be done, after proper reflection.  And let also the abode which the sons of Pandu with souls under control as regards every purpose of life, are to occupy, be now settled.  Heroic and sinless and possessed of ascetic merit, the Pandavas are difficult to be discovered (within the period of non-discovery).  Intelligent and possessed of every virtue, devoted to truth and versed in the principles of policy, endued with purity and holiness, and the embodiment of immeasurable energy, the son of Pritha is capable of consuming (his foes) by a glance alone of his eyes.  Knowing all this, do what is proper.  Let us, therefore, once more search after them, sending Brahmanas and Charanas, ascetics crowned with success, and others of this kind who may have a knowledge of those heroes!’”

SECTION XXVIII

“Vaisampayana said, ’Then that grandsire of the Bharatas, Bhishma the son of Sutanu, conversant with the Vedas, acquainted with the proprieties of time and place, and possessing a knowledge of every duty of morality, after the conclusion of Drona’s speech, applauded the words of the preceptor and spake unto the Bharatas for their benefit these words consistent with virtue, expressive of his attachment to the virtuous Yudhishthira, rarely spoken by men that are dishonest, and always meeting with the approbation of the honest.  And the words that Bhishma spake were thoroughly impartial and worshipped by the wise.  And the grandsire of the Kurus said, ’The words that the regenerate Drona acquainted with the truth of every affair hath uttered, are approved by me.  I have no hesitation in saying so.  Endued with every auspicious mark, observant of virtuous vows, possessed of Vedic lore, devoted to religious observances, conversant with various sciences, obedient to the counsels of the aged, adhering to the vow of truth, acquainted with the proprieties of time, observant of the pledge they have given (in respect of their exile), pure in their behaviour, ever adhering to the duties of the Kshatria order, always obedient to Kesava, high-souled, possessed of great strength, and ever-bearing the burthens of the wise, those heroic ones can never wither under misfortune.  Aided by their own energy, sons of Pandu who are now leading a life of concealment in obedience to virtue, will surely never perish.  It is even this that my mind surmiseth.  Therefore, O Bharata, I am for employing the aid of honest counsel in our behaviour towards the sons of Pandu.  It would not be the policy of any wise man to cause them to be discovered now by means of spies,[21] what we should do unto the sons of Pandu, I shall say, reflecting with the aid of the intellect.  Know that I shall say nothing from ill will to thee.  People like me should never give such counsels to him that is dishonest, for only counsels (like those I would give) should be offered unto them that are honest.  Counsels, however, that are evil, should under no circumstances