Hearing all that had transpired, Krishna replied with calm assurance, “I know all this, including the slaying of that Rakshasa.” With his mind made up, Madhava promptly ordered the fourfold Yadava army to be readied. He quickly led them towards the city of the Panchalas, intent on meeting the Pandavas. Sankarshana and the mighty Kesava, together with all the Yadavas, journeyed to where the Pandavas were. There, honoring their paternal aunt and bowing respectfully to the Yadavi, they adorned Draupadi with splendid ornaments, as was proper for the occasion. After gladdening the hearts of the Pandavas, Krishna and his kin honored them as well, and in turn, the great-souled King Drupada honored the Yadavas with due reverence. The noble Pandavas received all the Yadavas with warmth, and together they rejoiced in the city of the Panchalas at that joyous time. When the svayamvara was concluded, all the assembled kings departed as they had come, having learned that the Pandavas had been chosen. King Duryodhana, downcast, left with his brothers, Ashvatthama, his maternal uncle, Karna, and Kripa. Having witnessed Draupadi choose the one with white horses, Duhshasana spoke slowly and unashamedly to his brother: “If he were not a Brahmin, he would not have won Draupadi. For, O king, no one truly knows Dhananjaya. I consider fate to be supreme, and human effort to be fruitless; shame on human effort and counsel, since the Pandavas carry away the prize here before us. The sons of Pritha have blinded us and, after marrying Drupada’s daughter, have placed their left foot upon us kings.” He continued, “How did they escape from the house of lac, those eaters of food? Our strength, courage, and intelligence have all departed because of this. Today, uncle, we are destroyed, along with Purocana, for without burning these Pandavas, he himself was burned by the consuming fire. Uncle, I think the Pandavas are more intelligent than I am; for those who escaped the house of lac, there is no fear of death.” As they spoke thus, blaming Purocana, they also mentioned the woman with five sons, the hunter woman, and Vidura, the wise. Downcast and their minds disturbed, the Kauravas returned to Hastinapura. Frightened and their resolve broken, they reflected on the mighty Pandavas, now freed from the fire and united with Drupada. Their thoughts turned also to Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Shikhandin, and Drupada’s other sons, all skilled in battle. Meanwhile, Vidura, having heard that the Pandavas had been chosen by Draupadi and that the sons of Dhritarashtra had returned humbled and shamed, felt great joy. The wise Vidura said to King Dhritarashtra, “By fortune, the Kurus prosper,” astonished at the turn of events. King Dhritarashtra, son of Vicitravirya, hearing Vidura’s words, exclaimed with great joy, “By fortune, by fortune, O Bhārata!” But the king, lacking discernment, believed his eldest son Duryodhana had been chosen by Drupada’s daughter. He then ordered, “Bring Draupadi’s many ornaments here, for Krishna,” and summoned his son Duryodhana. Afterwards, Vidura explained to Ambikā’s son that the Kauravas were not his sons alone, but all the descendants of Kuru. “By my words, let them prosper,” he said. “The sons of Pandu, united with Krishna, have escaped the royal assembly. By fortune, O king, they are safe and honored by Drupada as well.” Hearing these words of Vidura, the king, seeking to conceal the truth, repeatedly said, “By fortune, by fortune.” Yet, he confessed, “If the Pandavas are alive, then my heart finds no joy, even from the nectar of your words. Because of their virtuous conduct, their alliance with Drupada is most praiseworthy; saying, ‘By fortune, by great fortune,’ I spoke. Born in the noble Matsya lineage, descended from Vasu, he is advanced in conduct, learning, and austerity, and is esteemed among kings. His sons and grandsons, all steadfast in good vows, and many other powerful allies are connected to them. Just as Pandu’s sons are, so too—indeed, even more so—are these to me; Vidura, I consider this conduct superior to all others. The affection I have for the sons of Pandu, O mighty one, I do not have for anyone else; this is always in my thoughts, Kshatta, and I swear by truth itself.” He continued, “That your heroic sons, the mighty Pandavas, are well and friendly with my sons, headed by Duryodhana, is known to me. When I heard that the sons of Pandu had been burned in the fire, I could neither eat nor sleep, day or night, consumed by grief. My sons were without allies, like birds with their wings clipped; but hear the truth from me, Kshatta—now my sons have strong allies, and today my sovereignty has become firm, enduring as long as the moon and sun. For who, having gained Drupada as a friend along with his kin, O Kshatta, would not wish to live, even a king who has lost his prosperity?” To him, Vidura replied, “May this understanding always remain with you, O King, for a hundred years.” Having said this, Vidura departed to his own residence. Then Duryodhana and Karna, O lord of the people, approached Dhritarashtra and prepared to speak their minds to him.