It is seen that no one forgiveth for that reason a foe that is of immature
understanding and inclined to serve his own interests. It hath been heard
by us that in the krita age, having brought every one under their
subjection, Yauvanaswin by the abolition of all taxes, Bhagiratha by his
kind treatment to his subjects, Kartavirya by the energy of his asceticism,
the lord Bharata by his strength and valour, and Maruta by his prosperity,
all these five became emperors. But, O Yudhishthira, thou who covetest the
imperial dignity deserves it, not by one but by all these qualities, viz.,
victory, protection afforded to thy people, virtue, prosperity, and policy.
Know, O bull of the Kuru race, that Jarasandha, the son of Vrihadratha, is
even such (i.e., a candidate for the imperial dignity). A hundred
dynasties of kings have become unable to oppose Jarasandha. He, therefore,
may be regarded to be an emperor for his strength. Kings that are wearers
of jewels worship Jarasandha (with presents of jewels). But, wicked from
his childhood, he is scarcely satisfied with such worship. Having become
the foremost among all, he attacketh yet with violence kings with crowns
on their heads. Nor is there seen any king from whom he taketh not tribute.
Thus hath he brought under his sway nearly a hundred kings. How can, O son
of Pritha, any weak monarch approach him with hostile intentions? Confined
in the temple of Shiva and offered as sacrifice unto him like so many
animals, do not these monarchs dedicated unto that god feel the most
poignant misery, O bull of the Bharata race? A Kshatriya that dieth in
battle is ever regarded with respect. Why shall we not, therefore, meet
together and oppose Jarsandha in battle? He hath already brought eighty-
six kings; fourteen only are wanting to complete one hundred. As soon as
he obtaineth those fourteen, he will begin his cruel act. He that shall be
to obstruct that act will surely win blazing renown. And he that will
vanquish Jarasandha will surely become the emperor of all the
Kshatriyas.'