04.042
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then King Duryodhana, in the midst of battle, spoke to Bhīṣma, and to Droṇa, the tiger
among charioteers, and to Kṛpa, the distinguished charioteer. (04-42-1)
This meaning has been repeatedly spoken by the teacher, by me, and by Karṇa. Yet again I
shall speak it, for I am not satisfied with speaking about him. (04-42-2)
Those who are defeated, indeed, must live for twelve years both in the forest and in
inhabited land, unrecognized by anyone; this is indeed the agreement for us. (04-42-3)
Of them, the thirteenth year has not yet been completed; Bībhatsu has now joined us during
incognito dwelling. (04-42-4)
But if Bhīmasena returns before the exile is completed, the Pāṇḍavas will have to spend
another twelve years in the forest. (04-42-5)
Or perhaps, because of greed, they do not recognize us, or they have been overtaken by
delusion; but regarding what is lacking or in excess among them, it is Bhīṣma who is worthy
to know. (04-42-6)
But with regard to meanings, there is always doubt when duality arises; indeed, an object
thought of in one way often turns out otherwise. (04-42-7)
Of those Matsya warriors moving north to fight, if Bhībhatsu (Arjuna) has arrived, who
among them would turn their back? (04-42-8)
We have come here to fight the Matsyas on behalf of the Trigartas, for the Matsyas have
insulted us in many ways. (04-42-9)
For those who were afflicted by fear, that was our promise: first, the great cattle of the
fishermen must be taken by them. (04-42-10)
Indeed, thus it was assembled by us on the afternoon of the seventh day. Again, on the
eighth day, we (waited) for the sunrise. (04-42-11)
They, that is, the cows, may not pay attention if they are defeated; or, having made an
alliance, they might join together with Matsya against us. (04-42-12)
Or else, Matsya, having approached them with the people of his realm and the entire army,
has come together to fight us. (04-42-13)
Indeed, among them, some powerful leader has come here to conquer us; perhaps it is a fish
or he himself. (04-42-14)
If this is the king of the Matsyas, and if Bībhatsu (Arjuna) has come, then it is agreed
by us all that we must fight. (04-42-15)
Now, why are these best among chariot-warriors—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, Vikarṇa, and the son
of Droṇa (Aśvatthāman)—standing on the chariots? (4-42-16)
All the great chariot-warriors now have agitated minds; there is no greater good than
battle elsewhere, therefore let the self be devoted to it. (04-42-17)
If even our herds of cows are destroyed by Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, or by
Yama in battle, then who would go to Hastinapura? (04-42-18)
Who among the foot soldiers, struck by arrows and broken in the dense forest, could
possibly survive? Surely there would be no doubt concerning the horses. Having placed the
teacher at the rear, thus should the strategy be organized. (04-42-19)
He surely knows their opinion; therefore, he seems to frighten us. In Arjuna, I perceive
he has greater affection. (04-42-20)
Thus, indeed, seeing the fearful one approaching, he praises him. In such a way that the
army is not broken, let the strategy be arranged. (04-42-21)
Just as, in a great forest in the heat of summer, an army without a guide, fallen under
enemy control, would not falter (if well arranged), so let the policy be established.
(04-42-22)
What praise is there for others on hearing the neighing of horses? Whether staying in a
place or moving about, steeds always neigh. (04-42-23)
Always, the winds blow and Indra constantly brings rain. Likewise, the roar of thunder is
heard many times. (04-42-24)
What action does Pārtha have here to do, and how is he to be praised? Or is it only
elsewhere, from desire, hatred, or anger, or directed solely at us? (04-42-25)
Teachers who are compassionate, wise, and discerning of danger should never be consulted
when great danger has already arisen. (04-42-26)
In palaces, in various places, in assemblies, and in residences, the learned ones there
who tell varied stories are splendid. (04-42-27)
Those skilled ones, performing many wondrous feats in the assembly, are splendid there in
the expert use and handling of bows and weapons. (04-42-28)
The learned are excellent at discerning the faults of others, whether in human behavior or
in the preparation of food. (04-42-29)
After relegating the learned and those who praise the virtues of others to the background,
let a policy be devised such that the enemy may indeed be destroyed. (04-42-30)
Let the cows be placed securely and the army be arranged in formation quickly; let guards
also be appointed where we shall fight the enemies. (04-42-31)
