'Therefore, O Bharata, after my mission has succeeded, you may entertain me and my companions.' In reply, the son of Dhritarashtra again said to Janardana: 'It does not befit you, O Keshava, to behave toward us in this manner. Whether you succeed or fail, we strive to please you, O slayer of Madhu, on account of our ties with you. Yet it seems that all our efforts, O scion of the Dashariha race, are in vain. Nor do we see any reason, O slayer of Madhu, foremost of men, why you will not accept the honors we offer out of love and friendship. Between you and us, O Govinda, there is neither enmity nor war. Therefore, on reflection, you will find that such words scarcely become you.' Vaishampayana continued: 'Thus addressed, Janardana of the Dashariha race, having looked upon the son of Dhritarashtra and all his counselors, replied to the king: "Neither out of desire, nor out of anger, nor out of malice, nor for gain, nor for the sake of argument, nor through temptation shall I depart from virtue. When a man is in distress, he takes food from another. But at present, O king, you have not won my affection by any act of yours, nor have I myself been cast into distress. Without any cause, O king, you have hated, from the very moment of their birth, your dear and gentle brothers — the Pandavas — endowed with every virtue."'