Chapter 126

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words of Dhritarashtra, both Bhishmaand Drona who sympathised with the old king, again addressed disobedientDuryodhana and said, ‘As yet the two Krishnas are not accoutred in mail,as yet Gandiva resteth inactive, as yet Dhaumya doth not consume theenemy’s strength by pouring libations on the war-fire, as yet that mightybowman Yudhishthira, having modesty for his ornament, doth not cast angryglances on thy troops, so let hostility cease. As yet that mighty bowman,Bhimasena, the son of Pritha, is not seen stationed in the midst of hisdivision, so let hostility cease. As yet Bhimasena, doth not, mace inband, stalk on the field of battle, grinding (hostile) divisions, so letpeace be made with the Pandavas. As yet Bhima doth not, with hishero-slaying mace, make the heads of warriors fighting from the backs ofelephants roll on the field of battle, like the palmyra-fruits in theseason of their ripening, so let hostility cease. As yet Nakula, andSahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and Virata, and Sikhandin,and Sisupal’s son, accoutred in mail and all well-versed in arms, do notpenetrate thy ranks, like huge crocodiles penetrating the deep, and pourtheir arrowy showers, so let hostility cease. As yet fierce-winged shaftsdo not fall upon the delicate bodies of the assembled kings, so lethostility cease. As yet fierce weapons made of iron and steel, shotunerringly by mighty bowmen well-skilled in arms, endued with lightnessof hand and capable of hitting howsoever long distance, do not penetratethe breasts of warriors, smeared with sandal and other fragrant unguents,and adorned with golden garlands and gems, so let hostility cease. Letthat elephant among kings, Yudhishthira the Just, receive thee with anembrace while thou salutest him bending thy head. O bull of Bharata’srace, let that king, distinguished for the liberality of his sacrificialpresents, place on thy shoulder that right arm of his, the palm of whichbeareth the marks of the banner and the hook. Let him, with handsbegemmed and red, adorned with fingers, pat thy back while thou artseated. Let the mighty-armed Vrikodara, with shoulder broad as those ofthe sala tree, embrace thee, O bull of Bharata’s race, and gentlyconverse with thee for peace. And, O king, saluted with reverence bythose three, viz., Arjuna and the Twins, smell thou their heads andconverse with them affectionately. And beholding the united with thyheroic brothers–the sons of Pandu–let all these monarchs shed tears ofjoy. Let the tidings of this cordial union be proclaimed in the cities ofall the kings. Let the Earth be ruled by thee with feelings of brotherlyaffection (in thy bosom), and let thy heart be freed from the fever (ofjealousy and wrath).'”