Chapter 181
“Bhishma said, ‘After he had quartered there, on third day, O king,Jamadagni’s son of high vows, sent a message to me, saying, ‘I have comehere, do what is agreeable to me.’
Chapter 182
“Bhishma said, ‘I then smilingly addressed Rama stationed for battle,saying,–Myself on my car, I do not wish to fight with thee that art onthe earth!
Chapter 183
“Bhishma said, ‘After the battle had ceased, my charioteer, well-skilledin such operations, drew out from his own body, from the bodies of mysteeds, and from my body as well, the arrows that struck there.
Chapter 184
“Bhishma said, ‘The next day, O bull of Bharata’s race, frightful againwas the combat that wok place between me and Rama when I encountered himonce more.
Chapter 185
“Bhishma said, ‘Next morning, O king, when the sun rose brightly, thecombat between myself and him of Bhrigu’s race, again, commenced.
Chapter 186
“Bhishma said, ‘Then, O great king, during the night, having bowed untothe Brahmanas, the Rishis, the gods, and all those creatures that wanderduring the dark, and also all the kings of the earth,
Chapter 187
“Bhishma said, ‘After the night had passed away, I awoke, O Bharata, andthinking of my dream I was filled with great joy. Then, O Bharata, thecombat began between him and me–a combat that was fierce and unrivalledand that made the hairs of all creatures stand on their ends.
Chapter 188
“Bhishma said, ‘When I had formed this resolution, O king, a din oftumultuous voices arose in the sky. And it said,–O son of Kuru’s race,do not let off the Praswapa weapon!–Notwithstanding this, I still aimedthat weapon at Bhrigu’s descendant.
Chapter 189
“Rama said, ‘O damsel, in the very sight of all these persons, I havefought according to the best of my power and displayed my prowess! Byusing even the very best of weapons I have not been able to obtain anyadvantage over Bhishma, that foremost of all wielders of weapons!
Chapter 190
“Bhishma said, ‘Then all those ascetics (that dwell in Vatsabhumi),beholding the princess of Kasi firmly resolved on ascetic austerities,dissuaded her and enquired of her, saying, ‘What is thy business?’