s at Hastinapur were all well in health,
and Vidura replied, "They are all well." Then Vidura said to the
Pandavas:--"Your uncle, the Maharaja, is about to give a great feast,
and he has sent me to invite you and your mother, and your joint wife,
to come to his city, and there will be a great match at dice-playing."
When Yudhishthira heard these words he was troubled in mind, for he knew
that gaming was a frequent cause of strife, and that he was in no way
skilful in throwing the dice; and he likewise knew that Sakuni
was dwelling at Hastinapur, and that he was a famous gambler. But
Yudhishthira remembered that the invitation of the Maharaja was equal
to the command of a father, and that no true Kshatriya could refuse
a challenge either to war or play. So Yudhishthira accepted the
invitation, and gave commandment that on the appointed day his brethren,
and their mother, and their joint wife should accompany him to the city
of Hastinapur.

'When the day arrived for the departure of the Pandavas they took
their mother Kunti, and their joint wife Draupadi, and journeyed from
Indra-prastha to the city of Hastinapur. And when they entered the city
they first paid a visit of respect to the Maharaja, and they found
him sitting amongst his Chieftains; and the ancient Bhishma, and the
preceptor Drona, and Karna, who was the friend of Duryodhana, and many
others, were sitting there also.

'And when the Pandavas had done reverence to the Maharaja, and
respectfully saluted all present, they paid a visit to their aunt
Gandhari, and did her reverence likewise.

'And after they had done this, their mother and joint wife entered the
presence of Gandhari, and respectfully saluted her; and the wives of
the Kauravas came in and were made known to Kunti and Draupadi. And the
wives of the Kauravas were much surprised when they beheld the beauty
and fine raiment of Draupadi; and they were very jealous of their
kinswoman. And when all their visits had been paid, the Pandavas retired
with their wife and mother to the quarters which had been prepared for
them, and when it was evening they received the visits of all their
friends who were dwelling at Hastinapur.

'Now, on the morrow the gambling match was to be played; so when the
morning had come, the Pandavas bathed and dressed, and left Draupadi in
the lodging which had been prepared for her, and went their way to the
palace. And the Pandavas again paid their respects to their uncle the