Vaisampayana continued,--“Hearing these words of Vasudeva, all the assembled monarchs began to reprove the ruler of Chedi. But the powerful Sisupala, having heard these words, laughed aloud and spoke thus,--‘O Krishna, art thou not ashamed in saying in this assembly, especially before all these kings that Rukmini (thy wife) had been coveted by me? O slayer of Madhu, who else is there than thee, who regarding himself a man would say in the midst of respectable men that his wife had been intended for some body else? O Krishna, pardon me if thou pleasest, or pardon me not. But angry or friendly, what canst thou do unto me?’Mbh 2.44.2 · Mahabharata · SABHA PARVA
Mbh 2.44.2
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
ForgivenessLeadershipMarriageSpeechAngerFriendshipStrength
Forgiveness in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.Matthew 6:15 · Bible · Matthew
Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.Quran 9:80 · Quran · Repentance
“If, in that gloom which never light must know, The deeds of mortals touch the ghosts below, O friend! forgive me, that I thus fulfil (Restoring Hector) heaven’s unquestion’d will. The gifts the father gave, be ever thine, To grace thy manes, and adorn thy shrine.”[296]Iliad 24.53 · Iliad · 24
And Jove answered, “My child, why should you ask me? Was it not by your own arrangement that Ulysses came home and took his revenge upon the suitors? Do whatever you like, but I will tell you what I think will be most reasonable arrangement. Now that Ulysses is revenged, let them swear to a solemn covenant, in virtue of which he shall continue to rule, while we cause the others to forgive and forget the massacre of their sons and brothers. Let them then all become friends as heretofore, and let peace and plenty reign.”Odyssey 24.36 · Odyssey · 24
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