04.043
Karna said.
O long-lived one, I observe all (these men) as frightened, as though terrified, whose
minds are not in battle, and indeed all are unsteady. (04-43-1)
If this king of the Matsyas, if Bhībhatsu has come, I will block him like the shore blocks
the abode of makaras. (04-43-2)
My arrows, loosed from the bow with bent joints, do not turn back once released, just like
slithering snakes. (04-43-3)
Let my golden-feathered, very sharp-pointed arrows, released from my hand, cover Pārtha
just as moths cover a tree. (04-43-4)
Let the firm sound of the palms, as of drums being struck, be heard from the arrows with
feathers attached, struck by the fiber-string. (04-43-5)
Indeed, the composed Arjuna (Bībhatsu), after thirteen years, whose affection has arisen,
will attack me in battle. (04-43-6)
May the son of Kuntī, who has become a worthy recipient like a virtuous brāhmaṇa, receive
hosts of arrows discharged by me in thousands. (04-43-7)
This mighty-armed man is indeed renowned in the three worlds. And I too, O best of the
Kurus, am never in any way inferior to Arjuna. (04-43-8)
Today, let the sky truly be seen covered everywhere by golden objects loosed by
bird-mounted ones, just as by fireflies. (04-43-9)
Today I will discharge the imperishable debt, formerly promised by word, to the son of
Dhritarashtra, by killing Arjuna in battle. (04-43-10)
Amidst the feathered shafts as they were being cut and scattered, movement like that of
grasshoppers in the sky was seen. (04-43-11)
I will assail Pārtha, whose touch is like Indra's thunderbolt and whose brilliance equals
great Indra, with meteors as one torments an elephant. (04-43-12)
I see him as an irresistible fire, with swords, spears, and arrows as its fuel—the blazing
Pāṇḍava fire, consuming those offered to it, as it were. (04-43-13)
Like the wind in front of charging horses, thundering with the mass of chariots, a torrent
of arrows and a great cloud, I will subdue the Pāṇḍava. (04-43-14)
Let the arrows, released from my bow and resembling venomous serpents, rush all together
at Partha, just as serpents go toward an anthill. (04-43-15)
With the weapon which I obtained from Jāmadagnya, the best of sages, and relying on that
power and strength, I could even fight against Indra. (04-43-16)
Let the monkey standing atop the flag, struck down by my arrow, fall to the ground this
very day, crying out terrible sounds. (04-43-17)
The sound of the beings of the enemy whom I have afflicted, living upon the standards,
establishing themselves in all directions, has reached the heavens. (04-43-18)
Today, I will uproot with the root the thorn long lodged in Duryodhana's heart, by casting
Bībhatsu (Arjuna) down from his chariot. (04-43-19)
Let the Kauravas witness today Pārtha (Arjuna), bereft of horses and chariot, yet
steadfast in his manliness, sighing deeply like an elephant.
Let the Kurus go as they wish, taking only the wealth; or standing on their chariots, let
them witness my battle. (04-43-21)
