If you were to commit a sinful act, it would be a stain upon your good name, like a drop of collyrium upon white cloth. Who could knowingly ever be guilty of a deed that would bring about universal slaughter, that would be sinful and lead to hell -- a deed consisting in the destruction of people, a deed whose result, whether victory or defeat, has the very same worth? Blessed are those who have served the cause of their kinsmen. They are the true sons, friends, and relatives (of the race of Kuru) who are ready to give up their lives -- lives that might be tainted by wicked deeds -- to secure the welfare of the Kurus. If you, sons of Pritha, chastise the Kurus by defeating and killing all your enemies, your subsequent life will be the equivalent of death, for what is life after you have slain all your kinsmen? Who, even were he Indra himself with all the gods at his side, could conquer you, aided as you are by Keshava, Chekitana, and Satyaki, and protected by the weapon of Dhrishtadyumna?