Hrishikesha is an ambassador; and in relation he is dear to ourselves. He has done no wrong to the Kurus. How then is it proper that he should be made a captive?
दूतश्च हि हृषीकेशः सम्बन्धी च प्रियश्च नः। अपापः कौरवेयेषु स कथं बन्धमर्हति॥