Gavalgana, what they have told me of the activity of Krishna in cause of Pandu’s sons, and what I remember of his past achievements, leave me no peace of mind.  No foe whatsoever is capable of withstanding them, who are under the lead of that lion of the Vrishni tribe.  My heart is trembling with fear upon learning that the two Krishnas, are seated on the selfsame car.  If my dull-headed son forbear to fight with those two, then may he fare well,—­else those two will consume the race of Kuru as Indra and Upendra consume the Daitya hosts.  Dhananjaya is, I conceive, equal to Indra, and the greatest of the Vrishni race, Krishna, is the Eternal Vishnu himself.  The son of Kunti and Pandu, Yudhishthira, is virtuous and brave and eschews deeds that bring on shame.  Endued with great energy, he hath been wronged by Duryodhana.  If he were not high-minded, the would in wrath burn the Dhritarashtras.  I do not so much dread Arjuna or Bhima or Krishna or the twin brothers as I dread the wrath of the king, O Suta, when his wrath is excited.  His austerities are great; he is devoted to Brahmacharya practices.  His heart’s wishes will certainly be fulfilled.  When I think of his wrath, O Sanjaya, and consider how just it is, I am filled with alarm.  Go thou speedily on a car, despatched by me, where the troops of the king of the Panchalas are encamped.  Thou wilt ask Yudhishthira about his welfare.  Thou wilt repeatedly address him in affectionate terms.  Thou wilt also meet Krishna, O child, who is the chief of all brave men and who is endued with a magnanimous soul.  Him also thou wilt ask on my part as to his welfare, and tell him that Dhritarashtra is desirous of peace with Pandu’s sons.  O Suta, there is nothing that Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, would not do at the bidding of Krishna.  Kesava is as dear to them as their own selves.  Possessed of great learning, he is ever devoted to their cause.  Thou wilt also enquire about the welfare of all the assembled sons of Pandu and the Srinjayas and Satyaki and Virata and all the five sons of Draupadi, professing to be a messenger from me.  And whatsoever also thou mayst deem to be opportune, and beneficial for the Bharata race, all that, O Sanjaya, thou must say in the midst of those kings,—­everything, in sooth, that may not be unpalatable or provocative of war.’

SECTION XXIII

“Vaisampayana said, ’Having beard these words of king Dhritarashtra Sanjaya went to Upaplavya to see the Pandavas of immeasurable strength.  And having approached king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, he made obeisance to him first and then spoke.  And the son of Gavalgana, by name Sanjaya and by caste a Suta, cheerfully spoke unto Ajatasatru, ’How lucky, O king, that I see you hale, attended by friends and little inferior to the great Indra.  The aged and wise king Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, hath enquired about your welfare.  I hope Bhimasena is well, and that Dhananjaya, that foremost of the Pandavas, and these two sons of Madri, are well.  I hope princess Krishna also, the daughter of Drupada, is well,—­she who never swerves from the path of truth, that lady of great energy, that wife of heroes.  I hope she is well with her sons,—­she in whom are centred all your dearest joys and whose welfare you constantly pray for.’