Bhishma to Duryodhana

“Hearken, O king, to these words of mine which are true and beneficial to thee. I behold in thee no disposition for peace, although peace is the highest good. Thou hast listened to the counsels of many wise men, yet thou hast not followed them. The sons of Pandu are possessed of might and energy, and they are ever devoted to righteousness. They have obtained for their ally Vasudeva, the slayer of Madhu, who is the soul of all creatures and the refuge of all beings.

Know, O Bharata, that where righteousness is, there is victory. Where Krishna is, there is righteousness. Therefore I tell thee plainly that prosperity and triumph can never be thine in this war. I shall fight for thee, bound as I am by duty to the throne of the Kurus, but I say this for thy good—that thou hast chosen a path that leads only to destruction. The earth will be drenched with the blood of kings because thou hast rejected conciliation and embraced wrath.

I will exert myself in battle according to my strength, but I will not slay the sons of Pandu. This I declare to thee in the presence of all. Act now as thou choosest, but know that thou hast been warned.”

— Mahabharata, Ganguli trans., Udyoga Parva