The only way to perfect our happiness is to go to the forest and see the distress of the Pandavas, but my father will refuse permission," and Duryodhana shed tears at his father's cruelty in denying him this pleasure.

He said again: "The king fears the Panda- vas, as he thinks that they are endowed with the power of austerities, and forbids us to go to the forest and meet them, lest danger should befall us.

But I tell you, all we have done so far is labour lost, without a sight of the sufferings of Draupadi, Bhima and Arjuna in the forest. This life of idle ease is torment to me without that great joy.

Sakuni and yourself must seek a way of obtaining the king's consent for us to go to the forest and see the Pandavas in their misery."

Early next morning, Karna went to Duryo- dhana with a cheerful face and announced that he had found a way out of thedifficulty.

He said: "What do you think of going to our ranches at Dwaitavana for the annual stock-taking of the cows?