Chapter 5

“Krishna said, ‘These worlds are worthy of the chief of the Somaka tribe,and are calculated to promote the interests of Pandu’s son ofimmeasurable strength. As we are desirous of adopting a politic course,this is, no doubt, our first duty; a man acting otherwise would be agreat fool. But our relationship to both the Kurus and the Pandus isequal, howsoever these two parties may behave with each other. Both youand we have been invited here on the occasion of a marriage. The marriagehaving now been celebrated, let us go home well-pleased. You are theforemost of kings, both in years and learning; and here we all, no doubtare as if your pupils. Dhritarashtra has always entertained a greatrespect for you; and you are also a friend of the preceptors Drona andKripa. I, therefore, ask you to send a message (to the Kurus) in theinterests of the Pandavas. We all resolve even upon this that you shouldsend a message unto them. If that chief of the Kuru race should makepeace on equitable terms, then the brotherly feelings between the Kurasand the Pandus will sustain no injury. If on the other hand, the son ofDhritarashtra should wax haughty and from folly refuse to make peace,then, having summoned others, summon us too. The holder of Gadiva thenwill be fired with wrath and the dull-headed and wicked Duryodhana, withhis partisans and friends, will meet his fate.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘King Virata, then having honoured Krishna, sent himhome with his followers and relatives. And after Krishna had set out forDwaraka, Yudhishthira and his followers, with king Virata, began to makepreparations for war. And Virata and his relatives sent word to all themonarchs, and king Drupada also did the same. And at the request of thoselions of the Kuru race, as also of the two kings of the Matsyas and thePanchalas, many lords of the earth possessed of great strength, came tothe place with cheerful hearts. And when the sons of Dhritarashtra heardthat the Pandavas had collected a large army, they also assembled manyrulers of the earth. And, O king, at that time the whole land becamethronged with the rulers of the earth who were marching to espouse thecause of either the Kurus or the Pandavas. And the land was full ofmilitary bands composed of four kinds of forces. And from all sides theforces began to pour in. And the goddess Earth with her mountains andforests seemed to tremble beneath their tread. And the king of thePanchalas, having consulted the wishes of Yudhishthira, despatched to theKurus his own priest, who was old both in years and understanding.’