Vaishampayana said : The Pandavas got on their cars yoked with fine horses having the speed like that of the wind, When ascending (the car), they touched in grief the feet of Bhishma, of the king Dhritarashtra, of the high-souled Drona, Kripa and Vidura and of all the other old men. Thus duly saluting all the elders of the Kuru race, embracing the equals, being saluted by even the boys.

Taking leave of all the mothers (elderly ladies), walking round them respectfully and bidding farewell to the citizens, they (the Pandavas) started for Varanavata.

The greatly intelligent Vidura and other best of the Kurus and also the citizens followed these best of men (for some distance) in sorrow. Seeing the sons of Pandu affected with sorrow and in grief, some of the men of the city spoke thus-

“The king (Dhritarashtra) sees not things with an equal eye. He is always wickedminded. The Kuru Dhritarashtra dose not cast his eye on virtue.

The Pandava (Yudhisthira), the best of all strong men Bhima, or Dhananjaya (Arjuna) will never commit the sin of rebellion.

What these illustrious (princes) would do, the two sons of Madri will also do. They have inherited the kingdom from their father, but Dhritarashtra can not beat them.

How could Bhishma sanction such an act of great sin? How could he sanction their exile to that wretched city?

The son of Shantanu, Vichitravirya and the descendant of Kuru, the royal sage Pandu, were to us like our fathers.

Now that best of men (Pandu), having gone to heaven, Dhritarashtra can not bear these princes, his sons.

We can not sanction this. Therefore leaving this excellent city and our houses, we shall go to the place where Yudhisthira is going.

The king of virtue, Yudhisthira reflected for some time and then addressed in sorrow the citizens who were talking thus in grief.

“The king of the world (Dhritarashtra) is our father, (he is) worthy of our regard, (he is) our preceptor and our superior. It is our duty, to accomplish with auspicious mind whatever he commands.

"You are our friends; walking round us and making us happy with your blessings, return to your homes. When the time comes for anything to be done for us by you, then accomplish all that is agreeable and beneficial to us."

Having been thus addressed, the citizens walked round the Pandavas and offered them their blessings. They then returned to the city.

When the citizens had left (the Pandavas), Vidura, learned in all the precepts of virtue, thus spoke to the eldest Pandava in order to want him (of his danger.)

The learned man (Vidura) conversant with the (Mlecha) Jargon, spoke thus to the learned man (Yudhisthira), also conversant with the (Mlecha) jargon (in that Mlecha jargon)."

He who knows the schemes of others (enemies) according to the dictates of political science, knowing it, should act in such a way as to avoid all dangers.

He, who knows that there are sharp weapons capable of cutting the body though not made of iron and understands also the means of warding them off, can never be injured by the enemy.

He lives who protects himself by the knowledge that neither the consumer of straw and wood not the drier of dews burns the inmates of a hole in the deep forest.

The blind man sees not his way, (for) the blind man has no knowledge of direction. He who has no firmness never acquires prosperity. Knowing this, keep yourself always alert.

The man, who takes a weapon (which is) not made of iron (and which is) given him by his enemy, can escape from fire by making his house like hole of a jackal.

By travelling a man may know the ways and by the star he can ascertain the direction. He that keeps his five (senses) under control can never be oppressed by his enemy."

Having been thus addressed, the king of virtue, the son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, thus replied to that foremost of learned men, the illustrious Vidura. "I have understood you."

Vidura, thus having instructed the Pandavas, walked round them and bidding them farewell, returned to his house.

Vidura, Bhishma and citizens having gone back, Kunti came to Ajatashatru (Yudhisthira) and spoke thus-

"What Khattwa (Vidura) said to you in the midst of many people, so indistinctly as if he said nothing and what you said similarly (in reply) is not understood by us.

"If it is not improper for us to know it, I desire to hear all that passed between you and him."

Yudhisthira said : The virtuous Vidura said to me that I must know that the house (at Varanavata) is made of inflammable materials. (He further said) the way of escape will also be known to you."

He told me "The man who is self controlled wins (the sovereignty) of the whole world." I replied to Vidura. “I have understood you."

Vaishampayana said : The Pandavas stared for Varanavata on the eighth day of the month of Falguni when the star Rohini was ascendant; and arriving there they saw the town and its people.