04.029
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then King Suśarman, the leader of the chariot-warriors of the Trigartas, at the proper time, spoke this speech very hurriedly and with great intensity. (04-29-1)
He was repeatedly deceived before by the Matsyas together with the Salveyakas, and by Kīcaka, the charioteer of Matsya, again and again. (04-29-2)
Oppressed by his kinsmen along with them, forcibly by the powerful, O master, he then looked at Karna and spoke to Duryodhana. (04-29-3)
My kingdom was repeatedly oppressed by the king of the Matsyas with his power. Formerly, Kīcaka, his leader, was also strong. (04-29-4)
He, cruel and intolerant, wicked-minded and famous for valor on earth, was slain there by the gandharvas—he who performed evil deeds and was cruel-hearted. (04-29-5)
O king, when he is slain, Virāṭ, deprived of pride and support, will become dispirited—such is my opinion. (04-29-6)
O sinless one, if my suggestion of proceeding there is agreeable to you, and also to all the Kauravas and the noble Karṇa. (4-29-7)
I consider this task I have obtained to be urgent and beneficial. Let us quickly approach his kingdom, which is rich in abundant grain. (04-29-8)
Let us seize from him all kinds of jewels and treasures; let us also take away his villages and kingdoms, dividing them among ourselves. (04-29-9)
Otherwise, we will seize by force thousands of cows and many other various auspicious things, after laying siege to the city. (04-29-10)
Having joined forces with the Kauravas and the Trigartas, O lord of men, let us quickly seize his cows along with everyone, being firmly united. (04-29-11)
But either by making an agreement with him we bind his manliness, or by slaying his entire army we bring (everything) under our control. (04-29-12)
By bringing him under control in a just manner, we shall live happily; there is no doubt that your strength will also increase. (04-29-13)
Hearing his words, Karṇa said to the king: "The statement made by Suśarman is well spoken, timely, and beneficial for us." (04-29-14)
Therefore, let us quickly march out after arranging the battle array, and also dividing the troops, in whatever way you think fit, O faultless one. (04-29-15)
This wise elder of the Kuru family is the grandfather of all of us, as well as the teacher, and also Droṇa, and Kṛpa, the son of Śarada. (04-29-16)
Let the journey be arranged just as all of them think. After consultation, let us proceed quickly for the king's objective. (04-29-17)
And what business do we have with the Pāṇḍavas, who are lacking in wealth, strength, and valor? They are either utterly destroyed or have even reached the abode of Yama (the realm of death). (04-29-18)
O King, we shall go without anxiety to the realm of Virāṭa and indeed seize his cows and various treasures. (04-29-19)
Then King Duryodhana, having received that speech of his, personally and quickly gave the order to Karṇa, the son of Vikartana. (04-29-20)
In governance, after consulting with the elders, quickly deploy the army with that person who is always engaged in administration and is next after Duḥśāsana. (04-29-21)
We proceed as designated, together with all the Kauravas; as for Suśarmā, the great chariot-warrior, let him go to the region as instructed. (04-29-22)
The king, accompanied by the Trigartas and his full army, had already set out, well-equipped, towards the territory of Matsya. (04-29-23)
At dawn, after a few days, we will go there—united—to the well-provided land of the fish-king. (04-29-24)
Let them go quickly there towards Virata's city, swiftly approach the cowherds, and seize abundant wealth. (04-29-25)
There are hundreds of thousands of cows, prosperous and of good quality; let us too seize the herd by dividing it into two (groups). (04-29-26)
Having gone, the king, as directed by Agni, took the cows, and then Suśarman took the seventh (cow) from the side related to the sacrificial fire. (04-29-27)
O king, on another day, all the Kauravas, having assembled, on the eighth day, seized those herds of cows by the thousands. (04-29-28)
