VIDURA

Finally, the Pandavas sent Sri Krishna himself for negotitions.

Soon after Dhritharashtra came to know that Krishna was coming, he sent for Vidura and said: "Tomorrow Sri Krishna will be here. We have to arrange a grand reception for him and make his stay comfortable. The town should be decorated. Dusshasana’s house is better than that of Duryodhana. That house must be set apart for Krishna’s stay. Very valuable articles must be presented to him."

Vidura said: "Dhritharashtra, you are an old man; at least now, be wise, otherwise your entire family will perish. Krishna deserves the homage you wish to pay him. But you are not offering these to Sri Krishna either as an act of righteousness or out of loves. You want to gain the love of Krishna by this outward show of courtesy and want to deprive the Pandavas even of the five Villages, which they have asked for. But Krishna will not be deceived by these tricks. He loves the Pandavas with all his heart. He has come here to prevent war and save the Kauravas from disaster. Therefore pay homage to him without much show and conduct yourself according to his advice."

Duryodhana said: "If we show great respect to Krishna he will think that we are afraid. If we imprison Krishna it will break the back of the Pandavas." The elders present there were unhappy at these words.