197.1   Bishma's moral dilemma; Bhima rues his helplessness

Beholding it all, Bhishma said, 'O blessed one, morality is subtle. I therefore am unable to duly decide this point that you have put, beholding that on the one hand one that has no wealth cannot stake the wealth belonging to others, while on the other hand wives are always under the orders and at the disposal of their lords. Yudhishthira can abandon the whole world full of wealth, but he will never sacrifice morality. The son of Pandu hath said--'I am won.' Therefore, I am unable to decide this matter. Sakuni hath not his equal among men at dice-play. The son of Kunti still voluntarily staked with him. The illustrious Yudhishthira does not himself regard that Sakuni has played with him deceitfully. Therefore, I can not decide this point." Draupadi said "The king was summoned to this assembly and though possessing no skill at dice, he was made to play with skilful, wicked, deceitful and desperate gamblers. How then can he be said to have staked voluntarily? The chief of the Pandavas was deprived of his senses by wretches of deceitful conduct and unholy instincts, acting together, and then vanquished. He could not understand their tricks, but he hath now done so. Here, in this assembly, there are Kurus who are the lords of both their sons and their daughters-in-law! Let all of them, reflecting well upon my words, duly decide the point that I have put." .Unto Krishna who was thus weeping and crying piteously, looking at times upon her helpless lord, Dussasana spoke many disagreeable and harsh words. And beholding her who was then in her season thus dragged, and her upper garments loosened, beholding her in that condition which she little deserved, Vrikodara afflicted beyond endurance, his eyes fixed upon Yudhishthira, gave way to wrath. Bhima said "O Yudhishthira, gamblers have in their houses many women of loose character. They do not yet stake those women having kindness even for them . Whatever wealth and other excellent articles the king of Kasi gave, whatever, gems, animals, wealth, coats of mail and weapons that other kings of the earth gave, our kingdom, thyself and ourselves, have all been won by the foes. At all this my wrath was not excited for you are our lord. However, I regard as a highly improper act, this act of staking Draupadi. This innocent girl deserves not this treatment. Having obtained the Pandavas as her lords, it is for you alone that she is being thus persecuted by the low, despicable, cruel, and mean-minded Kauravas. It is for her sake, O king, that my anger falls on you. I shall burn those hands of yours. Sahadeva, bring some fire." Arjuna hearing this, said "O Bhimasens,You have never before uttered such words as these. Assuredly your high morality has been destroyed by these cruel foes. You should not fulfil the wishes of the enemy. Practise the highest morality. Whom does it behove to transgress his virtuous eldest brother? The king was summoned by the foe, and remembering the usage of the Kshatriyas, he played at dice against his will. That is certainly conducive to our great fame." Bhima said "If I had not known, O Dhananjaya, that the king had acted according to Kshatriya usage, then I would have, taking his hands together by sheer force, burnt them in a blazing fire."