I must now go to the forest. These robes must be replaced by bark and tattered old clothes, suitable for the life ofVanaprastha. I desire to go and live in the forest, praying for your good. I want your permission for this. Let me follow the practice of our fathers. As king, you will share in the fruits of my penance."

Yudhishthira received a shock when he saw Dhritarashtra and heard him say this. "I did not know," he said, "that you had been fasting and sleeping on the bare ground and mortifying your flesh in this manner. My brothers too were unaware of this.

I was misled into believing you were well looked after and happy. Father, you have suffered grief, for which there can be no solace. I see no good in kingdom or pleasures. I am a sinner.

Desire and ambition deceived me into this. Let your son Yuyutsu be king, or any one else you choose. Or if you will do so, you yourself may take up the duties of king and look after the people.