And when he beheld the hall of
assembly elegantly constructed by Maya (the Asura architect) after the
fashion of a celestial court, he was inflamed with rage. And having
started in confusion at certain architectural deceptions within this
building, he was derided by Bhimasena in the presence of Vasudeva, like
one of mean descent.
And it was represented to Dhritarashtra that his son, while partaking of
various objects of enjoyment and diverse precious things, was becoming
meagre, wan, and pale. And Dhritarashtra, some time after, out of
affection for his son, gave his consent to their playing (with the
Pandavas) at dice. And Vasudeva coming to know of this, became exceedingly
wroth. And being dissatisfied, he did nothing to prevent the disputes, but
overlooked the gaming and sundry other horried unjustifiable transactions
arising therefrom: and in spite of Vidura, Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa, the
son of Saradwan, he made the Kshatriyas kill each other in the terrific
war that ensued.'
"And Dhritarashtra hearing the ill news of the success of the Pandavas and
recollecting the resolutions of Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni, pondered for
a while and addressed to Sanjaya the following speech:--
'Attend, O Sanjaya, to all I am about to say, and it will not become thee
to treat me with contempt. Thou art well-versed in the shastras,
intelligent and endowed with wisdom. My inclination was never to war, not
did I delight in the destruction of my race.
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