thine?
Do not undo this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging
in such grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent. Be
cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased heart
the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of Pritha their
kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such conduct. By acting
in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish brotherly relations with
the Pandavas by being friends, and give them their paternal kingdom, for
then thou wilt be happy!'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and seeing the
brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by fraternal love,
the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his well round arms,
smelt his head from affection. And hearing these words of Karna and
Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than ever, and he was
overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook his soul. And hearing
all that his friends said, he answered with sorrow, 'I have nothing more
to do with virtue, wealth, friendship, affluence, sovereignty, and
enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose, but leave me all of you. I am
firmly resolved to cast away my life by forgoing food. Return to the
city, and treat my superiors there respectfully.'

"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of foes,
saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O Bharata.
How can we enter the city without thee?'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways by his
friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king wavered not
from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in accordance with his
purpose spread _Kusa_ grass on the earth, and purifying himself by
touching water, sat down upon that spot. And clad in rags and _Kusa_
grass he set himself to observe the highest vow. And stopping all
speech, that tiger among kings, moved by the desire of going to heaven,
began to pray and worship internally suspending all external
intercourse.

"Meanwhile the fierce _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_ who had been defeated
of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in the nether regions
having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and knowing that if the king
died their party would be weakened, commenced a sacrifice with fire for
summoning Duryodhana to their presence. And _mantra_ knowing persons
then comme