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2IO CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM of the Pandavas, at the same time offering his own alliance, and calling upon his friends to give theirs also, for the reestablishment of the five brothers. Fired by this generous enthusiasm, it was agreed that Duryodhana should be called upon to make restitution, but that, if he refused, the assembled kings should hold themselves in readiness to form an army, for the purpose of forcing him to do so.

The organisation of the Pandava army for this war fell almost entirely into the hands of Krishna. Yet so modest was His work and so restrained His methods, that it seemed almost as if plans and combinations made themselves. At the very beginning of the preparations, Duryodhana and Arjuna both went to Him to ask for His alliance, for Duryodhana also knew His divine character. On reaching the palace, they were told that He was asleep. They went forward, however, and entered His sleeping-chamber, to await His awakening. Duryodhana arrived first, and seated himself near the head of the bed on a fine seat. Arjuna stood waiting at the foot, in an attitude of reverence.

When Krishna opened His eyes, His first glance fell on Arjuna. Duryodhana then spoke, expressing his desire for the help of Krishna in the coming campaign, and adding that, as he had entered His presence first, it would be fair to promise it to himself, Krishna smiled and