, is due only to either the desire of doing good
to Arjuna or to his wrath and hatred towards us. Preceptors are wise,
and sinless, and very kind to all creatures. They, however, should never
be consulted at times of peril. It is in luxurious palaces, and
assemblies and pleasure-gardens, that learned men, capable of making
speeches, seem to be in their place. Performing many wonderful things,
in the assembly, it is there that learned men find their place, or even
there where sacrificial utensils and their proper placing and washing
are needed. In a knowledge of the lapses of others, in studying the
characters of men, in the science of horses and elephants and cars, in
treating the diseases of asses and camels and goats and sheeps and kine,
in planning buildings and gateways, and in pointing out the defects of
food and drink, the learned are truly in their own sphere. Disregarding
learned men that extol the heroism of the foe, make ye such arrangements
that the foe may be destroyed. Placing the kine securely, array the
troops in order of battle. Place guards in proper places so that we may
fight the foe.'"

[54] The true reading is _Acharya_ in the dual number, meaning
Drona and Kripa. Some texts read the word in the singular form.
Nilakantha notices both these reading, but prefers the dual to
the singular.

[55] The meaning is rather doubtful. Duryodhana seems to say
that 'the hostile appearance of Arjuna has been an act of
imprudence on his part. The Pandavas, after the expiry of the
thirteenth year, would claim their kingdom. I, Duryodhana, may
or may not accede to their demand. When, therefore, it was not
certain that Arjuna would be refused by me, his hostile
appearance is unwise. He has come sure of victory, but he may
yet be defeated.'

[56] The sense seems to be that when moralists even are puzzled
in judging of the propriety or otherwise of their acts, it can
easily be imagined that the Pandavas, however virtuous, have, in
the matter of this their appearance, acted wrongly, for, after
all, the thirteenth year may not have really been over as
believed by them. Or, it may mean, that as regards our presence
here, we have not acted imprudently when even moralists cannot
always arrive at right conclusion. It seems that for this
Duryodhana proceeds to justify that presence in the following
sentences.

SECTION XLVIII

"Kar