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322 CRADLE TALES OP HINDUISM And now at last the thirteen years were ended, and the Pandavas demanded the restoration of their kingdom. Alas I the chief place amongst Dritarashtra's counsellors had long been held by that false knight, his son. The weakness that had always had place in Dritarashtra's character had grown with the years, and he was now completely under the influence of Duryodhana. justice called for the cession of Indraprastha and half the kingdom. The King's own words were fresh m all memories. Krishna Himself pleaded in person that right should be done. Bhishma, as chief of the kingdom, pointed out sternly the peril that lay in breaking a pledge, and declaring war on the allies of Krishna. But the awful fate that tvorks in the affairs of men had borne everything before it. Even now it would seem as if Duryodhana might have saved himself and his fortunes by the simple right. But, infatuated, he refused to listen, and proceeded with his organisation of the army and other warlike preparations. Bhishma himself was compelled by his allegiance to take the part of commander-in-chief.

The dying minister and warrior must have covered his eyes as he came to this point in his reverie. For the panorama of destruction was still so fresh that it could scarcely present itself in pictures : the trumpets of battle, the neighing of horses, the trampling of elephants, and