Drupada, king of the Panchalas, is now the father-in-law of the Pandavas, and the Parshatas, his sons, are their brothers-in-law—valiant heroes all, led by Dhrishtadyumna, and born of Drupada’s own line. The mighty king of Chedi, Shishupala, is also their brother-in-law, a formidable chariot-warrior. Knowing well the invincible strength gathered around the Pandavas, O Bharata, it is wise and righteous to act properly towards them. Recall, O King, the grave dishonor wrought by Purochana, which has now come to light. Today, out of compassion and for the sake of your own virtue, cleanse yourself of this stain. Such kindness towards the Pandavas will not only restore your own honor but will benefit our entire lineage, for life is the greatest good and brings glory to the Kshatriya race. Drupada, who was once our enemy, now stands as our ally. By winning his friendship, O King, your own position will be strengthened. The Dasharhas, too, are powerful and many; wherever Krishna is, all the Dasharhas are, and where Krishna is, there is always victory. Therefore, whatever can be achieved through conciliation, let it be so. Who, doomed by fate, would seek to accomplish by conflict what can be gained by peace? The people in the cities and villages rejoice upon hearing the Pandavas are alive and are gladdened at their sight; do what pleases them, O King. Beware the counsel of Duryodhana, Karna, and Shakuni, son of Subala; they are unrighteous, foolish, and childish. Do not follow their advice. I have spoken this before, for your own benefit: because of Duryodhana’s wrongdoing, the people will suffer. Bhishma, son of Shantanu, wise and venerable, and Drona, the great sage, have spoken words most beneficial and true. You, too, must speak truthfully to me. Just as the sons of Kunti, the Pandavas, are heroic and mighty chariot-warriors, so too are my sons, by virtue of righteousness—of this, there is no doubt. This kingdom, O Kshatta, is established as much for the sons of Pandu as for my own sons—let there be no doubt of that. Therefore, go, and bring the Pandavas here, together with their mother Kunti, and with Krishna, the goddess-like bride, and give them all due honor. By good fortune, the sons of Pritha live; by good fortune, Kunti herself is safe; by good fortune, these mighty warriors have won the daughter of Drupada. By good fortune, we all prosper, Purochana’s evil is ended, and my great sorrow has been lifted, O mighty one. Thus instructed, the wise Kshatta, Vidura, mounted a swift chariot and in a few days reached the land of the Panchalas, who are well-versed in royal duty. There, following Dhritarashtra’s command, Vidura went to the presence of King Yajnasena and the Pandavas. He brought with him many jewels and treasures, gifts for Draupadi, for the Pandavas, and for Yajnasena as well. Upon his arrival, that knower of righteousness, learned in all the scriptures, approached King Drupada with proper decorum and respect. Drupada, in turn, received Vidura according to the highest standards of dharma, and they exchanged warm inquiries after each other’s well-being. There, Vidura saw the Pandavas and Vasudeva, Krishna. Out of deep affection, he embraced them and asked after their welfare. The Pandavas, of immeasurable intellect, honored him in due order, and again and again, on behalf of Dhritarashtra, Vidura inquired after their well-being with heartfelt affection. He then presented the Pandavas, Kunti, Draupadi, and the sons of Drupada with jewels and treasures, as the Kauravas had sent. Then, with humility and courtesy, Vidura addressed Drupada in the presence of the Pandavas and Krishna, saying, “O King, hear my words, together with your ministers and sons: Dhritarashtra, with his sons, ministers, and kinsmen, repeatedly asks after your welfare with affection. Through this alliance, he holds you in true regard, O lord of men. Likewise, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, and all the Kauravas, that great sage, inquire after your welfare in every way. Bharadvaja’s son, the wise Drona—your dear friend—embraces you in spirit and asks after your well-being. Dhritarashtra, O Panchali, is now related to you; he feels fulfilled, as do all the Kauravas. The joy they feel at this alliance with you, O Yajnasena, surpasses even the joy of gaining the kingdom itself. Knowing this, you should send the Pandavas forth, for the Kurus are eager to see the sons of Pandu. These noble men have long been away, and they, along with Pritha, must be eager to see the city once more. All the women of the Kuru clan await the arrival of Krishna, the Panchali, and the city and land themselves look forward to her coming. Therefore, command the Pandavas, without delay, to depart with their wives; this, in my judgment, is best. Once you have sent forth the great-souled Pandavas, O King, I will send swift messengers to Dhritarashtra, and the sons of Kunti will come, along with Kunti and Krishna.” Drupada, hearing Vidura’s words, replied with wisdom and warmth, “So it is, O wise Vidura, as you have said. I, too, rejoice greatly in this alliance, O Lord. The departure of these great souls would indeed be proper and steadfast; yet it is not for me to decide this alone. When the heroic Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, and Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons of Madri, those foremost of men, consider it right, then it shall be done.