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Glancing at Yudhiṣṭhira and Arjuna He began to laugh.

Arjuna had been silently taking everything in. He looked around the great hall.

Kṛṣṇa turned toward Arjuna. “What is your view, O Dhanañjaya?

Having stated his understanding of Kṛṣṇa’s speech, Arjuna gave his response. “I am in agreement.

Bhīma, Arjuna, the twins, Yudhiṣṭhira and I will kill them. Do not doubt this.

Arjuna paused. His hand rested on the long sword by his side.

“It is exactly as you say, Arjuna. Peace and war both lie in My hands, but I will not force either. As you say, Arjuna, Yudhiṣṭhira has already said everything that should be said.

You are as dear a friend to me as to Arjuna. Relying on Your friendship I am not anxious.

“Shame to Arjuna’s skill in archery, and shame to Bhīma’s strength that Duryodhana still lives for even

If Bhīma and Arjuna are so mean as to desire peace, then my old father and his sons will fight for my

Arjuna’s voice rose in anger as he thought about it.

Yudhiṣṭhira was moved by Kṛṣṇa’s response. All five brothers gazed intently at Kṛṣṇa’s face and tears pricked their eyes.

“O Dharmarāja, whether or not to fight is not your choice. For the good of you both I will go there and sue for peace. If peace can be achieved, then I will have done something virtuous and the Kuru and Pāṇḍava armies will

Draupadī was pacified by Kṛṣṇa’s words. There was nothing left to be said. Kṛṣṇa would leave early the next morning. The Pāṇḍavas followed Him and gradually the others dispersed, all reflecting upon Kṛṣṇa’s momentous words

Kṛṣṇa knew that Duryodhana would only take advantage of his mildness and tolerance if he displayed it Kṛṣṇa reminded Yudhiṣṭhira of the many insults the Kurus had offered the Pāṇḍavas.

“You have heard Sañjaya describe Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s mind and feelings, O Kṛṣṇa. Asceticism and begging are not a kṣatriya’s duty, O Kṛṣṇa.

Bhīma frowned as Kṛṣṇa went on, “What has brought about this change of heart?

I spoke only out of mercy, O Kṛṣṇa, and could bear any sort of trouble to avoid annihilating the Bharatas

Kṛṣṇa wanted to hear from all of the Pāṇḍavas before He left. He looked across at Bhīma. Realizing Kṛṣṇa’s desire, Bhīma said, “I think You should say whatever You can to achieve peace, O Madhusudana Try to assuage him with mild words, O Kṛṣṇa, or our race will be extinguished.

Kṛṣṇa’s eyes blazed as he recalled Draupadī’s violation. His stern voice echoed through the hall.