have all met with destruction.  These are those two well-developed and round arms of mine, resembling a pair of elephantine trunks.  Coming within their clasp, the foolish sons of Dhritarashtra have all met with destruction.  Smeared with sandal-paste and deserving of that adornment are those two arms of mine by which Duryodhana has been despatched to the other world along with all his sons and kinsmen.’  Hearing these and many other words, O king, of Vrikodara, that were veritable darts, king Dhritarashtra gave way to cheerlessness and sorrow.  Queen Gandhari, however, who was conversant with every duty and possessed of great intelligence, and who knew what Time brings on its course, regarded them as untrue.  After five and ten years had passed away, O monarch, king Dhritarashtra afflicted (constantly) by the wordy darts of Bhima, became penetrated with despair and grief.  King Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, however, knew it not; nor Arjuna of white steeds, nor Kunti; nor Draupadi possessed of great fame; nor the twin sons of Madri, conversant with every duty and who were always engaged in acting after the wishes of Dhritarashtra.  Employed in doing the behests of the king, the twins never said anything that was disagreeable to the old king.  Then Dhritarashtra one day honoured his friends by his confidence.  Addressing ‘them with tearful eyes, He said these words.’

“Dhritarashtra said, ’How the destruction of the Kurus has happened is well known to you.  All that was brought about by my fault though the Kauravas approved of all my counsels.  Fool that I was, I installed the wicked minded Duryodhana, that enhancer of the terrors of kinsmen, to rule over the Kurus.  Vasudeva had said unto me, ’Let this sinful wretch of wicked understanding be killed along with all his friends and counsellors.’  I did not listen to those words of grave import.  All wisemen gave me the same beneficial advice.  Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, said the same thing.  The holy and high-souled Vyasa repeatedly said the same, as also Sanjaya and Gandhari.  Overwhelmed, however, by filial affection, I could not follow that advice.  Bitter repentance is now my lot for my neglect.  I also repent for not having bestowed that blazing prosperity, derived from sires and grand sires, on the high-souled Pandavas possessed of every accomplishment.  The eldest brother of Gada foresaw the destruction of all the kings; Janarddana, however, regarded that destruction as highly beneficial.[2] So many Anikas of troops, belonging tome, have been destroyed.  Alas, my heart is pierced with thousands of darts in consequence of all these results.  Of wicked understanding as I am, now after the lapse of five and ten years, I am seeking to expiate my sins.  Now at the fourth division of the day or sometimes at the eighth division, with the regularity of a vow, I eat a little food for simply conquering my thirst.  Gandhari knows this.  All my attendants are under the impression that I eat as usual.