Said Yudhishthira: “Inform thou the rajah that his daughter hath been won by a family who will not bring shame or disgrace upon his royal name. None but a man of high birth could have shot down the fish of gold.”
Drupada, ere this message was delivered unto him, sent a second messenger bidding the brethren to come to the palace because that the nuptial feast was ready.... Two chariots awaited them. Then Pritha and Draupadi entered one of the chariots together, and the five brethren entered the other, and they were all driven towards the royal palace.
When the people beheld the Pandavas and marked their comely bearing and royal gait, they knew that they were not Brahmans, but high-born Kshatriyas.
The Pandava guests were made welcome, and the king and his son and all his counsellors sat down to feast with them.
Said the rajah at length unto Yudhishthira: “I perceive that you are men of high birth. Tell me, therefore, I pray thee, who ye are—your names and your lineage.”
Yudhishthira said: “We are of humble birth. Do now with us as is thy desire.”
Said Drupada: “In Indra's name, I adjure thee to reveal yourselves unto me now.”
Yudhishthira said: “Know, then, that we are the Pandava princes.... Our brother Arjuna was the winner of Draupadi. Thy daughter, like to a lotus, hath been but transferred from one lake to another. I have spoken what is true.”
Drupada glowed with joy and satisfaction. He prevailed upon the brethren to remain at the palace, and entertained them for many days.
At length Yudhishthira was addressed by Drupada, who said: “Thou art the elder brother. Speak and say if it is thy desire that Arjuna be given Draupadi for his bride.”
Said Yudhishthira: “I would fain speak with Vyasa, the great Rishi, regarding this matter.”
Now Vyasa was in the city of Panchala at that time, and he was brought before the rajah, who spake to him regarding Draupadi.
The Rishi said: “The gods have already declared that she will become the wife of all the five Pandava brethren.”
Drupada's son spoke and said: “With reverence I have heard thy words, O Vyasa, but to me it appears that Draupadi hath been betrothed unto Arjuna alone.”
Said Yudhishthira: “Thou hast spoken truly, but there is wisdom in the words of Vyasa which in my heart I cannot condemn. Besides, our mother hath already commanded us to share our gift together.”