Section LXXVII

Yudhishthira said,—

'I bid farewell unto all the Bharatas,
unto my old grand-sire (Bhishma),
king Somadatta,
the great king Vahlika,
Drona,
Kripa,
all the other kings,
Asvathaman,
Vidura,
Dhritarashtra,
all the sons of Dhritarashtra,
Yayutsu,
Sanjaya,
and all the courtiers, I bid fare well, all of you and returning again I shall see you."

Vaisampayana continued,—"Overcome with shame none of those that were present there, could tell Yudhishthira anything. Within their hearts, however, they prayed for the welfare of that intelligent prince.

Vidura then said,—

The reverend Pritha is a princess by birth. It behoves her not to go into the woods. Delicate and old and ever known to happiness the blessed one will live, respected by me, in my abode. Known this, you sons of Pandu. And let safety be always yours.'

Vaisampayana continued,—'The Pandavas thereupon said,—

O sinless one, let it be as you sayest. You are our uncle, and, therefore like as our father. We also are all obedient to you. You are, O learned one, our most respected superior. We should always obey what you choosest to command. And, O high-souled one, order you whatever else there is that remaines to be done.

"Vidura replied,—

'O Yudhishthira, O bull of the Bharata race, know this to be my opinion, that one that is vanquished by sinful means need not be pained by such defeat.

You knowest every rule of morality; Dhananjaya is ever victorious in battle; Bhimasena is the slayer of foes; Nakula is the gatherer of wealth; Sahadeva has administrative talents, Dhaumya is the foremost of all conversant with the vedas; and the well-behaved Draupadi is conversant with virtue and economy.

You are attached to one another and feel delight at one another’s sight and enemies can not separate you from one another, and you are contented. Therefore, who is there that will not envy you? O Bharata, this patient abstraction from the possession of the world will be of great benefit to you.

No foe, even if he were equal to sakra himself, will be able to stand it. Formerly you were instructed on the mountains of Himavat by Meru Savarni; in the town of Varanavata by Krishna Dvaipayana; on the cliff of Bhrigu by Rama; and on the banks of the Dhrishadwati by Sambhu himself.

You have also listened to the instruction of the great Rishi Asita on the hills of Anjana; and you becamest a disciple of Bhrigu on the banks of the Kalmashi. Narada and this your priest Dhaumya will now become your instructors. In the matter of the next world, abandon not these excellent lessons you have obtained from the Rishis.

O son of Pandu. you surpassest in intelligence even Pururavas, the son of Ila; in strength, all other monarchs, and in virtue, even the Rishis. Therefore, resolve you earnestly to win victory, which belongs to Indra; to control your wrath, which belongs to Yama; to give in charity, which belongs to Kuvera; and to control all passions, which belongs to Varuna.

And, O Bharata, obtain you the power of gladdening from the moon, the power of sustaining all from water; forbearance from the earth; energy from the entire solar disc; strength from the winds, and affluence from the other elements. Welfare and immunity from ailment be thine; I hope to see you return.

And, O Yudhishthira, act properly and duly in all seasons,—in those of distress—in those of difficulty,—indeed, in respect of everything, O son of Kunti, with our leave go hence.

O Bharata, blessing be thine. No one can say that you have done anything sinful before. We hope to see you, therefore, return in safety and crowned with success."

Vaisampayana continued,—"Thus addressed by Vidura, Yudhishthira the son of Pandu, of prowess incapable of being baffled, saying, ’so be it,' bowing low unto Bhishma and Drona, went away."