05.074

Vaiśampāyana said:

Thus addressed by Vāsudeva, he, always wrathful and impatient, rushed forward like a fine horse and immediately spoke these words. (5-74-1)

You think I intend one thing but act otherwise, Acyuta, though in fact I am firm in my resolve and completely true in valor in battle. (5-74-2)

You know my nature, O Dāśārha, having lived with me for a long time; or else, do you not know me, like a shallow stream in a lake? Is that why you address me with such unworthy words? (5-74-3)

For, Madhava, how could anyone who truly knows me—Bhimasena—ever say such unworthy things to me, as you have? (5-74-4)

Therefore, O joy of the Vṛṣṇis, I will declare this: my own prowess and strength are not equal to those of others. (5-74-5)

In every way, praising oneself is a woman's act; but, provoked by excessive words, I will declare my own strength. (5-74-6)

Look, Kṛṣṇa, at these two worlds, in whose midst all these beings have arisen—unchanging, boundless, the grounds of support, the mothers of all. (5-74-7)

If these two were to meet in sudden anger, like mountains clashing, I alone could restrain them with my arms, amidst all beings moving and unmoving. (5-74-8)

Look at this gap between my arms, like the space between two great iron bars. Whoever managed to escape after being seized here—I see no such person. (5-74-9)

Not even Himavat, the ocean, and Indra the strong-armed himself—if they relied on their strength—could rescue someone seized by me. (5-74-10)

I could fight all the kṣatriyas who are aggressors among the Pāṇḍavas and press them down to the earth beneath my foot. (5-74-11)

Truly, Acyuta, you do not know my prowess—how I have defeated the kings and brought them under my power. (5-74-12)

But if you do not recognize me—like not knowing the radiance of the rising sun—you will come to know me, Janardana, when the tightly pressed battle is fully joined. (5-74-13)

Why do you assail me with harsh words, O blameless one, like prodding a wound with a needle? I am speaking this according to my understanding—know me as better than that. (5-74-14)

You will see, on the day when the violent battle is joined, elephants, chariot warriors, and cavalrymen driven forward by me. (5-74-15)

Likewise, you will see me slaying men and the foremost of kshatriyas without anger, and you and the world will see me dragging away the greatest of the great. (5-74-16)

My marrow does not sink, nor does my mind tremble; even when threatened by all the worlds, I have no fear. (5-74-17)

But rather, Madhusudana, this is only friendship—out of compassion I endure all hardships; let not our people perish, O descendant of Bharata. (5-74-18)