05.057
Dhritarashtra spoke:
The Pandava, known for his warrior-like brilliance and celibacy from a young age, will engage in battle, leaving the foolish ones lamenting my fate.
Duryodhana, retreat from the battle, O noble Bharata. Battles are not praised in every situation, O conqueror of foes.
It is enough for you to live with half of the earth and your minister. Give the appropriate share to the sons of Pandu, O subduer of enemies.
The Kurus all believe this to be in accordance with righteousness. You wish for peace with the noble sons of Pandu.
"Observe this, son, your own army in the body. Your flow is indeed born, but you do not understand due to delusion."
I do not wish for war, and neither do Bahlika, Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, or Sanjaya.
Neither Somadatta, Śalya, nor Kṛpa wishes to fight. Likewise, Satyavrata, Purumitra, Jaya, and Bhūriśravā do not wish to engage in battle.
The Kurus, when oppressed by others, do not welcome war. May this decision be agreeable to you, dear one.
You do not act out of your own desire; it is Karna who instigates you. Duhshasana and the wicked Shakuni, the son of Subala, are also involved.
Duryodhana said:
I am not present in Drona, Ashwatthama, Sanjaya, Vikarna, Kamboja, Kripa, or Bahlika.
I challenge you by placing the burden on Satyavrata, Purumitra, Bhurishravas, or again on others or your men.
O father, both Karṇa and I prepared for the battle as a sacrifice, with Yudhiṣṭhira as the chosen offering, and we were initiated, O noble Bharata.
The chariot serves as the altar, the ladle as the sword, the mace as the armor, and the assembly as the fourfold sacrifice. My beasts of burden are the arrows, sacred grass, offering, and glory.
O king, by performing self-sacrifice and worshipping Vaivasvata in battle, we shall return victorious, having slain our enemies and enveloped in glory.
I, along with my father Karna and brother Duhshasana, will be the three to defeat the Pandavas in battle.
I will be the ruler of this earth if I kill the Pandavas. Alternatively, if they kill me, the sons of Pandu will enjoy this earth.
I have given up my life, wealth, and kingdom, O king and prince. I would never live with the Pandavas, O infallible one.
O honorable one, just as a sharp needle pierces with its tip, we must not abandon our land to the Pandavas.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
I lament for all those who have left the dwelling, as Duryodhana has been abandoned by me. Those who will follow slowly are going to the abode of Yama.
The Pāṇḍavas, assembled for battle, will slay the best warriors like tigers attacking herds of deer.
The speech appears to me as if it is against me, disheveled and frightened by Yuyudhana, touched by the long-armed lady.
Madhava, replenishing Partha's strength, stands firm in battle, while the son of Sini showers arrows like seeds.
In the forefront of the army, Bhimasena will be among those who are fighting. Everyone will seek refuge in him as a fearless fortification.
When you witness the elephants, resembling mountains, brought down by Bhima, their tusks broken, temples shattered, and covered in blood.
Seeing them scattered in the battlefield like mountains, you will recall my words, being afraid of Bhima's touch.
You will recall my words when you see the army scorched by Bhimasena, with its chariots and elephants destroyed, resembling the path of a fire.
A great fear is coming your way if you do not make peace with the Pandavas. You will find peace only after being killed by Bhimasena's mace.
When you witness the might of the Kuru warriors fallen in battle like a great forest that has been cut down, then you will recall my words.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
After speaking thus, the king addressed all the lords of the earth and then asked Sanjaya once more, O great king.
