Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/470

wretch stayeth here, acting under the instructions of Duryo-dhana. If we are burnt to death, will our grandfather Bhisma be angry? Why will he, by showing his wrath, make the Kauravas angry with him? Or, it may be that our grandfather Bhisma and the other bulls of the Kuru race, regarding indignation at such a sinful act to be virtuous, may become indignant. If, however, from fear of being burnt we fly hence, Duryo-dhana, ambitious of sovereignty, will certainly compass our deaths by means of spies. While we have no rank and power, Duryodhana hath both: while we have no friends and allies Duryo-dhana hath both: while we are without wealth, Duryodhana commandeth a full treasury. May he not, therefore, certainly destroy us by adopting adequate means? Let us, therefore, deceiving this wretch (Purochana) and that other wretch Duryo-dhana, pass our days, disguising ourselves at times. Let us also lead a hunting life, wandering over the earth. We shall then, if we have to escape our enemies, be familiar with all paths. We shall also, this very day, cause a sub-terranean passage to be dug in our chamber in great secrecy. If we act in this way, concealing what we do from all, fire shall never be able to consume us. We shall live here actively doing everything for our safety but with such secrecy that neither Purochana nor any of the citizens of Varanavata may know anything we do.'"

Thus ends the hundred and forty-eighth Section in the Jatu-griha of the Adi Parva.

Vaisampayana continued, "A friend of Vidura, a person well-skilled in mining, coming unto the Pandavas, addressed them in secret, saying, 'I have been sent by Vidura and am a skilful miner. I am to serve the Pandavas. Tell me what I am to do for ye! From the trust he reposeth in me, Vidura hath said unto me,—Go thou unto the Pandavas and accomplish thou their good.—What shall I do for ye? Puro-