04.045

Aśvatthāman said.

The cows have not yet been won, nor have they crossed the boundary, nor have they reached Hastinapura; yet, Karna, you boast. (04-45-1)

After conquering many battles, obtaining great wealth, and overcoming other lands, they did not call this any manliness at all. (04-45-2)

Agni cooks without proclaiming; the Sun silently gives light; and the earth silently supports all the worlds with their moving and unmoving beings. (04-45-3)

The duties of the four classes, prescribed by the wise, are those by which wealth may be acquired and, when performed, do not lead to corruption. (04-45-4)

Having studied the Vedas, a Brahmin should both perform sacrifices himself and cause them to be performed. A Kshatriya, relying on his bow, should perform sacrifices himself only, and not cause them to be performed. A Vaishya, having acquired wealth, should have Brahmin-rites performed. (04-45-5)

The greatly fortunate, having attained this earth in accordance with the scriptures, also honor teachers who are endowed with excellent qualities. (04-45-6)

Which kṣatriya is worthy of being satisfied at acquiring a kingdom through gambling? In the same way, with a cruel disposition, just like any ordinary person. (04-45-7)

Who among the wise would boast of wealth thus acquired, like a juggler who moves by means of deceit and tricks? (04-45-8)

In which chariot-battle did you defeat Dhanañjaya, as well as Nakula and Sahadeva, and seize their wealth by your own hands? (04-45-9)

In which was Yudhiṣṭhira conquered, and Bhīma the foremost of the strong? In which battle, formerly, was Indraprastha conquered by you? (04-45-10)

In the same way, which battle was it where you won Kṛṣṇā? She, menstruating and wearing only a single garment, was brought to the assembly by you, a wicked act. (04-45-11)

Just as one seeking the essence cuts deeply into the roots of sandalwood, so did you accomplish this act, O brave one, there. What did Vidura say? (04-45-12)

We observe the peace of men according to their capacities, and likewise the peace of other living beings, even of insects and ants. (04-45-13)

The Pāṇḍava should not forgive that affliction of Draupadī. Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) has arisen for the suffering of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (04-45-14)

You, having again made yourself out to be wise, wish to speak words here. The victorious one who puts an end to enmity will not leave anything remaining for us. (04-45-15)

Neither gods, nor gandharvas, nor asuras, nor rākṣasas—none of these would cause Dhanañjaya, the son of Kuntī, to refrain from battle here due to fear. (04-45-16)

Whoever Yama's lord, in his great anger, will rush upon in battle, having struck down a tree with the swiftness of Garuda, to him will he go. (04-45-17)

Who would not honor that Pārtha who is distinguished in prowess beyond you, equal to the king of the gods in archery, and equal to Vāsudeva in battle? (04-45-18)

One should fight with a divine weapon against a divine weapon and with a human weapon against a human weapon; a missile should be countered with a missile. Who is a man equal to Arjuna? (04-45-19)

The knowers of dharma knew that, after a son, a disciple comes next in affection. For this reason also, the son of Pāṇḍu was dear to Droṇa. (04-45-20)

As you played the dice-game at Indraprastha, as you brought and led Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) to the assembly, in the same way, now fight with the Pāṇḍava. (04-45-21)

Let this, your wise maternal uncle Shakuni of Gandhara, expert in the warrior's duty and master of wicked dice, fight here. (04-45-22)

He does not cast dice with the Gāṇḍīva bow, not in the Krita age, nor in the Dvāpara; blazing keen sharp arrows, he shoots with the Gāṇḍīva bow. (04-45-23)

The vulture-feathered, well-made arrows released from Gāṇḍīva do not remain even in the gaps of mountains, for they are piercing. (04-45-24)

Enders, pacifiers, death, also fire, and the submarine fire might leave something remaining somewhere, but not an enraged Dhananjaya (Arjuna). (04-45-25)

Let (them) fight as they wish; as for the teacher, I will not fight with Arjuna. The king of Matsya is the one we are to fight, if he should come to the path of the cows. (04-45-26)