Vasiṣṭhasya śokaḥ, Vipāśā–Śatadrū-nāmākaraṇam, Kalmāṣapādasya bhaya-prasaṅgaḥ (Ādi Parva 167)
इत्युक्तो नाहमित्येवं तमृषि: प्रत्यभाषत । आराधयिष्यन् ट्रुपद: स तं पर्यचरत् पुन:
ity ukto nāham ity evaṁ tam ṛṣiḥ pratyabhāṣata | ārādhayiṣyan drupadaḥ sa taṁ paryacarat punaḥ ||
Apabila demikian dipohon, sang resi menjawab terus terang: “Bukan aku—aku tidak akan melakukannya.” Namun Drupada, bertekad meraih keredaan sang resi, kembali lagi untuk melayani dan menungguinya.
ब्राह्मण उवाच
The verse contrasts principled refusal with persistent, respectful effort: the sage declines an action he deems improper, while Drupada seeks to regain favor through service rather than force—suggesting that ends should be pursued through dharmic means.
After being requested, the sage responds, “I will not do that.” Drupada, determined to please him, resumes attending on the sage, continuing his service in hopes of obtaining consent or goodwill.