Comforted (by Sanjaya), those ladies began to tremble repeatedly like a plantain grove shaken by the wind.  Vidura also, sprinkling that descendant of Kuru with water, began to comfort the puissant monarch who had knowledge only for his eye.  Slowly restored to consciousness, and understanding that the ladies of the household were there, the king, O monarch, remained perfectly silent for some time like one reft of reason.  Having reflected then for some time, and repeatedly drawn long breaths, the king censured his own sons and applauded the Pandavas.  Censuring also his own intelligence and that of Shakuni the son of Subala, the king, having reflected for a long time, began to tremble repeatedly.  Controlling his mind once more, the king, with sufficient fortitude, questioned his charioteer Sanjaya the son of Gavalgana.

“Dhritarashtra said, ’I have heard, O Sanjaya, all that thou hast said.  Hath my son Duryodhana, O Suta, who is ever desirous of victory, already gone to Yama’s abode, despairing of success?  Tell me truly, O Sanjaya, all this even if thou wilt have to repeat it!’”

Vaishampayana continued, “Thus addressed by the king, O Janamejaya, the Suta said unto him, ’The mighty car-warrior Vaikartana, O monarch, hath been slain with his sons and brothers, and other Suta warriors, all of whom were mighty bowmen ready to lay down their lives in battle!  Duhshasana also hath been slain by the renowned son of Pandu.  Indeed, his blood also hath been, from wrath, drunk by Bhimasena in battle!’”

5

Vaishampayana said, “Hearing these words, O monarch, Ambika’s son Dhritarashtra, with heart agitated by grief, addressed his driver Sanjaya, saying, ’Though the evil policy, O sire, of my son of little foresight, Vikartana’s son hath been slain!  This intelligence is cutting the very core of my heart!  I am desirous of crossing this sea of grief!  Remove my doubts, therefore, by telling me who are still alive and who are dead amongst the Kurus and the Pandavas!’

“Sanjaya said, ’Endued with great prowess and invincible in battle, Bhishma the son of Shantanu, O king, having slain large numbers of Srinjayas and Pancalas, hath been slain after ten days.  The mighty and invincible bowman Drona of the golden car, having slaughtered the Pancala divisions in battle, hath been slain.  Having slaughtered the half of what remained after the carnage by Bhishma and the illustrious Drona, Vikartana’s son Karna hath been slain.  Endued with great strength, O monarch, prince Vivingsati, having slain hundreds of Anarta warriors in battle, hath been slain.  Thy heroic son Vikarna, deprived of steeds and weapons, stood, facing the foe, remembering the duties of Kshatriyas.  Remembering the many foul wrongs inflicted upon him by Duryodhana, and bearing in mind his own vow, Bhimasena hath slain him.  Possessed of great might, Vinda and Anuvinda, the two princes of Avanti, after achieving the most difficult feats, have gone to Yama’s