty, smelled the odor of fat mixed with ghee and lac and said to Bhimasena, “My dear Bhima, this is combustible.” (BORI: 1-134-13)
[PV-KDV:01_025_147]
It is clear, scorcher of foes, that this house has been made highly combustible. Hemp and sarja resin have plainly been brought in for its construction, and all the materials—muñja grass, balvaja grass, bamboo, and the like—have been soaked in ghee. (BORI: 1-134-14)
[PV-KDV:01_025_148]
It was expertly built by trusted, obedient craftsmen skilled in house construction. This wicked Purocana intends to burn me when I am unsuspecting. (BORI: 1-134-15)
[PV-KDV:01_025_149]
But the highly intelligent Vidura had foreseen this danger, O Partha, and for that reason had warned me beforehand. (BORI: 1-134-16)
[PV-KDV:01_025_150]
Warned by him, we realized that the deadly house had been skillfully built by craftsmen secretly acting under Duryodhana’s orders. (BORI: 1-134-17)
[PV-KDV:01_025_151]
Bhima said:
[PV-KDV:01_025_152]
If you believe that this house was built to be set on fire, then we should go back to the very place where we stayed before. (BORI: 1-134-18)
[PV-KDV:01_025_153]
Yudhishthira said:
[PV-KDV:01_025_154]
I think they should remain here unrecognized, like men who are lost and searching for a safe and desirable way out of here. (BORI: 1-134-19)
[PV-KDV:01_025_155]
For if Purocana were to discover our whereabouts, he would act swiftly and burn us by force. (BORI: 1-134-20)
[PV-KDV:01_025_156]
Purocana fears neither public condemnation nor wrongdoing; for the fool acts in this way because he is devoted to Suyodhana’s designs. (BORI: 1-134-21)
[PV-KDV:01_025_157]
And even if we were burned to death here, why would our grandfather Bhishma become angry or provoke the Kauravas? He would be angry only for the sake of dharma, as would the other foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-134-22)
[PV-KDV:01_025_158]
But if we fled for fear of being burned, Suyodhana, greedy for the kingdom, would have us all killed by his spies. (BORI: 1-134-23)
[PV-KDV:01_025_159]
Secure in power while we are dispossessed, supported by allies while we have none, and possessed of a vast treasury while ours is depleted, he would surely have us killed through stratagems. (BORI: 1-134-24)
[PV-KDV:01_025_160]
Therefore, we must live a hidden life, now here, now there, outwitting both this wicked man and the wicked Suyodhana. (BORI: 1-134-25)
[PV-KDV:01_025_161]
We are accustomed to hunting, so let us roam this land. In that way, the escape routes will become known to us. (BORI: 1-134-26)
[PV-KDV:01_025_162]
Let us make a well-concealed underground passage this very day. Because it has a hidden outlet, the fire will not burn us there. (BORI: 1-134-27)
[PV-KDV:01_025_163]
We must act vigilantly so that neither Purocana nor any of the townspeople realizes that we are living here. (BORI: 1-134-28)
[PV-KDV:01_025_164]
Grass, balvaja grass, cotton, bamboo, timber, and mats as well—all combustible—have likewise been placed here all around the house… (KUMB: 1-158-16)
[PV-SVO:01_025_165]
by one who always seeks our welfare… (KUMB: 1-158-19; NILA: 01.146.018)
[PV-SVO:01_025_166]
by our younger paternal uncle, out of affection, (KUMB: 1-158-20; NILA: 01.146.019)
[PV-SVO:01_025_167]
Having shown ourselves, it does not seem right to me that we should go our separate way. Whether good or ill may come, let us live together with them. (KUMB: 1-158-22)
[PV-SVO:01_025_168]
From this day onward, once we are gone, the Dhartarashtra lord of men, overwhelmed by fear, would become firmly established in the kingdom. (KUMB: 1-158-23)
[PV-SVO:01_025_169]
Yet the kingdom would be his, and these people would be his. Therefore we shall remain here with him, our feet planted on his neck. (KUMB: 1-158-24)
[PV-SVO:01_025_170]
When our time comes, we shall wrest the kingdom from the enemy and enjoy our ancestral wealth and lasting happiness. (KUMB: 1-158-25)
[PV-SVO:01_025_171]
Why should we obey Dhritarashtra’s command? O king, why are you too weak to break away from them and take a different course? (KUMB: 1-158-26)
[PV-SVO:01_025_172]
The wise Vidura is our protector in times of danger. The son of Ganga remains neutral, being averse to the enjoyment of royal power. (KUMB: 1-158-27)
[PV-SVO:01_025_173]
The elders led by Bahlika are always neutral, while Drona, though fond of Phalguna, would be on our side. (KUMB: 1-158-28)
[PV-SVO:01_025_174]
Therefore we must remain together and under no circumstances leave, O king. Or what could they do to us, powerless as they are in feats of arms? (KUMB: 1-158-29)
[PV-SVO:01_025_175]
—those base, deceitful rogues—while we are awake, O lord of men? What did they not do to me before? Was I not given deadly poison? (KUMB: 1-158-30)
[PV-SVO:01_025_176]
After they seized me at Pramanakoti while I was overcome by sleep, was I not bitten by those exceedingly fearsome venomous snakes? (KUMB: 1-158-31)
[PV-SVO:01_025_177]
Was I not thrown by them, O king, into the Ganges, amid a mass of spikes and terrible snakes whose very gaze was venomous? Did I die then? (KUMB: 1-158-32)
[PV-SVO:01_025_178]
In those terrible dangers, wickedly contrived by evildoers, the god in whose power the world rests protected us. (KUMB: 1-158-33)
[PV-SVO:01_025_179]
composed of moving and unmoving beings. Where has he gone now, O best of kings? As long as we must endure, I shall make every effort to endure. (KUMB: 1-158-34)
[PV-SVO:01_025_180]
When we can no longer bear it, we shall consider what is best for us. What is there for us to gain here by rushing violently into conflict? (KUMB: 1-158-35)
[PV-SVO:01_025_181]
Let us strive to obtain half the kingdom through conciliation, gifts, or even dissension; only then is force advisable. (KUMB: 1-158-36)
[PV-SVO:01_025_182]
Therefore, we must remain together, like a thorn lodged in their minds, and must not go off separately anywhere, making ourselves appear utterly afraid. (KUMB: 1-158-37)
[PV-SVO:01_025_183]
But if, once they have been burned, the foremost Kurus—men versed in dharma and others renowned for their family lineage—should become angry, that is only to be expected. (KUMB: 1-158-43)
[PV-SVO:01_025_184]