Arjuna, O king, is invincible in battle, if Bhima protecteth him from
behind. Without Bhima, Arjuna is not equal to even a fourth part of
Radheya. Indeed, O king, the Pandavas conscious of their own feebleness
without Bhima and of our strength would not really strive to recover the
kingdom. Or, if, O monarch, coming hither, they prove docile and obedient
to us, we would then seek to repress them according to the dictates of
political science (as explained by Kanika). Or, we may tempt them by means
of handsome girls, upon which the princess of Panchala will get annoyed
with them. Or, O Radheya, let messengers be despatched to bring them
hither, so that, when arrived, we may through trusted agents, by some of
the above methods, cause them to be slain. Strive, O father, to employ any
of these (various) methods that may appear to thee faultless. Time passeth.
Before their confidence in king Drupada--that bull amongst kings--is
established we may succeed, O monarch, to encounter them. But after their
confidence hath been established in Drupada, we are sure to fail. These, O
father, are my views for the discomfiture of the Pandavas. Judge whether
they be good or bad. What, O Karna, dost thou think?'"
SECTION CCIV
(Viduragamana Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Thus addressed by Duryodhana, Karna said, 'It doth
not seem to me, O Duryodhana, that thy reasoning is well-founded. O
perpetuator of the Kuru race, no method will succeed against the Pandavas.
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