Dhritarashtra
But justice——
Duryodhana
Fools alone dream of justice—success is not yet theirs: but those born to rule rely on power, merciless and unhampered with scruples.
Dhritarashtra
Your success will bring down on you a loud and angry flood of detraction.
Duryodhana
The people will take amazingly little time to learn that Duryodhana is king and has power to crush calumny under foot.
Dhritarashtra
Calumny dies of weariness dancing on tongue-tips. Do not drive it into the heart to gather strength.
Duryodhana
Unuttered defamation does not touch a king’s dignity. I care not if love is refused us, but insolence shall not be borne. Love depends upon the will of the giver, and the poorest of the poor can indulge in such generosity. Let them squander it on their pet cats, tame dogs, and our good cousins the Pandavas. I shall never envy them. Fear is the tribute I claim for my royal throne. Father, only too leniently you lent your ear to those who slandered your sons: but if you intend still to allow those pious friends of yours to revel in shrill denunciation at the expense of your children, let us exchange our kingdom for the exile of our cousins, and go to the wilderness, where happily friends are never cheap!