Mb027. Invitation To Game Of Dice Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

The Sakuni's dice-game plan
In Duryodhana's mind it ran.
Both went to the king then.
To tell him Sakuni began.

"Oh king, look at your son,
In this life what has he won?
Why you've no concern?
And pay him no attention? "

These harsh words pricking,
From Sakuni, the most cunning,
Pierced the ears of the blind king,
Helpless he could do nothing.

"My son, as my first born,
You'll inherit this throne.
To enjoy what isn't here?
May I know why you fear? "

"Father, Pandavas have grown.
That's what they have shown,
I had been to their place when,
Beyond description by anyone."

"We can't remain quiet.
Better we go and fight.
An emperor status how
Yudhishthira claims now? "

"Are we subordinate to him?
Surrender ourselves before him?
Why to accept a status low?
Before him should I bow? "

"Why hate him, Oh my son?
By this hate what do we gain?
It's true, so dearly he loves us.
Hatred begets hatred, know this."

The deaf years of Duryodhana,
Heard not the words of Dhritarashtra.
For a dice-game Sakuni proposed.
The king in the negative disposed.

When Duryodhana was adamant,
To go ahead with what he meant,
To the king's stand it gave a dent,
For a dice-game he gave his consent.

This move Vidura didn't like,
But they cared not his dislike.
Vidura was sent to invite,
His strong protest despite.

Thus into a trap the king fell,
He had to yield, knowing well,
That his actions led him to hell,
He succumbed to his son's ill will