SECTION XVI

"Yudhishthira said,--'Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting from
selfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can I
despatch ye (unto Jarasandha)? Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as my eyes,
and thee, O Janardana as my mind. How shall I live, deprived of my eyes
and mind. Yama himself cannot vanquish in battle the mighty host of
Jarasandha that is endued, besides, with terrible valour. What valour can
ye exhibit against it. This affair that promises to terminate otherwise
may lead to great mischief. It is my opinion, therefore, that the proposed
task should not be undertaken. Listen, O Krishna, to what I for one think.
O Janardana, desisting from this act seemeth to me to be beneficial. My
heart to-day is afflicted. The Rajasuya appeareth to me difficult of
accomplishment.'"

Vaisampayana said,--"Arjuna who had obtained that excellent of bows and
that couple of inexhaustible quivers, and that car with that banner, as
also that assembly room, now addressed Yudhishthira and said,--'I have
obtained, O king, a bow and weapons and arrows and energy and allies and
dominions and fame and strength. Those are always difficult of acquisition,
however much they may be desired. Learned men of repute always praise in
good society nobleness of descent. But nothing is equal to might. Indeed,
O monarch, there is nothing I like more than prowess. Born in a race noted
for its valour, one that is without valour is scarcely worthy of regard.
One, however, possessed of valour, that is born in a race not noted for it,
is much superior to the former. He, O king, is a Kshatriya in every thing
who increaseth his fame and possessions by the subjugation of his enemies.
And he that is possessed of valour, though destitute of all (other) merits,
will vanquish his foes. One, however, that is destitute of valour, though