In a secret conclave, the Kaurava prince weighed his chances and spoke darkly to Karna. “If Bhīma stands guard, no force of earth or heaven can bring Arjuna down. Yet remove that mighty son of the wind, and Arjuna will fall before your hand. Devise, therefore, a swift and certain means to accomplish what we have long resolved.”
Karna, unmoved, replied with a measured voice. “Think, O prince: Drupada is a king of spotless repute, revered by every royal house. His sons are dutiful, obedient, and loyal. The Pandavas are gentle in nature; Drupada will not cast them off. Nor will Draupadi, who is blessed with husbands of surpassing splendor, turn faithless to them. Your subtle plots have failed before; now they are stronger and well-guarded. Abandon these hidden snares. If we must prevail, let it be by open valor. Did not the thousand-eyed Indra conquer the worlds by courage, and did not Bharata win the earth by boldness? For princes who seek immortal fame, there is no road but chivalry. This, and this alone, is the righteous path in the defeat of foes. Muster the foretold host, strike at Drupada, and bring the Pandavas hither.”
But Dhṛtarāṣṭra, wary, checked him. “Not so rashly. Let us seek counsel of the wise.” Then he summoned Bhasma, Drona, and Vidura, and with artful speech unfolded the matter.
Bhīṣma, grandsire of the Kurus, answered first. “Brave are both the sons of Pandu and the sons of Gandhari, and dear alike to me. To me there is no difference between Kunti’s children and thine. I will never lift a weapon against the Pandavas, for they possess equal right of inheritance. Give them, therefore, their lawful share of the realm and all will dwell in peace. Refuse, and you invite disgrace. A king’s true treasure is glory: it outlives the body and opens the gate of heaven, while infamy is the portal of hell. Choose the path of honor; yield the portion that is theirs by birth, for this kingdom descends from our fathers and is theirs as much as yours.”
Drona spoke in accord. “The grandsire’s word is wisdom. It brings safety and wins allies, for every righteous heart will approve. Why be swayed by Shakuni or Karna to raise arms against your kin? Folly spurns the counsel of the impartial and listens instead to the selfish and the rash. The gods bless the Pandavas and stand fast in dharma; their claim no power can overthrow. Do what is right: send them gifts of honor, welcome Kunti, Draupadi, Drupada, and his son Dhṛṣṭadyumna; dispatch Dussāsana, Vikarna, and others to Drupadapura and bring the brothers home with due respect.”
Karna laughed harshly. “Old men love to weave fine speeches that profit none. You would summon our enemies into our very camp—what justice lies in that? Ministers often speak fair while plotting ruin. Remember King Nitantaka of Magadha: feeble in rule, misled by his counsellors, he lost both throne and treasure. Beware the honeyed word that hides the knife.”
Droṇa’s eyes flashed. “Dare you call our counsel treacherous? Do you love the Kauravas better than we? Such reckless tongues endanger princes. Unbridled men, blind to consequence, kindle the flame of ruin.”
The debate grew heated until Vidura, steadfast in righteousness, rose to still them. Turning to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, he said, “O king, among all who wish you well, none excel Bhīṣma and Droṇa. Their counsel is the path of dharma and lasting good. Heed them, not the thoughtless words of Duryodhana, Dussāsana, Karna, or Śakuni. They confound righteousness with cunning and would plunge the realm in sin. Bring the Pāṇḍavas back; grant them their rightful share. None can defeat them—sons of Pandu, allies of Drupada, kinsmen of Balarama and Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Their strength is matched by humility; their reverence for you is undiminished. Are they not also your own blood? Will you wrong the sons of your brother? When Arjuna takes the field, not even mighty Indra dares withstand him; Bhīma is a mountain of strength; Yudhishthira, a pillar of virtue. You yourself witnessed how, by your grace, they escaped the burning of the wax-house, while the disgrace of that plot clings to you still. Show kindness now and avert the calamity that Duryodhana’s malice would bring.”
Dhṛtarāṣṭra, shaken, at last replied, “Vidura, Bhīṣma, Droṇa—your words I cannot ignore. I will abide in dharma and honour the counsel of such noble well-wishers.”
Before that solemn resolve, Duryodhana fell silent, masking his rage. Outwardly, he seemed to yield, but what lay hidden in his heart was yet to be revealed in the fullness of time.
