the illustrious Arjuna with those weapons of his he entirely disappeared from sight by help of his powers of illusion.  And Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon inspired with proper Mantras.  And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon known by the name of Sabda-veda.  And assailed with those weapons by the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the Gandharvas, showed himself unto him.  And Chitrasena said, ’Behold in me thy friend battling with thee!’ And beholding his friend Chitrasena exhausted in the battle, that bull among the sons of Pandu withdrew the weapons he had shot.  And the other sons of Pandu beholding Arjuna withdraw his weapons, checked their flying steeds and the impetus of their weapons and withdrew their bows.  And Chitrasena and Bhima and Arjuna and the twins enquiring about one another’s welfare, sat awhile on their respective cars.”

SECTION CCXLIV

Vaisampayana said, “Then that mighty bowman of blazing splendour, Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of the Gandharva host, ’What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in punishing the Kauravas?  O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives been thus punished?’

“Chitrasena replied, ’O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own abode I became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana and the wretched Karna in coming hither.  The purpose was even this,—­knowing that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering great afflictions as if ye had none to take care of you, himself in prosperity, this wretch entertained the desire of beholding you plunged in adversity and misfortune.  They came hither for mocking you and the illustrious daughter of Drupada.  The lord of the celestials also, having ascertained this purpose of theirs, told me, ’Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in chains along with his counsellors.  Dhananjaya also with his brother should always be protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend and disciple.’  At these words of the lord of the celestials I came hither speedily.  This wicked prince hath also been put in chains.  I will now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will lead this wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!’

“Arjuna answered, saying, ’O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do what is agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king Yudhishthira the just, for he is our brother!’

Chitrasena said, “This sinful wretch is always full of vanity.  He deserveth not to be set free.  O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and wronged both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna.  Yudhishthira the son of Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch came hither.  Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after knowing everything!”