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Vidura retorted, “O wicked man, you do not see that by such words you are tying a noose around your neck Do you not realize that being but a deer, you are provoking the anger of so many tigers? Do not agitate them further or you will soon go to Yamarāja’s abode.”

“The great Ṛṣi Devala has intructed me that one should not engage in playing with a professional gamester “O Śakuni, do not try to take from me the wealth with which I wish to serve the Brahmins. Even enemies should not be vanquished by desperate stakes in deceitful play.

Yudhiṣṭhira knew that Śakuni, although more skilled at the game, could not match his wealth and was thus not a suitable opponent for him.

He was therefore not in a position to stake the princess. Completely intoxicated, he does not see the terrors that this game will bring.”

“We do not wish to be deceitful, O Yudhiṣṭhira. It is simply a friendly match.

If you are afraid of me, or if you feel I have dishonest motives, then do not play.”

“It seems that Bhīma and Arjuna are more dear to you than Mādrī’s sons, for they have not yet been staked

You did not accept my advice, although it was clear he would cause the destruction of our house. Can you not now see that prophesy coming to pass?”

Those who seek to collect honey from a high place become so absorbed in their aim that they do not see Creating hostilities with the powerful Pāṇḍavas, he does not see the fall which awaits him.”

Duryodhana replied, “I have wealth counted in the millions and tens of millions but I am not proud of

Śakuni, not wanting the game to end, replied hastily, “O King, in the excitement of play a gambler may

This is not within the rules of the game.”

Not even the celestials could face them in battle. Do not, O King, follow a wretch into the terrible fire that has blazed forth. Do not wage a war that will destroy you to your roots.”

Surely Kṛṣṇa would not allow His own dear friend to be lost.

Although he does not deserve to be staked, still I shall play with such a dear object as my stake.”

“I tried to dissuade Dhṛtarāṣṭra, but he could not hear my advice.

Duryodhana laughed and repeated that if Yudhiṣṭhira was afraid then he need not play.

Do not sink into an ocean of grief for the sake of one crooked family member. O Dhṛtarāṣṭra, do not imitate that king by persecuting the Pāṇḍavas for the sake of their wealth.

Such a man is a king’s true friend who, without considering what is agreeable or not, speaks and acts

Slowly he replied, “Although he does not deserve to be staked, I now play with this prince, who is our