14.075
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, O bull among the Bharatas, that battle between Arjuna and the king went on for three nights, like the conflict between Vṛtra and Indra. (14-75-1)
Then on the fourth day, the mighty Vajradatta laughed loudly and then spoke these words. (14-75-2)
"Arjuna, Arjuna, stand your ground! You will not escape alive from me. Having slain you, I shall perform the water-rite for my father as prescribed." (14-75-3)
By you, my aged father Bhagadatta, the friend of my father, has been killed. Now, after honoring the elder, set me, the child, to fight today. (14-75-4)
After speaking thus and being greatly enraged, King Vajradatta sent the elephant toward the Pāṇḍava, O Kauravya. (14-75-5)
The lord of serpents, urged on by the wise Vajradatta, charged at the Pāṇḍava as if he were about to leap into the sky. (14-75-6)
O great king, he showered Arjuna with the missile released from his foremost hand, like a dark cloud showers a mountain. (14-75-7)
He, sent by the king, roared repeatedly like a cloud and, making a display of sound from his mouth, rushed quickly towards Phalguna (Arjuna). (14-75-8)
He, O king, like a dancing lord of serpents impelled by Vajradatta, quickly approached the Kauravas' great chariot. (14-75-9)
Seeing Vajradatta's elephant rushing at him, the strong slayer of enemies, relying on his Gāṇḍīva, was not shaken. (14-75-10)
O Bhārata, the son of Pāṇḍu also became greatly angry at the king, recalling the obstruction of his task and their earlier enmity. (14-75-11)
Then, angry, the son of Pandu restrained that elephant with a shower of arrows, like the shore restrains the abode of makaras (sea-creatures). (14-75-12)
He, the foremost serpent, was repulsed by Arjuna’s strength and stood with his body torn apart by arrows, like one tossed around by dogs. (14-75-13)
When Bhagadatta’s son, the king, saw his elephant restrained, overcome with anger, he released sharp arrows at Arjuna. (14-75-14)
But Arjuna, O great king, repelled them with the blows of his arrows; it seemed as if that was something wonderful. (14-75-15)
Then, once more, the exceedingly enraged king of Prāgjyotiṣa sent forth the king of serpents, who was powerful like the wind. (14-75-16)
Seeing him coming, the powerful Indra (Pākāśāsani) sent a fire-like iron arrow towards the elephant. (14-75-17)
O king, that elephant, struck severely in the vital parts by him, suddenly fell to the ground like a mountain shattered by a thunderbolt. (14-75-18)
As he fell, the elephant struck by Dhananjaya's arrow shone like a great mountain, appearing despondent as if crushed to the earth by a thunderbolt. (14-75-19)
When Vajradatta's serpent had fallen, the Pāṇḍava said to the king lying on the ground, 'Do not fear him.' (14-75-20)
Indeed, as I was about to depart, the greatly radiant Yudhishthira said to me: 'Dhananjaya, you must not slay the kings by any means.' (14-75-21)
Let all this, O tiger among men, be so; by this alone everything has been accomplished. The warriors also are not to be slain by you, Dhananjaya, in battle. (14-75-22)
And let the kings be invited, along with all friendly people; may you all participate in the horse sacrifice of Yudhishthira. (14-75-23)
Having heard the brother's words, I will not kill you, O lord of people. Arise; there is no fear for you. Go safely, O king. (14-75-24)
Please come, O great king, when the auspicious month of Caitra arrives. Then Dharmarāja, the wise, will perform the horse-sacrifice. (14-75-25)
Having been thus addressed, the king, the son of Bhagadatta, then, having been subdued by the Pāṇḍava, said just 'so be it.' (14-75-26)
