| Duryodhana replied:
"Your fears are baseless. Bhishma will at worst be neutral, while Ashwatthama is
devoted to me, which means that his father Drona and uncle Kripa will also be on our side.
Vidura cannot openly oppose us, if for no other reason, because he has not the, strength. Send the Pandavas, immediately to Varanavata. I tell you the solemn truth
that my cup of suffering is full and I can bear no more. It pierces my heart and renders
me sleepless and makes my life atorment. After sending the Pandavas to Varanavata we shall
try to strengthen our party."
Later, some politicians were prevailed upon to join Duryodhana's party and advise the king
in the matter. Kanika, the minister of Sakuni, was their leader. "O king," he
said, "guard yourselves against the sons of Pandu, for their goodness and influence
are a menace to you and yours.
The Pandavas are the sons of your brother, but the nearer the
kin, the closer and deadlier the danger. They are very strong."
Sakuni's minister continued: "Be not wroth with me if I say a king should be mighty
in action as in name, for nobody will believe in strength which is never displayed. State
affairs should be kept secret and the earliest indication to the public, of a wise plan,
should be its execution. |
