the two mighty sons of Madri,—­those heroic car-warriors, capable of breaking into pieces all hostile cars,—­agitating, from the very moment when weapons will begin to clash, the army of Dhritarashtra’s sons like a couple of infuriated elephants, then all signs of the Krita, the Treta and the Dwapara ages will disappear.  Returning hence, O Karna, say unto Drona and Santanu’s son and Kripa that the present month is a delightful one, and that food, drink, and fuel are abundant now.  All plants and herbs are vigorous now, all trees full of fruits, and flies there are none.  The roads are free from mire, and the waters are of agreeable taste.  The weather is neither very hot nor very cold and is, therefore, highly pleasant.  Seven days after, will be the day of the new moon.  Let the battle commence then, for that day, it hath been said, is presided over by Indra.  Say also unto all the kings that have come for battling that I will fully accomplish the desire cherished by them.  Indeed, all the kings and princes that are obedient to the orders of Duryodhana, obtaining death by weapons, will attain to an excellent state.’”

SECTION CXLIII

“Sanjaya said, ’Hearing these beneficial and auspicious words of Kesava, Karna worshipped Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, and said these words, ’Knowing (everything), why dost thou yet, O thou of mighty arms, seek to beguile me?  The destruction of the whole earth that is at hand for its cause, Sakuni, and myself, and Dussasana, and king Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra.  Without doubt, O Krishna, a great and fierce battle is at hand between the Pandavas and the Kurus which will cover the earth with bloody mire.  All the kings and princes following the lead of Duryodhana, consumed by the fire of weapons will proceed to the abode of Yama.  Diverse frightful visions are seen, O slayer of Madhu, and many terrible portents, and fierce disturbances also.  All these omens, making the hairs (of the spectators) stand on their ends, indicate, O thou of Vrishni’s race, the defeat of Dhritarashtra’s son and the victory of Yudhishthira.  That fierce planet of great effulgence, Sanaischara (Saturn), is afflicting the constellation called Rohini, in order to afflict greatly the creatures of the earth.  The planet Angaraka (Mars), wheeling, O slayer of Madhu, towards the constellation Jeshthya, approacheth towards Anuradhas, indicating a great slaughter of friends.  Without doubt, O Krishna, a terrible calamity approacheth the Kurus when specially, O thou of Vrishni’s race, the planet Mahapat afflicteth the constellation Chitra.  The spot on the lunar disc hath changed its position; and Rahu also approacheth towards the sun.  Meteors are falling from the sky with loud noise and trembling motion.  The elephants are sending forth frightful cries, while the steeds, O Madhava, are shedding tears, without taking any delight in food and drink.  They say, O thou of mighty arms, that on the appearance