Those wise and virtuous
persons will make no difference between us. If therefore, we behave so
towards the Pandavas, shall we not, O son, deserve death at the hands of
the Kurus, of these illustrious personages, and of the whole world?'
"Duryodhana answered, 'Bhishma hath no excess of affection for either side,
and will, therefore, be neutral (in case of dispute). The son of Drona
(Aswatthaman) is on my side. There is no doubt that where the son is,
there the father will be. Kripa, the son of Saradwat, must be on the side
on which Drona and Aswatthaman are. He will never abandon Drona and his
sister's son (Aswatthaman). Kshattri (Vidura) is dependent on us for his
means of life, though he is secretly with the foe. If he sides the
Pandavas, he alone can do us no injury, Therefore, exile thou the Pandavas
to Varanavata without any fear. And take such steps that they may go
thither this very day. By this act, O father, extinguish the grief that
consumeth me like a blazing fire, that robbeth me of sleep, and that
pierces my heart even like a terrible dart.'"
SECTION CXLV
(Jatugriha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then prince Duryodhana, along with his brothers
began to gradually win over the people to his side by grants of wealth
and honours. Meanwhile, some clever councillors, instructed by
Dhritarashtra, one day began to describe (in court) the town of
Varanavata as a charming place. And they said, The festival of Pasupati
(Siva) hath commenced in the town of Varanavata.
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