In consequence of the prowess of the Pandavas and in consequence of placing himself amid entanglement, Duryodhana had recourse (for sometime) to honourable behaviour. Once that wicked-minded prince had to seek their protection, why, therefore. O Sanjaya, had Shveta, who was devoted to Yudhishthira, been killed?
पाण्डवानां प्रतापेन दुर्गं देशं निवेश्य च। सपत्नान् सततं बाधन्नार्यवृत्तिमनुष्ठितः॥ आश्चर्यं वै सदा तेषां पुरा राज्ञां सुदुर्मतिः। ततो युधिष्ठिरे भक्तः कथं संजय सूदितः॥