Section CXXXVIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing the words of Kunti, the mighty car-warriors, Bhishma and Drona, then spoke these words unto the disobedient Duryodhana,

'Hast you, O tiger among men, heard the fierce words of grave import, excellent and consistent with virtue, that Kunti had spoken in the presence of Krishna? Her sons will act according to them, especially as they are approved by Vasudeva.

O Kaurava, they will not assuredly desist, without their share of the kingdom (being given to them). You have inflicted much pain on the sons of Pritha. And Draupadi also was afflicted by you in the assembly. They were, however, bound then by the bounds of truth and it was for this that, they tolerated that treatment. Obtaining Arjuna now, who is skilled in every weapon, and Bhima of firm resolution, and Gandiva and the couple of (inexhaustible) quivers, and that car (of Arjuna) and that banner (bearing the device of the ape), and Nakula and Sahadeva, both endued with great might and energy, and Vasudeva also, as his allies, Yudhishthira will not forgive (you).

O mighty-armed one, you have witnessed with your own eyes how intelligent Arjuna vanquished us all in battle before, in the city of Virata. Indeed, after this, that Ape-bannered (warrior) consumed in battle, taking up his fierce weapons, those Danavas of terrible deeds called the Nivatakavacas. On the occasion also of the tale of cattle, when captured by the Gandharvas, this Karna and all these your counsellors and thyself accoutred in mail and on your car, were all liberated from the grasp of the Gandharvas by that Arjuna. That is a sufficient proof. Therefore, O foremost of the Bharatas, with all your brothers make peace with the sons of Pandu. Save this whole earth from the Destruction’s jaws. Yudhishthira is your elder brother, virtuous in behaviour, affectionate towards you, sweet-speeched and learned. Abandoning your sinful intentions, unite thyself with that tiger among men. If Pandu’s son beholds you divested of your bow, and without the wrinkles of rage on your brow, and cheerful, even that would be for the good of our race. Approaching with all your counsellors embrace him fraternally.

O repressor of foes, salute the king respectfully as before. And let Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, the elder brother of Bhima, hold from affection, your saluting self with his arms. And let that foremost of smiters, Bhima, possessed of leonine shoulders and thighs round, and long, and mighty arms, embrace you. And then let that son of Kunti, Dhananjaya, called also Partha, of eyes like lotus-petals, and curly hair and conch-like neck salute you respectfully. Then let those tigers among men, the twin Asvins, unrivalled on earth for beauty, wait on you with affection and reverence as on their preceptor. And let all the kings with him of Dasarha’s race at their head, shed tears of joy. Abandoning your pride, unite thyself with your brothers. Rule you the whole earth, with your brothers. Let all the kings joyfully return to their respective homes, having embraced one another.

There is no need of battle, O king of kings. Listen to the dissuasions of your friends. In the battle that will ensue a great destruction of the Kshatriyas is certainly indicated. The stars are all hostile. The animals and birds have all assumed fearful aspects. Diverse portents, O hero, are visible, all indicating the slaughters of the Kshatriyas. All these portents, again, are particularly visible in our abodes. Blazing meteors are afflicting your host. Our animals are all cheerless and seem, O king, to be crying. Vultures are wheeling around your troops. Neither the city nor the palace looks as before. Jackals, setting forth ominous yells, are running about the four quarters which are ablaze with conflagrations. Obey you the counsels of your father and mother as also of ourselves who are your well-wishers.

War and peace, O you of mighty arms, are within your control. If, O grinder of foes, you dost not act according to the words of your friends, you shalt have to repent upon beholding your army afflicted with the arrows of Partha. Hearing in battle the terrible yells uttered by the mighty Bhima and the twang of Gandiva, you will remember our these words. Indeed, if what we say appears unacceptable to you, then it will be as we say.'"