Sanjaya continued, “Having said these words unto the king deprived of his senses and lying with broken thighs, Ashvatthama once more cast his eyes on him and uttered these words, “If, O Duryodhana, thou hast any life in thee still, listen to these words that are so pleasant to hear.  On the side of the Pandavas, only seven are alive, and among the Dhartarashtras, only we three!  The seven on their side are the five brothers and Vasudeva and Satyaki; on our side, we three are myself and Kripa and Kritavarma!  All the sons of Draupadi have been slain, as also all the children of Dhrishtadyumna!  All the Pancalas too have been slain, as also the remnant of the Matsyas, O Bharata!  Behold the vengeance taken for what they had done!  The Pandavas are now childless!  While buried in sleep, the men and animals in their camp have all been slain!  Penetrating into their camp in the night, O king, I have slain Dhrishtadyumna, that wight of sinful deeds, as one kills an animal.”

Duryodhana then, having heard those words that were so agreeable to his heart, regained his senses and said these words in reply, “That which neither Ganga’s son, nor Karna, nor thy sire, could achieve, hath at last been achieved by thee today, accompanied by Kripa and Bhoja.  Thou hast slain that low wretch (Dhrishtadyumna) who was commander of the Pandava forces, as also Shikhandi.  In consequence of this I regard myself equal to Maghavat himself!  Good be to you all!  Let prosperity be yours!  All of us will again meet together in heaven!”

Having said these words the high-souled king of the Kurus became silent.  Casting off his griefs for all his (slain) kinsmen, he then gave up his life-breath.  His soul ascended to sacred heaven, while his body only remained on earth.  Even thus, O king, thy son Duryodhana breathed his last.  Having provoked the battle first, he was slain by his foes at last.  The three heroes repeatedly embraced the king and gazed steadfastly on him.  They then ascended their cars.  Having heard these piteous lamentations of Drona’s son, I came away at early dawn towards the city.  Even thus the armies of the Kurus and Pandavas have been destroyed.  Great and terrible have been that carnage, O king, caused by thy evil policy.  After thy son had ascended to heaven, I became afflicted with grief and the spiritual sight which the rishi gave hath been lost by me!”

Vaishampayana continued, “The king, hearing of his son’s death, breathed long and hot sighs, and became plunged in great anxiety.”

10

Vaishampayana said, “After that night had gone away, the driver of Dhrishtadyumna’s car gave intelligence to king Yudhishthira of the great slaughter that had been caused during the hour of sleep.