Our beloved teacher Drona, who is fully versed in morality, who is our counselor, who practiced the vow of brahmacharya to master the Vedas, who once more made the science of arms complete and whole, and who is ever graciously disposed toward us, must be greeted by you in our name. You must also learn of the welfare of Ashvatthaman, endowed with great learning, devoted to the study of the Vedas, living the life of brahmacharya, possessed of great vigor and resembling a youth of the Gandharva race, and who, moreover, once more made the science of arms complete and whole. You must also, O Sanjaya, go to the dwelling of Kripa, son of Sharadvat, that mighty warrior on the chariot and foremost of all men learned in the self — repeatedly proclaiming me, touch his feet with your hand. You must also, having touched his feet, announce me in good health before the most eminent of the Kurus, Bhishma, in whom are joined valor, freedom from cruelty, austerity, wisdom and good conduct, Vedic learning, great mastery and steadfastness. You should also greet in my name the wise, venerable, and blind king [Dhritarashtra], leader of the Kurus, who is possessed of great learning and shows reverence to elders.