“Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Muni of profound wisdom, it is even as thousayest! I know it well as do all these kings! Indeed, what thouconsiderest to be beneficial for the Kurus was pointed out to me, O Muni,by Vidura and Bhishma and Drona. And, if I deserve thy favour, and ifthou hast kindness for the Kurus, do thou exhort my wicked sonDuryodhana!’
“Sanjaya said, ‘Then, O lord, thy troops, with Shalya at their head, oncemore rushed against the Parthas in that battle with great impetuosity.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Tell me, O grandsire, how a kin should behavetowards foe that is mild, towards one that is fierce, and towards onethat has many allies and a large force.’
“Yudhishthira said, ‘I desire, O king, to hear thee discourse in detailupon those high ordinances which regulate gifts of kine, for it is bymaking gifts (of kine) according to those ordinances that one attains toinnumerable regions of eternal felicity.’
“Duryodhana said, ‘Tell me, O grandsire, how Sikhandin, O Ganga’s son,having before been born a daughter, afterwards became a man, O foremostof warriors.’
“Sanjaya said, ‘That elephant force of thine, O king, swelling withmight, fought everywhere, prevailing over the Pandava force. Resolved togo to the other world, the Panchalas and the Kauravas fought with oneanother for admission into the swelling domains of Yama.
“Sanjaya said, ‘Duryodhana, O king, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son ofPrishata, fought a fierce battle, using arrows and darts in profusion.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘How should a righteous king, who is opposed by hisown officers, whose treasury and army are no longer under his control,and who has no wealth, conduct himself for acquiring happiness?’
“Yudhishthira said, ‘I have been greatly assured, O thou of puissance, bythee thus discoursing unto me of duties. I shall, however, giveexpression to the doubts I have.
“Bhishma said, ‘Drupada, O chastiser of foes, bestowed great attention oneverything in connection with that daughter of his, teaching her writingand painting and all the arts.
