Vaishampayana said: -
1. When the play commenced, all the kings, Dhritarashtra being at their head, took their seats in that Assembly hall.
2. descendant of Bharata, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, the high-souled Vidura followed their example with cheerless heart.
3. Those lion-necked and greatly effulgent (kings) took their seats separately and in praise on may high (royal) seats of various make and colour.
4. O king, that Assembly-hall looked beautiful with the assembled monarchs like the heaven with a conclave of greatly fortunate celestials.
5. O great king, they were all heroes, they were all learned in the Vedas, and they all bore resplendent countenances. The friendly match at dice then commenced (in due form).
Yudhishthira said: -
6. O king, this excellent and most valuable chain of pearls, so beautiful and adorned with gold and procured from the ocean by churning it,
7. O king, is my stake. O great king, what is your counter stake, the wealth with which you wish to play with me?
Duryodhana said: -
8. I have many jewels and much wealth, but I am not proud of them. However, let yourself win this stake.
Vaishampayana said: -
9. Thereupon Shakuni, well-skilled in dice, took up the dice and said to Yudhishthira, “Lo, I have won it”.
Thus ends the Sixtieth chapter, the commencement of the play, in the Dyuta of the Sabha Parva.
Thus ends the sixtieth chapter, the commencement of the play, in the Dyuta of the Sabha Parva.