' Hearing this, O monarch,
that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded that prime among
sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that sacrifice sanctified by
_mantras_, and abounding in edibles, and the son of Gandhari was duly
initiated according to the ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the
illustrious Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and
the celebrated Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of
kings, Duryodhana despatched swift messengers to invite the princes and
the Brahmanas. And mounting fleet vehicles they went to the (respective)
directions assigned to them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of
setting out, Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of _Dwaita_;
and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked persons,
the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing down to all
the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by his native
prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus, Duryodhana, O
monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are going from various
directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king, I have been sent by the
high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son,
invites you. It behoveth you, therefore, to witness the delightful
sacrifice of that monarch.'
"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings, the royal
Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that enhancer of the glory
of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is celebrating this best of sacrifices.
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