kingdoms and populous provinces, prying into assemblies of the learned and delightful retreats of provinces.  In the inner apartments of palaces, in shrines and holy spots, in mines and diverse other regions, the sons of Pandu should be searched after with well-directed eagerness.  Let the sons of Pandu who are living in disguise be searched after by well-skilled spies in large numbers, devoted to their work, themselves well-disguised, and all well-acquainted with the objects of their search.  Let the search be made on the banks of rivers, in holy regions, in villages and towns, in retreats of ascetics, in delightful mountains and mountain-caves.’  When Karna ceased, Duryodhana’s second brother Dussasana, wedded to a sinful disposition, then addressed his eldest brother and said, ’O monarch, O lord of men, let those spies only in whom we have confidence, receiving their rewards in advance, once more go after the search.  This and what else hath been said by Karna have our fullest approval.  Let all the spies engage themselves in the search according to the directions already given.  Let these and others engage in the search from province to province according to approved rules.  It is my belief, however, that the track the Pandavas have followed or their present abode or occupation will not be discovered.  Perhaps, they are closely concealed; perhaps, they have gone to the other side of the ocean.  Or, perhaps, proud as they are of their strength and Courage, they have been devoured by wild beasts; or perhaps, having been overtaken by some unusual danger, they have perished for eternity.  Therefore, O prince of the Kuru race, dispelling all anxieties from thy heart, achieve what thou wilt, always acting according to thy energy.’”

SECTION XXVII

“Vaisampayana said, “Endued with mighty energy and possessed of great discernment, Drona then said, ’Persons like the sons of Pandu never perish nor undergo discomfiture.  Brave and skilled in every science, intelligent and with senses under control, virtuous and grateful and obedient to the virtuous Yudhishthira, ever following in the wake of their eldest brother who is conversant with the conclusions of policy and virtue and profit, who is attached to them as a father, and who strictly adhereth to virtue and is firm in truth,—­persons like them that are thus devoted to their illustrious and royal brother, who gifted with great intelligence, never injureth any body and who in his turn himself obeyeth his younger brothers, never perish in this way.  Why, then, should not (Yudhishthira) the son of Pritha possessing a knowledge of policy, be able to restore the prosperity of his brothers who are so obedient and devoted and high-souled?  It is for this that they are carefully waiting for the arrival of their opportunity.  Men such as these never perish.  This is what I see by my intellect.  Do, therefore, quickly and without loss of time, what should now