Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/68

34 and one Akshauhini of troops, which of these shall I give to which of you?' Blind to his own interests, the foolish Duryodhana asked for the troops; while Arjuna solicited Krishna as an unfighting counsellor. (Then is described how) when the king of Madra was coming for the assistance of the Pandavas, Duryodhana, having deceived him on the way by presents and hospitality, induced him to grant a boon and then solicited his assistance in battle; how Salya, having passed his word to Duryodhana, went to the Pandavas and consoled them by reciting the history of Indra's victory (over Vitra). Then comes the despatch by the Pandavas of their Purohita (priest) to the Kauravas. Then is described how king of great prowess, having heard the words of the purohita of the Pandavas and the story of Indra's victory, decided upon sending his purohita and ultimately despatched Sanjaya as envoy to the Pandavas from desire of peace. Here hath been described the sleeplessness of from anxiety upon hearing all about the Pandavas and their friends, Vāsudeva and others. It was on this occasion that Vidura addressed to the wise king various counsels that were full of wisdom. It was here also that recited to the anxious and sorrowing monarch the excellent truths of spiritual philosophy. On the next morning Sanjaya spoke, in the court of the King, of the identity of the lord Vāsudeva and Arjuna. It was then that the illustrious Krishna, moved by kindness and desirous of peace, went himself to the Kaurava capital, Hastinapore, for bringing about peace. Then comes the rejection by prince Duryodhana of the embassy of Krishna who had come to solicit peace for the benefit of both parties. Here hath been recited the story of Damvodvava; then the story of the Matuli's search for a husband for his daughter; then the history of the great sage Galava; then the story of the training and discipline of the son of Bidula. Then the exhibition by Krishna, before the assembled Rajas, of his Yoga powers upon learning the evil counsels of Duryodhana and Karna; then Krishna's taking Karna on his chariot and tender to him of advice, and Karna's rejection of the same from pride. Then the return of Krishna