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"You can't have the cake and
eat it too" - so goes the saying. Not many are
destined to have the best of both worlds. Those
who do are fortunate, but if it means placing
somebody else's rights at stake, it is not
proper to even wish for both, leave alone have
them.
King Drupada had an emissary
sent to hold peace talks with the Kauravas on
behalf of the Pandavas. The Brahmana, learned
and wise, was welcomed by Bheeshma, Vidura and
Dhritarashtra and was treated with all the
honour due to an ambassador.
He addressed the assembly
thus: This hall holds great men. You all
know that this kingdom belongs to both the
Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Pandavas, during
their regime, worked hard to protect and expand
their kingdom. Through deceit, they were made to
live in great difficulty for thirteen years. The
stipulated period having now come to a close,
they ask to be returned what is rightfully
theirs. Yudhishtira does not want war. The odds
of war lie in your hands. On the other hand, if
fight you must, Yudhishtira has support of many
a powerful king. There are numerous valiant
warriors on his side. Arjuna has for his
charioteer, the Lord Himself. I beseech you all
to persuade Duryodhana to give up war and return
to the Pandavas their rightful due.
Bheeshma said: I am
happy to know that the Pandavas are well and
have accumulated great strength on their side.
They are powerful indeed as Sri Krishna is on
their side! Though you are here as ambassador,
there is no diplomacy in your speech; what you
say is true and the words you use are sharp and
cutting, leaving nothing unsaid. The Pandavas,
though subjected to hardships, have adhered to
dharma. The right thing to do would be to
restore their kingdom...
Karna interrupted
Bheeshma: Is there no end to these
repetitions? Do not try to threaten Duryodhana.
After all, Yudhishtira has the support of only
Matsya and Panchala! The Pandavas have not
fulfilled the condition set during the game of
dice. Before the thirteenth year was spent, they
were exposed. As per the stipulation they should
return to the forest for another twelve years
and then they can live as humble subjects under
Duryodhana!
Bheeshma, angered,
said: Oh, Radheya! Stop your foolish talk!
If Duryodhana does not act as this Brahmana
says, all of us are foredoomed to
destruction.
The furor and excitement
in the court caused Dhritarashtra to intervene.
He said: Oh, Radheya, it is not right to
talk thus to a messenger and well-wisher.
He then turned to the
Brahmana and said: Please convey to the
Pandavas that I shall send to them Sanjaya as my
messenger as soon as I take counsel of my
court.
The Brahmana returned to
Matsya and briefed the Pandavas of the
happenings in the court as also the extent of
the war preparations on the Kaurava
side.
Yudhishtira eagerly awaited
the coming of Sanjaya with fond hopes of
peace.
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