“The king of the Panchalas, beholding his general thus discomfited in the encounter, himself began to shower his arrows upon the Pandava prince.  Then Arjuna, that foremost of warriors, crowned with success, began to fight furiously, and quickly cutting his enemy’s bow in twain as also his flagstaff which he caused to fall down, pierced his antagonist’s horses, and charioteer also with five arrows.  Then throwing aside his bow Arjuna took his quiver, and taking out a scimitar and sending forth a loud shout, leaped from his own chariot upon that of his foe.  And standing there with perfect fearlessness he seized Drupada as Garuda seizeth a huge snake after agitating the waters of the ocean.  At the sight of this, the Panchala troops ran away in all directions.

“Then Dhananjaya, having thus exhibited the might of his arm in the presence of both hosts, sent forth a loud shout and came out of the Panchala ranks.  And beholding him returning (with his captive), the princes began to lay waste Drupada’s capital.  Addressing them Arjuna said, ’This best of monarchs, Drupada, is a relative of the Kuru heroes.  Therefore, O Bhima, slay not his soldiers.  Let us only give unto our preceptor his fee.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’O king, thus prevented by Arjuna, the mighty Bhimasena, though unsatiated with the exercise of battle, refrained from the act of slaughter.  And, O bull of the Bharata race, the princes then, taking Drupada with them after having seized him on the field of battle along with his friends and counsellors, offered him unto Drona.  And Drona beholding Drupada thus brought under complete control—­humiliated and deprived of wealth—­remembered that monarch’s former hostility and addressing him said, ’Thy kingdom and capital have been laid waste by me.  But fear not for thy life, though it dependeth now on the will of thy foe.  Dost thou now desire to revive thy friendship (with me)?’ Having said this, he smiled a little and again said, ’Fear not for thy life, brave king!  We, Brahmanas, are ever forgiving.  And, O bull among Kshatriyas, my affection and love for thee have grown with me in consequence of our having sported together in childhood in the hermitage.  Therefore, O king, I ask for thy friendship again.  And as a boon (unasked), I give thee half the kingdom (that was thine).  Thou toldest me before that none who was not a king could be a king’s friend.  Therefore is it, O Yajnasena, that I retain half thy kingdom.  Thou art the king of all the territory lying on the southern side of the Bhagirathi, while I become king of all the territory on the north of that river.  And, O Panchala, if it pleaseth thee, know me hence for thy friend.’

“On hearing these words, Drupada answered, ’Thou art of noble soul and great prowess.  Therefore, O Brahmana, I am not surprised at what thou doest.  I am very much gratified with thee, and I desire thy eternal friendship.’