“Dhritarashtra said, ’When the invincible Arjuna, excited with wrath and unable to brook (the feats of the Kurus), penetrated into the army of my son, what became the state of your minds?  Indeed, when that scorcher of foes entered into their midst, what did the soldiers think?  What steps also did Duryodhana think fit to be adopted then?  Who were those chastisers of foes that proceeded in that battle against that hero?  Indeed, when Arjuna, of white steeds, entered (our army), who were they that protected Drona?  Who guarded the right wheel and who the left wheel of Drona’s car?  Who were those heroes that protected the rear of that battling hero?  Indeed, when Bharadwaja’s son proceeded, slaying the foe (along his route), who were they that proceeded in his van?  That mighty and invincible bowman who penetrated into the midst of the Panchalas, that tiger among men endued with great valour, who proceeded, as if dancing, along the track of his car, and consumed large throngs of Panchala cars by means of his shafts like a raging conflagration; alas, how did that Drona meet with his death?  Thou always speakest of my foes as cool and unvanquished and cheerful and swelling with might in battle.  Thou dost not, however, speak of mine in such words.  On the other hand, thou describest them to be slain, pale, and routed, and thou speakest of my car-warriors, as always deprived of their cars in all the battles they fight!’

“Sanjaya continued, ’Understanding the wishes of Drona who was bent on battle, Duryodhana, on that night, O king, addressing his obedient brothers, viz., Vikarna and Chitrasena and Suparsva and Durdharsha and Dirghavahu, and all those that followed them, said those words, ’Ye heroes of great valour, struggling with resolution, all of you protect Drona from the rear.  The son of Hridika will protect his right and Sala his left.’  Saying this, thy son then urged forward placing them at the van, the remnant of the brave and mighty Trigarta car-warriors, saying, ’The preceptor is merciful.  The Pandavas are fighting with great resolution..  While engaged in slaughtering the foe in battle, protect him well, uniting together.  Drona is mighty in battle; is endued with great lightness of hand and great valour.  He can vanquish the very gods in battle,—­what need then be said of the Pandavas and the Somakas?  All of you, however, united together and struggling with great resolution in this terrible battle, protect the invincible Drona from that mighty car-warrior, viz., Dhrishtadyumna.  Except Dhrishtadyumna, I do not see the man amongst all the warriors of the Pandavas that can vanquish Drona in battle.  I, therefore, think that we should, with our whole soul, protect the son of Bharadwaja.  Protected (by us), he is sure to slay the Somakas and the Srinjayas, one after another.  Upon the slaughter of all the Srinjayas at the head of the (Pandava) army, Drona’s son without doubt, will slay Dhrishtadyumna in battle.  Similarly, the