Yudhishthira said Undoubtedly, O Sanjaya, it is as you say namely that virtuous acts are the best among deeds; and knowing, O Sanjaya, whether it is Qur virtue or vice that I follow should you blame me.

Where vice assumes the appearance of virtue and virtue appears completely as vice and virtue appears in its own form wise men should distinguish it from virtue by their intelligence.

A man should follow the profession of the order among which he is born, but similarly in tirnes of distress these occupations which are fixed, follow the rule of virtue and vice. Hear now, O Sanjaya, what constitutes profession in times of distress.

With his means of livelihood gone, a destitute man ought to desire for such means as may enable him to perform such duties as are laid down for him. O Sanjaya; both the man whose means of livelihood is not gone and the one who is in distress, are culpable (if they act as if they are not what they are)O Sanjaya,

Since expiation has been prescribed by the creator, for those Brahmanas who without wishing for ruin to themselves (do actions sinful for them to do). With due regard to this fact, O Sanjaya, should you find fault with those whose means of livelihood is gone and those who are not in that position.

For the acquirement of the knowledge of our inner self and for bringing the mind under control is always prescribed accepting alms from good men. For those that are not Brahmanas and do not want to know about the inner self, the practices prescribed for their respective orders are considered to be the best.

That path has been followed by our fathers and grandfathers and also by others and all those who are wise adopt the same path. For this I do not consider that they were not orthodox.

What little wealth there is in this world, what in the possessions of the gods and what is beyond them or the region of the Prajapatis, the heaven or the region of Brahma. I do not desire even unrighteously, O Sanjaya.

Krishna, is the lord (as it were) of virtue, well versed in every science, politic, wise and has been attended by Brahmanas and by him are instructed many kings of great prowess.

If I am to blame by not making peace and if I swerve from the duties of my order, let Keshava, the son of Vasudeva, of great fame, who desires the welfare of both parties, say.

This Shini and the king of the Chedis and the king of the Andhakas and of the Vrishnis, of the Bhojas, of the Kukuras and of the Srinjayas, all by following the counsels of the son of Vasudeva slay their enemies and thus please their friends.

The kings of Vrishni and Andhaka and Ugrasena and others, led by Krishna, are all the equals of Indra and are spirited, attached to truth, of great prowess and happy.

The king, of Kashi having obtained Krishna, the giver of boons, as his brother, has attained to great prosperity; on him the son of Vasudeva, showers blessings as the cloud on earthly beings at the close of summer.

Such is this learned Keshava. Know him to be aware of the ethics of actions. The good Krishna is moreover our friend and I shall not act against the advice of Keshava.