from me something about what, proud of thy might, O Bhima, and led away by thy restlessness, thou thinkest should be immediately begun.  Bhurisravas, Sala, the mighty Jarasandha, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, the mighty son of Drona, Dhritarashtra’s sons—­Duryodhana and others—­so difficult of being vanquished, are all accomplished in arms and ever ready for battle with us.  Those kings and chiefs of the earth also who have been injured by us, have all adopted the side of the Kauravas, and are bound by ties of affection to them.  O Bharata, they are engaged in seeking the good of Duryodhana and not of us.  With full treasures and aided by large forces, they will certainly strive their best in battle.  All the officers also of the Kuru army together with their sons and relatives, have been honoured by Duryodhana with wealth and luxuries.  Those heroes are also much regarded by Duryodhana.  This is my certain conclusion that they will sacrifice their lives for Duryodhana in battle.  Although the behaviour of Bhishma, Drona, and the illustrious Kripa, is the same towards us as towards them, yet, O thou of mighty arms, this is my certain conclusion that in order to pay off the royal favours they enjoy, they will throw their very lives, than which there is nothing dearer, in battle.  All of them are masters of celestial weapons, and devoted to the practice of virtue.  I think they are incapable of being vanquished even by gods led by Vasava himself.  There is again amongst them that mighty warrior—­Karna—­impetuous, and ever wrathful, master of all weapons, and invincible, and encased in impenetrable mail.  Without first vanquishing in battle all those foremost of men, unaided as thou art, how canst thou slay Duryodhana?  O Vrikodara, I cannot sleep thinking of the lightness of hand of that Suta’s son, who, I regard, is the foremost of all wielders of the bow!’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, the impetuous Bhima became alarmed, and forbore from speaking anything.  And while the sons of Pandu were thus conversing with each other, there came to that spot the great ascetic Vyasa, the son of Satyavati.  And as he came, the sons of Pandu worshipped him duly.  Then that foremost of all speakers, addressing Yudhishthira, said, ’O, Yudhishthira, O thou of mighty arms, knowing by spiritual insight what is passing in thy heart, I have come to thee, O thou bull among men!  The fear that is in thy heart, arising from Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son, and prince Duryodhana, and Dussasana, I will dispel, O slayer of all foes, by means of an act enjoined by the ordinance.  Hearing it from me, accomplish it thou with patience, and having accomplished it, O king, quell this fever of thine soon.’