Seeing the sad condition of Dhritarastra, Duryodhana said, "Please do not be miserable, even after losing their kingdom, the Pandavas went to the forest all kings had sympathy for them. We were very unpopular. At that time also many kings advised the Pandavas to declare a war on us. At that time it would have been difficult for us. But now, situation is different. We are having support of the majority of the kings. We have heroes like Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Karna. They can face the army of the gods even. I am also capable of routing the Pandavas army. I am very keen to fight a duel with Bhima. After killing him I shall kill other Pandavas too. I have been declared the best mace wielder by no less a person then Balarama. Arjuna and Krishna are aware of this."

Look at the vast army of eleven 'Akshavhinis' of mine. The Pandavas could only muster seven 'Akshavhinis'. How can they face us? Our grandsire, Bhishma has the boon of chosing the time of his own death. Drona is son of great sage Bharadwaja. Ashatthama is born by the blessing of lord Shankara himself. No one on earth is capable of defeating them. No one can face Kripacharya, the revered Kulagura of our clan. How can we lose? Then, my friend Karna, even though he has given his Kavacha and Kundala in gift to Indra has got his divine Shakti, that Shakti is capable of killing anyone. Karna is rated as a warrior by lord Parashurama,who can match him in a battle. It is no mean luck that all three pupil of lord Parashurama, viz. Bhishma, Drona and Karna are on our side.

Look at the warriors of my army-Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Karna, Bahlika, Brihadaratha, Bhagadatta, Salya, Sal, Vinda, Anuvinda, Jaidratha my brother Dussashan and myself. The self confidence and cheerfulness of Duryodhana was to be seen to be believed as he was telling his father, all these things.

Sanjaya further said, "Yudhisthira is more saddened by the dishnour of his queen Draupadi, then by losing his kingdom. He has no craving to rule over kingdom. If five villages are given to him he shall be satisfied. Indraprastha, Varnavata, Vrikaprastha, Jayanta any one more village he wants."

The talks in the assembly and the preachings of Vidura etc. irked Duryodhana to no end. He told his father to have a peaceful sleep. He said that great sages Narada and Vyasa have said time and again, that god do not favour anyone. The god is above the petty, fighting among the human beings. Therefore do not worry about the war. If really, the Supreme Being and gods desires, they could have helped the Pandavas during their exile. Among men, no one on earth can face my army. I have ruled my kingdom with fairness in accordance with dharma. People are prosperous and happy. They love me as a good king. Even gods cannot find anything against me. I shall be victorious in the war. Saying this Duryodhana walked out of the assembly with Dussashan and Karna. Then, gradually everyone left. Only Dhritarastra and Sanjaya remained.