Section LXVII

"Vaisampayana said, 'When Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, showed little regard for the words spoken by Sanjaya, and when the rest remained silent, the assembled kings rose up and retired. And after all the kings of the earth had retired, king Dhritarashtra, who always followed the counsels of his son from affection, wishing success to the assembled kings, began to enquire in secret of Sanjaya about the resolve of his own party, and of the Pandavas who were hostile to him.

And Dhritarashtra said,

'Tell me truly, O son of Gavalgana, in what consists the strength and weakness of our own host, Minutely acquainted as you are with the affairs of the Pandavas, tell me in what lies their superiority and in what, their inferiority. You are fully conversant with the strength of both parties, You knowest all things, and art well-versed in all matters of virtue and profit. Asked by me, O Sanjaya, say which of the parties, when engaged in battle, will perish?'

"Sanjaya said,

'I will not say anything to you in secret, O king, for then you mayst entertain ill-feelings towards me. Bring you hither, O Ajamida, your father Vyasa of high vows and your queen Gandhari. Conversant with morality, of keen perception, and capable of arriving at the truth, they will remove any ill-feelings you mayst cherish against me. In their presence, O king, I will tell you everything about the intensions of Kesava and Partha.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed, Dhritarashtra caused both Gandhari and Vyasa to be brought there.

And introduced by Vidura they entered the court without delay. And understanding the intentions of both Sanjaya and his son, Krishna-Dvaipayana endued with great wisdom said,

'Say, O Sanjaya, unto the enquiring Dhritarashtra everything that he desires to know. Tell him truly all that you knowest about Vasudeva and Arjuna.'"