Vaishampayana said: "Then the venerable sage Maitreya, turning from the king to the intolerant Duryodhana, spoke gently: 'Duryodhana, mighty-armed one, hear my word, spoken for your own good. Do not harm the Pandavas; do good for yourself, for the Pandavas, for the Kurus, and for the world. They are all tigers among men, heroes, valiant warriors, with the strength of ten thousand elephants, firm as if forged of thunderbolt. They are devoted to truth and hold to manly honor; they have slain enemies of the gods — rakshasas who take any form at will, such as Hidimba, Baka, and Kirmira. When they were leaving this place by night, the fierce Kirmira blocked their path, standing unmoving like a mountain, but Bhima, the foremost of the strong, killed him as a tiger kills small game. Remember too Jarasandha, the great archer, whose strength equaled ten thousand elephants, whom Bhima felled in battle. Their kinsman is Vasudeva, their ally is the son of Prishata. What mortal man, subject to old age and death, would face them in battle? Therefore let there be peace with the Pandavas. Do as I say and do not fall under the sway of death.'"