*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 36.*
Narada told Kansa: -- "The female child was the daughter of Yasoda;
Krishna and Rama are sons of Devaki. Vasudeva kept them with his friend
Nanda out of fear. Those two brothers have killed your spies." In rage
the king of Bhoja took his sword to kill Vasudeva. Narada prevented him.
But the King put Yasudeva and his wife in iron fetters. He then ordered
Kesi to kill Rama and Krishna. He called his ministers together in
council. Addressing Chanur and Mushtika he said: -- "Rama and Krishna
are to kill us. So Narada told me." Those two Asuras came ready for
Vraja. But Kansa said: "No, you need not go. I shall send for the two
brothers and kill them in a wrestling match. So prepare the playground.
Place the elephant Kubalayapida at the entrance and let him kill my
enemies. On the fourteenth day of the Moon, let us commence Dhanus
Yajna, and let animals be killed in honor of Siva."
Kansa then sent for Akrura, one of the chiefs of the Yadu clan.
"Akrura," said he, "Thou art my friend and do the work of a friend.
Please go to Vraja. Take this chariot and bring the two sons of
Vasudeva. Tell them, they are to see the Dhanus Yajna and have a sight
of the town. Let Nanda and other Gopas come with presents. The elephant
shall kill the two boys. Or if perchance they escape, the wrestlers
shall do away with them. I will then make easy work of Vasudeva, my old
father Ugrasena, his brother Devaka, the Vrishnis, the Bhojas and the
Dasarhas. Then, O friend, the earth will be left without a thorn.
Jarasandha is my guide. Dvivid is my friend. Samvara, Naraka, and Vana
have made alliance with me. With the help of these, I shall kill all
kings that are on the side of the Devas. Know this to be my plan."
Akrura said: -- "The design is all right. But it may or may not succeed.
Even lofty desires are frustrated by unforeseen obstacles. Still man
entertains them, to meet with either joy or sorrow. But I will do thy
behests."
The council broke up.