The Divine Ambassador

by Swami Krishnananda

(This poem describes the scene of Lord Sri Krishna's going on a peace mission to the court of the Kauravas.)

1. The glorious Master, Mighty Krishna, in his omniscience,
   Majestic rode to Pandavas with all his retinue.
2. Yudhishthira and all the brothers seeing Krishna come,
   Rose up in honour, folding hands and fell prostrate on ground.
3. In all compassion Krishna great with charming smile on face
   Did seat himself on throne arranged by melting hearts of love.
4. The Master, then, enquired in grace the welfare of brothers,
   Who sobbed and poured their bursting sorrow in their exiled life.
5. "O great one, what can we say, poorlings, of our condition,
   Thou knowest well how we were forced to live in wilderness.
6. Bless us, O Master, we are thine, what else is there in us,
   Except thy mercy and affection which alone we crave."
7. Sri Krishna turned his gracious glance and spoke in soothing terms,
   "Well, what is past is past, of course, now further steps be thought."
8. "A messenger, learned in lore, be despatched quickly hence,
   To court of Kurus with a request that your share is due."
9. "Since errand sent with milder touch bore not a happy end,
   Methinks a stronger politic take up this task on hand."
10. "Whom shall we send, thou, all-knowing, may kindly suggest us,
    A person who would speak and explain facts of justice plain."
11. So wondered eldest of the brethren, good Yudhishthira,
    To which Sri Krishna thus replied in loving tender words.
12. "I am here, king, ready am I to do this work of peace,
    As errand-man I go to Kurus and convey your views."
13. "No, nothing doing, thou shalt not, our heart and soul thou art,
    Thy single march to camp of foes I wholly disapprove.
14. "Thou shalt not go, our life thou art, our life is in thy life,
    No, never, Master, I shall myself or my brothers go."
15. In loving kindness Krishna spoke to fearstruck righteous king,
    "Fear not my life, I have the strength to protect myself safe;
16. "Not all the kings, with all weapons can face me in battle,
    As herd of deer dare not stand before a lion's rage.
17. "If act unlawful Kurus deem to mete to my person,
    I shall not wait for war to render justice to thy cause;
18. "But, then and there, to heap of ashes I shall burn all foes,
    With might the earth has never seen nor see with all its eyes."
19. So assuring the divine one had chariots harnessed well,
    With Satyaki and handful heroes, as a God would move.
20. Sages and saints and learned ones were seen on wayside tracks,
    And queried Siddhas spoke to Krishna on his greeting them;
21. "O Perfect One, we heard that thou would deliver addresses
    In court of Kurus, which to listen we are journeying;
22. "Thy speech should indeed be a treat to ears and our hearts,
    On knowing this we trek and fly to Kurus' royal court."
23. Sri Krishna smiled and bowed to them in humble reverence,
    And speeded up for urgent task in Hastinapura.
24. The blind old ruler, Dhritarashtra, summoned Sanjaya,
    And called for details when he heard that Krishna is on move.
25. "What for is this, why does he come, what kind of person he,
    In full-description please recount this novel circumstance."
26. To which the wise and good minister spoke in plainest terms,
    Why Krishna comes and who he is and how to receive him.
27. "O honoured king, thou askest who this Krishna is who comes,
    And why he does this errand now to court of thy highness.
28. "Listen with care to what I say, I say this for your good,
    And good of all and everyone and peace to all ensure.
29. "This Krishna, mighty, looking normal, is not normal one,
    No one can know his secret thoughts or deeds he does perform;
30. "I warn thee, king, receive him well with kindest of feelings,
    Let no one show irreverence or proudly speak to him.
31. "His power even angels dread and dare not approach him,
    His hidden aim, O please listen, is ruin of thy sons,
32. "Who harm intend to Pandavas whose friend this Krishna is,
    Who's heaven-bent to save the brothers with his might and mien.
33. "Beware, then, please instruct thy sons to behave well with him,
    And gladly part to Pandavas their lawful share of land."
34. On hearing this, the frightened king did quake in deepest grief,
    And forthwith ordered all arrangements for reception grand.
35. "Lo, drench the streets and strew with flowers, hoist festoons and raise up flags,
    Let best of music and procession greet the coming guest so great."
36. And Bhishma, sire, sagely hero, strict instructions gave,
    "We should receive the greatest one with greatest love and care."
37. Duryodhana who heard all this and saw the movements made
    To receive Krishna whom he knew as comrade of his foes.
38. Disdainfully agreed to do the behest Bhishma sire's
    For fear of elders and the fear of old sire's wrath.
39. Music and band and gaiety best find finest dancing scenes
    Did greet Sri Krishna, august guest, who arrived at the gate.
40. The Yoga's lord on beholding the colour, sound and haste,
    Noticed the soulless pageantry set up to buy his heart.
41. Duryodhana did feign all courtesy and honour high,
    Which, all-seeing, the subtle eye of Krishna just did gaze.
42. Rejecting pleadings falsely made by cunning Kuru's chief,
    Krishna, the friend of poor souls, did bid goodbye to kings.
43. In humble hut of Vidura the Master spent his night,
    Who, overwhelmed with joy supreme, fed Krishna with the peels.
44. And threw the stuff of plantain fruits knowing not what he gave,
    For lost he had his ego-self and sunk in joy divine.
45. In morn, on waking, Krishna rose with friends and crowds around.
    And marched to palace where all waited for his great coming.
46. When Krishna entered he there saw the sages and the saints
    Standing to honour and receive his magnetic presence.
47. "May sages first be seated," so did Krishna expressed wish,
    At which did Bhishma order hundreds of the best of seats.
48. When all were seated Krishna sat as last of all to sit,
    Saluting all the audience with loving folded hands.
49. Who was to speak the first of words, no one there ever knew,
    So, Bhishma, great, the sire old, with welcome broke silence.
50. "Supremely honoured all are here with presence amidst us
    Of best of men and greatest master, Krishna, Yadus' lord.