Chapter 36
“Uttara said, ‘Firm as I am in the use of the bow, I would set out thisvery day in the track of the kine if only some one skilled in themanagement of horses becomes my charioteer. I do not, however, know theman who may be my charioteer. Look ye, therefore, without delay, for acharioteer for me that am prepared for starting. My own charioteer wasslain in the great battle that was fought from day to day for a wholemonth or at least for eight and twenty nights. As soon as I get anotherperson conversant with the management of the steeds. I will immediatelyset out, hoisting high my own standard. Penetrating into the midst of thehostile army abounding with elephants and horses and chariots, I willbring back the kine, having vanquished the Kurus who are feeble instrength and weak in weapons. Like a second wielder of the thunderboltterrifying the Danavas, I will bring back the kine this very moment,affrighting in battle Duryodhana and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa andDrona with his son, and other mighty bowmen assembled for fight. Findingnone (to oppose), the Kurus are taking away the kine. What can I do whenI am not there? The assembled Kurus shall witness my prowess today. Andthey shall say unto one another, ‘Is it Arjuna himself who is opposingus?’ “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having heard these words spoken by theprince, Arjuna fully acquainted with the import of everything, after alittle while cheerfully spake in private unto his dear wife of faultlessbeauty, Krishna, the princess of Panchala, Drupada’s daughter of slendermake, sprung from the (sacrificial) fire and endued with the virtues oftruthfulness and honesty and ever attentive to the good of her husbands.And the hero said, ‘Do thou, O beauteous one, at my request say untoUttara without delay, ‘This Vrihannala was formerly the accomplishedresolute charioteer of Pandu’s son (Arjuna). Tried in many a greatbattle, even he will be thy charioteer.’
“Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words uttered by the prince overand over again in the midst of the women, Panchali could not quietly bearthose allusions to Vibhatsu. And bashfully stepping out from among thewomen, the poor princess of Panchala gently spake unto him these words,’The handsome youth, looking like a mighty elephant and known by the nameof Vrihannala, was formerly the charioteer of Arjuna. A disciple of thatillustrious warrior, and inferior to none in use of the bow, he was knownto me while I was living with the Pandavas. It was by him that the reinswere held of Arjuna’s excellent steeds when Agni consumed the forest ofKhandava. It was with him as charioteer that Partha conquered allcreatures at Khandava-prastha. In fact, there is no charioteer equal untohim.’
“Uttara said, ‘Thou knowest, O Sairindhri, this youth. Thou knowest, whatthis one of the neuter sex may or may not be, I cannot, however, Oblessed one, myself request Vrihannala to hold the reins of my horses.’
“Draupadi said, ‘Vrihannala, O hero, will without doubt, obey the wordsof thy younger sister[35]–that damsel of graceful hips. If he consentsto be thy charioteer, thou wilt, without doubt, return, having vanquishedthe Kurus and rescued thy kine.’
“Thus addressed by the Sairindhri, Uttara spake unto his sister, ‘Gothyself, O thou of faultless beauty, and bring Vrihannala hither?’ Anddespatched by her brother, she hastily repaired to the dancing-hall wherethat strong-armed son of Pandu was staying in disguise.'”
