THE INVITATION

The policy of kings must be very different from the goody maxims of text-books, and is sterner stuff of which the test issuccess. Moreover, Vidura does not like me and is partial to the Pandavas. You know this as well as I do."

Dhritarashtra said: "The Pandavas are strong. I do not think it wise to antagonize them. The game of dice will only lead to enmity. The passions resulting from the game will know no bounds. We should not do it."

But Duryodhana was importunate: "Wise statesmanship lies in casting off all fear and protecting oneself by one's own efforts.Should we not force the issue while yet we are more powerful than they? That will be real foresight.

A lost opportunity may never come again, and it is not as though we in vented the game of dice to injure the Pandavas. It is an ancient pastime which kshatriyas have always indulged in, and if it will now serve us to win our cause without bloodshed, where is the harm?"

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