04.037
Vaiśampāyana said.
Seeing him, the best of men, disguised as a eunuch, standing in the chariot and proceeding towards the śamī tree, having placed the bow in the chariot, (04-37-1)
The leading chariot-warriors of the Kurus, headed by Bhīṣma and Droṇa, were all filled with terror because of the fear caused by Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). (04-37-2)
When Bharadvāja, the venerable teacher and foremost among warriors, saw them dispirited and the wondrous portents and disasters, he began to address them. (04-37-3)
The winds that move together, harsh and noisy, blow; the sky, with an ash-colored brightness, is covered by darkness. (04-37-4)
Clouds of harsh colors and marvelous appearance are seen, and various weapons come forth from their sheaths. (04-37-5)
Auspicious signs are crying terribly in the blazing direction. The horses are shedding tears, and banners that were previously motionless are trembling. (04-37-6)
Various forms such as are seen here, though many, let you all stand ready; a battle may be at hand. (04-37-7)
Protect yourselves also, arrange the army, wait for the attack, and also protect the cattle. (04-37-8)
This is Arjuna, the heroic and mighty-armed chief among all weapon-bearers, who has come in the guise of a eunuch; there is no doubt about it. (04-37-9)
This Pārtha, a valiant, ambidextrous archer and scorcher of foes, would not turn back from battle even if confronted by all the hosts of Maruts. (04-37-10)
Distressed and living in the forest, the heroic one, trained by Indra, being overcome by anger, will certainly fight. There is no doubt about this. (04-37-11)
O Kauravas, I do not see anyone here who can oppose him. It is said that even Mahadeva himself was pleased by Partha in battle. (04-37-12)
Karna said.
You are always boasting to us about the qualities of Arjuna, but neither I nor Duryodhana possess even a full part of Arjuna's abilities. (04-37-13)
Duryodhana said.
If this son of Pṛthā considers the task done by Rādheya as mine, my kinsmen will again live for another twelve years. (04-37-14)
Then this other god, disguised as an impotent man, I shall strike down to the ground with very sharp arrows. (04-37-15)
Vaiśampāyana said.
While he was speaking those words to Dhritarashtra's son, the great oppressor of foes, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Drauni (Ashvatthama) honoured that manliness. (04-37-16)
