Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/362

348 materials ! Indeed, it is apparent that such is the case ! The enemy, it is evident, by the aid of trusted artists well-skilled in the construction of houses, have finely built this mansion, after procuring hemp, resin, heath, straw, and bamboos, all soaked in clarified butter. This wicked wretch, Purochana, acting under the instruction of Duryyodhana, stayeth here with the object of burning me to death when he seeth me trustful. But, O son of Pritha, Vidura of great intelligence knew this danger, and, therefore, hath warned me of it beforehand. Knowing it all, that youngest uncle of ours, ever wishing our good from affection hath told us that this house, so full of danger, hath been constructed by the wretches under Duryyodbana acting in secrecy.'

"Hearing this, Bhima replied-'If sir, you know this house to be so inflammable, it would then be well for us to return thither where we had taken up our quarters first. Yudhishthira replied, 'It seems to me that we should rather continue to live here in seeming unsuspiciousness but all the while with caution and our senses wide awake and seeking for some certain means of escape. If Purochana findeth from our countenances that we have fathomed designs, acting with haste he may suddenly burn us to death. Indeed, Purochana careth little for obloquy or sin. The wretch stayeth bere acting under the instruction of Duryyodhana. It we are burnt to death. will our grandfather Bhishma be angry? Why will he, by showing his wrath, make the Kauravas angry with him? Or, perhaps, our grandfather Bhishma and the other bull of Kuru's race, regarding indignation at such a sinful act to be virtuous, may become wrathful. If, however, from fear of being burnt, we fly from here, Duryyodhana, ambitious of sovereignty will certainly compass our death by means of spies. While we have no rank and power, Duryyodhana hath both; while we have no friends and allies, Duryyodhana hach both; while we are without wealth, Duryyodhana hath at his command a full treasury. Will be not, therefore, certainly destroy us by adopting adequate means? Let us, therefore, by deceiving this wretch (Purochana) and that other wretch Duryyodhana. pass our days, disguising ourselves at times. Let us also lead a hunting life, wandering over the earth. We shall then, if we have to escape our enemies, be familiar with all paths. We shall also, this very day, cause a subterranean passage to be dug in our chamber in great secrecy. If we act in this way, concealing what we do from all, fire shall never be able to consume us. We shall live here, actively doing everything for our safety but with such privacy that neither Purochana nor any of the citizens of Varanavata may know what we are after."

Thus ends the hundred and forty-eighth section in the Jatugriha Parva of the Adi Parva.