04.046
Bhīṣma said.
Droṇa understands things correctly, and Kṛpa too reflects properly. But Karna, acting
according to the duty of a warrior, wishes to fight as is fitting. (04-46-1)
A teacher should not be attacked by a person who understands; however, my view is that
fighting should be done after considering the place and time. (04-46-2)
If someone has five enemies as powerful as the sun and aggressive, how could even a wise
person not be bewildered at their rise? (04-46-3)
All people become deluded by self-interest, even those who know dharma. Therefore, O king,
I speak these words to you, if they please you. (04-46-4)
What Karṇa spoke about was not for the generation of vigor. Let the teacher's son be
capable, as a great task has arrived. (04-46-5)
This is not the time for opposition, O son of Kuntī, now that the moment has arrived.
Everything should be forgiven by you, by the teacher, and by Kṛpa. (04-46-6)
Indeed, the mastery of weapons is in you just as light is in the sun, just as lustre is
never separated from the moon in any way; thus, in you, Brahminhood and the Brahma-weapon
alike are firmly established. (04-46-7)
We have seen the four Vedas on one side and the power of Kṣātra in one place, but we have
never heard that both these qualities are found entirely together in any one person.
(04-46-8)
It is my opinion that, apart from Bhāratācārya and his son, the brahmāstra weapon and the
Vedas and such are not to be found elsewhere. (04-46-9)
The son of the teacher—may he forgive—this is not the time for discord. Let us all unite
and fight against Indra, who has arrived. (04-46-10)
Among the calamities of strength described here by the wise, division is indeed regarded
by the learned as the chief and most sinful. (04-46-11)
Aśvatthāma said.
Let only the teacher grant forgiveness, and let peace be established here. When the
teacher is being reproached, that conduct is indeed born of anger. (04-46-12)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Duryodhana, along with Karṇa, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, and the noble-minded one, sought
forgiveness from Droṇa, O Bhārata. (04-46-13)
Droṇa said.
Whatever speech Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu, first spoke—by that I am truly pleased; let
that supreme thing here be done. (04-46-14)
Just as, when dependent on Duryodhana, the elephant touches the soldiers either out of
boldness or delusion, so let the policy be determined. (04-46-15)
Since the forest exile is not yet completed, Dhanañjaya should not display wealth; anyone
wishing to seize it here today is not justified in forgiving us. (04-46-16)
Arrange the policy so that he is not in any way joined with the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and
so that he may not be defeated. (04-46-17)
O son of Gaṅgā, you ought to speak properly after recalling such words that were spoken by
Duryodhana before. (04-46-18)
