sojourn of concealment unrecognised, they still say that the latter had been recognised?  They were besought by Bhishma and the magnanimous Drona, but they would not yet consent to give back to the Pandavas the throne that belongeth to them by right of birth.  The means with which I would beseech them would be sharp arrows.  I shall fight and with a strong hand force them to prostrate themselves at the feet of the illustrious son of Kunti.  If, however, they do not bow at the feet of the wise Yudhishthira, then they and their partisans must go to the regions of Yama.  When Yuyudhana (myself) is enraged and resolved to fight, they, to be sure, are unequal to withstand his impetus, as mountains are unable to resist that of the thunderbolt.  Who can withstand Arjuna in fight, or him who hath the discus for his weapon in battle, or myself as well?  Who can withstand the unapproachable Bhima?  And who, having regard for his life, would come near the twin brothers who firmly grasp their bows and resemble the death-dealing Yama in intelligence?  Who would approach Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada, or these five sons of the Pandavas who have added lustre to Draupadi’s name, rivalling their fathers in valour, equal to them in every respect and full of martial pride, or him of the powerful bow, Subhadra’s son, irresistible by even the gods themselves; or Gada, or Pradyumna, or Samva, resembling Yama or the thunderbolt or fire?  We shall slay Dhritarashtra’s son and Sakuni and Karna in battle, and place the Pandava on the throne.  There is no sin in slaying them that are bent on slaying us:  but to be a beggar before foes is both impious and infamous.  I ask you to be diligent in doing that which is heartily desired by Yudhishthira.  Let Pandu’s son get back the kingdom resigned by Dhritarashtra!  Either Yudhishthira should get back his kingdom this very day or all our enemies shall lie down on the earth slain by me!’

SECTION IV

“Drupada said, ’O mighty-armed one, it will, without doubt, be even as thou hast said!  Never will Duryodhana give up the kingdom by peaceful means, and Dhritarashtra, who dotes on his son, will follow him in his wish.  And so will Bhishma and Drona from imbecility, and Karna and Sakuni from folly.  The words of Valadeva command themselves to my judgment; the course pointed out by him should, indeed, be followed by a man who desires peaceful settlement.  But Duryodhana should never be addressed in mild words.  Vicious by nature, he, I believe cannot be brought to reason by mildness.  In respect of an ass, mildness is in place; but in respect of animals of the bovine species, severity should be resorted to.  If any one were to speak mild words to Duryodhana, vicious by nature that wicked wight would consider the speaker to be an imbecile person.  If a mild course is adopted towards him, the fool will think that he has won.  Let us do even this, let us make preparations; let us send word to our friends