The
policy of kings must be very different from the goody maxims of text-books, and is sterner
stuff of which the test issuccess. Moreover, Vidura does not like me and is partial to the
Pandavas. You know this as well as I do."
Dhritarashtra said: "The Pandavas are
strong. I do not think it wise to antagonize them. The game of dice will only lead to
enmity. The passions resulting from the game will know no bounds. We should not do
it."
But Duryodhana was importunate: "Wise
statesmanship lies in casting off all fear and protecting oneself by one's own
efforts.Should we not force the issue while yet we are more powerful than they? That will
be real foresight.
A lost opportunity may never come again, and it
is not as though we in vented the game of dice to injure the Pandavas. It is an ancient
pastime which kshatriyas have always indulged in, and if it will now serve us to win our
cause without bloodshed, where is the harm?" |
