05.178
Bhishma said:
On the third day, being in the same place, the one with a great vow sent a message to me, O king, saying 'I have arrived'.
Upon hearing of his arrival, I swiftly and affectionately approached the lord, who is the repository of splendor and great strength, to conclude the matter.
O King, having placed the cow in front, you were surrounded by Brahmins, priests who are like gods, and also by family priests.
Upon seeing me approach, the mighty Jamadagnya accepted the offering and spoke these words.
Bhishma, by what intelligence did you bring here the unwilling daughter of the King of Kashi, and then dismiss her again?
Indeed, this has fallen from the attainment of righteousness from the highest to the lowest, and having been touched by you, who indeed is able to proceed here?
O Bhārata, since this has been rejected by Śālva and brought by you, therefore, by my command, accept it.
O tiger among men, let the princess obtain her rightful duty. It is not appropriate for you, O sinless one, to disrespect the king in this manner.
Then, noticing that he was not very intelligent, I said, "O Brahman, I would never give this back to the brother under any circumstances."
O Bhārgava, he once said to me here, 'I belong to Śālva.' With my permission, she has gone to the city of Saubha.
I have established a vow that I will not abandon my warrior's duty out of fear, compassion, greed, or desire for wealth.
Then Rama, with eyes filled with anger, said to me: "O best of the Kurus, if you do not carry out this command of mine."
Rama, with eyes rolling in anger, repeatedly said in fury, "I will kill you along with your ministers today."
I repeatedly requested the great sage, the tiger among the Bhrigus, with pleasing words, but he did not relent.
I bowed my head once more to the revered Brahmana and asked, "Why do you wish to engage in battle here?"
O mighty-armed Bhargava, you have indeed taught my boy the four types of weapons. I am your disciple.
Then Rama, with eyes reddened by anger, said to me: "You know me, Bhishma, as your teacher, yet you do not accept this daughter of Kashya, O Kauravya, for my sake, O king."
O descendant of Kuru, you will not find peace otherwise. Accept this responsibility, O mighty-armed one, and protect your family. If you abandon it, this will not approach the husband.
I, Rama, the conqueror of enemy cities, addressed him saying, "O sage, this will not happen again, so why exert yourself?"
O Lord, recognizing the ancient greatness in you, I seek your forgiveness, for I had indeed abandoned this before.
Who would ever keep a woman, who is like a subdued serpent, in the house knowing the great dangers of women's faults?
I will not forsake my duty even out of fear of Vāsava, O great one. Please be gracious, or do what you must without delay.
This verse, sung by the great soul Marutta, is also heard in the Purana, O pure-souled lord of great intellect.
Even an arrogant teacher who does not know what should and should not be done, when engaged in the wrong path, deserves punishment.
You are regarded as a teacher by me with great love, but since you do not understand the conduct of a teacher, I will therefore engage in battle with you.
I would not kill a teacher or a Brahmin in battle, especially an ascetic, thus forgiven by me, your.
If a Brahmin, seen with a raised weapon like a Kshatriya's relative, kills in anger during battle while fighting and not fleeing, it is certain according to the laws that it is not considered Brahmin murder.
O ascetic, I am a Kshatriya, situated in the duty of the Kshatriyas. A man who acts according to his duty does not attain unrighteousness and finds prosperity.
Whether in wealth or in duty, one who is capable and knows the right place and time, even if fallen into doubt of misfortune, is better without any doubt.
Because you are acting unjustly in this uncertain situation, I will join you, Rama, in the great battle. Witness my extraordinary strength and valor.
Even though the situation has come to this, O son of Bhrigu, I will do what I can. I will fight with you, O wise one, in Kurukshetra. Be ready, O great sage, for a duel with Rama as you desire.
There, O Rama, you will be slain by me, pierced by hundreds of arrows, and thus you will attain the worlds conquered and purified by weapons in the great battle.
Go back to Kurukshetra, O lover of battle. I will come there, O mighty-armed one, to fight with you, O ascetic.
Where you, Rama, once performed purification for your father, there I too shall perform purification after killing you, O descendant of Bhrigu.
There, Rama, go quickly to the battle, for I will remove your ancient pride, O Brahmin speaker.
O Rama, you often boast in assemblies that you alone have conquered the warriors of the world. Listen to what I have to say about that.
At that time, no one like Bhishma or any warrior is born who can destroy your pride and desire for battle.
O mighty-armed Rama, I am Bhishma, the conqueror of enemy cities, born to remove your pride in battle. There is no doubt.
