Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/44

10 when he beheld the vast wealth of the Pandavas scattered all around; the offerings; the precious stones, gold, and jewels; the wealth in cows, elephants, and horses; the curious textures, garments, and mantles; the precious shawls and furs, with carpets made of the skin of the Ranku; he was filled with envy and became exceedingly displeased. And when he beheld the hall of assembly elegantly constructed by Maya (the Asura architect) after the fashion of a celestial court, he was inflamed with rage. And having started in confusion at certain architectural deceptions within this building, he was derided by in the presence of Vāsudeva, like one of mean descent.

"And it was represented to that his son, while partaking of various objects of enjoyment and diverse precious things, was becoming meagre, wan, and pale. And  sometime after, out of affection for his son, gave his consent to their playing (with the Pandavas) at dice. And Vāsudeva coming to know of this, became exceeding wroth. And being dissatisfied, he did nothing to prevent the disputes, but overlooked the gaming and sundry other horrid unjustifiable transactions arising therefrom; and in spite of Vidura, Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa the son of Sharadwan, he made the Kshetrias kill each other in the terrific war the ensued.

"And hearing the ill news of the success of the Pandavas and recollecting the resolutions of Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni, pondered for a while and addressed Sanjaya the following speech:—

'Attend, O Sanjaya, to all I am about to say, and it will not become thee to treat me with contempt. Thou art well versed in the shastras, intelligent, and endued with wisdom. My inclinations were never for war, nor did I delight in the destruction of my race. I made no distinction between my own children and the children of Pandu. My own sons were prone to wilfulness and despised me because I am old. Blind as I am, because of my miserable plight and through paternal affection, I bore it all. I was foolish after the thoughtless Duryodhana ever growing in folly. Having been a spectator of the riches of the mighty sons of Pandu, my son was derided for his awkwardness while ascending the hall. Unable