05.124

Vaiśampāyana said:

Having heard Dhṛtarāṣṭra's words and supporting them, Bhīṣma and Droṇa then said these words to Duryodhana, words that went against his command: (5-124-1)

So long as the two Krishnas are not armored, so long as the Gandiva remains (unstrung), and so long as Dhaumya has not here offered the enemy's forces into the battle fire... (5-124-2)

So long as your angry Yudhishthira, the great archer whose restraint is modesty, does not look upon the army, let the violence cease. (5-124-3)

So long as Pārtha is not seen standing among his own ranks, so long as Bhīmasena, the great archer, is there—may the slaughter cease. (5-124-4)

As long as he does not move among the ranks of the armies, exulting; as long as he does not hew down the heads of the elephant-warriors in battle... (5-124-5)

As long as he smites warriors with his hero-slaying mace, like fruits ripening in due time on a tree, so long let the butchery continue. (5-124-6)

Nakul, Sahadev, Dhrishtadyumna the son of Prishata, Virata, Shikhandi, and the son of Shishupala are wounded. (5-124-7)

Until these warriors who are trained in weapons, like crocodiles swiftly entering the great ocean, have advanced, let the slaughter cease. (5-124-8)

So long as the fierce vulture-feathered arrows do not fall upon the delicate bodies of the kings, let the carnage cease. (5-124-9)

As long as great arrows from the mighty bowmen have not struck the chests of warriors who are anointed with sandalwood and aloe and adorned with necklaces and gold coins… (5-124-10)

So long as the iron arrows, shot swiftly and from afar by skilled archers, strike their marks accurately and bring warriors down, let this carnage cease. (5-124-11)

As the royal elephant bows in greeting to you with his head, let King Yudhishthira, the King of Dharma, accept him with his hands. (5-124-12)

Let Sudakṣina, bearing your right mark of banner, goad, and flag, place his arm on your shoulder for your comfort, bull among the Bharatas. (5-124-13)

Let him gently stroke your back with his hand, his finger adorned with a gem and set with gems and medicinal herbs, as you are seated. (5-124-14)

The broad-shouldered, mighty-armed Vṛkodara, your own kinsman, also offered you respectful greetings in gentle words for reconciliation, bull among the Bharatas. (5-124-15)

O king, after being respectfully greeted by Arjuna and the twins, he affectionately embraced them, smelling their heads, and greeted them in return. (5-124-16)

Seeing you united with the heroic Pāṇḍavas and their brothers, may the kings shed tears of joy for as long as possible. (5-124-17)

Let it be proclaimed in the capitals of all prosperous kings: let the earth be enjoyed in a spirit of brotherhood—be free from anxiety. (5-124-18)