if directed by bad policy which again is destitute of the well-known arts,
ends in defeat or destruction. If, again, both parties are equally
circumstanced, the result becomes doubtful. Both, however, cannot win.
When such is the case, why should we not, aided by good policy, directly
approach the foe; and destroy him, like the current of the river uprooting
a tree? If, disguising our own faults, we attack the enemy taking
advantage of his loopholes, why should we not succeed? Indeed, the policy
of intelligent men, is that one should not fight openly with foes that are
exceedingly powerful and are at the head of their well-arrayed forces.
This too is my opinion. If, however, we accomplish our purpose secretly
entering the abode of our foe and attacking his person, we shall never
earn obloquy. That bull among men--Jarasandha--alone enjoyeth unfaded
glory, like unto him who is the self in the heart of every created being.
But I see his destruction before me. Desirous of protecting our relatives
we will either slay him in battle or shall ascend to heaven being
ourselves slain in the end by him.'

"Yudhishthira said--'O Krishna, who is this Jarasandha? What is his energy
and what is his prowess, that having touched thee he hath not been burnt
like an insect at the touch of fire?'

"Krishna said,--'Hear, O monarch, who Jarasandha is; what his energy; and
what is his prowess; and why also he hath been spared by us, even though
he hath repeatedly offended us. There was a mighty king of the name of
Vrihadratha, the lord of the Magadhas. Proud in battle, he had three
Akshauhinis of troops. Handsome and endued with energy, possessed of
affluence and prowess beyond measure, and always bearing on his person
marks indicating installation at sacrifices. He was like a second Indra.
In glory he was like unto Suryya, in forgiveness like unto the Earth, in
wrath like unto the destroyer Yama and in wealth like unto Vaisravana. And