SECTION CXXVI

“Vaisampayana said, ’Hearing these words of Dhritarashtra, both Bhishma and Drona who sympathised with the old king, again addressed disobedient Duryodhana and said, ’As yet the two Krishnas are not accoutred in mail, as yet Gandiva resteth inactive, as yet Dhaumya doth not consume the enemy’s strength by pouring libations on the war-fire, as yet that mighty bowman Yudhishthira, having modesty for his ornament, doth not cast angry glances on thy troops, so let hostility cease.  As yet that mighty bowman, Bhimasena, the son of Pritha, is not seen stationed in the midst of his division, so let hostility cease.  As yet Bhimasena, doth not, mace in band, stalk on the field of battle, grinding (hostile) divisions, so let peace be made with the Pandavas.  As yet Bhima doth not, with his hero-slaying mace, make the heads of warriors fighting from the backs of elephants roll on the field of battle, like the palmyra-fruits in the season of their ripening, so let hostility cease.  As yet Nakula, and Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and Virata, and Sikhandin, and Sisupal’s son, accoutred in mail and all well-versed in arms, do not penetrate thy ranks, like huge crocodiles penetrating the deep, and pour their arrowy showers, so let hostility cease.  As yet fierce-winged shafts do not fall upon the delicate bodies of the assembled kings, so let hostility cease.  As yet fierce weapons made of iron and steel, shot unerringly by mighty bowmen well-skilled in arms, endued with lightness of hand and capable of hitting howsoever long distance, do not penetrate the breasts of warriors, smeared with sandal and other fragrant unguents, and adorned with golden garlands and gems, so let hostility cease.  Let that elephant among kings, Yudhishthira the Just, receive thee with an embrace while thou salutest him bending thy head.  O bull of Bharata’s race, let that king, distinguished for the liberality of his sacrificial presents, place on thy shoulder that right arm of his, the palm of which beareth the marks of the banner and the hook.  Let him, with hands begemmed and red, adorned with fingers, pat thy back while thou art seated.  Let the mighty-armed Vrikodara, with shoulder broad as those of the sala tree, embrace thee, O bull of Bharata’s race, and gently converse with thee for peace.  And, O king, saluted with reverence by those three, viz., Arjuna and the Twins, smell thou their heads and converse with them affectionately.  And beholding the united with thy heroic brothers—­the sons of Pandu—­let all these monarchs shed tears of joy.  Let the tidings of this cordial union be proclaimed in the cities of all the kings.  Let the Earth be ruled by thee with feelings of brotherly affection (in thy bosom), and let thy heart be freed from the fever (of jealousy and wrath).’”

SECTION CXXVII