MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
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Pale with anguish, wrathful Karna fiercely turned the tide of war,<br />
Out Yudhishthir's royal standard, crashed his sumptuous battle-car,<br />
And he urged his gallant coursers till his chariot bounding flew,<br />
And with more than godlike prowess then his famed Vijaya drew,<br />
Faint Yudhishthir sorely bleeding waged no more the fatal fight,<br />
Carless, steedless, void of armour, sought his safety in his flight!<br />
"Speed, thou timid man of penance! "thus insulting Karna said,<br />
"Famed for virtue not for valour! blood of thine I will not shed,<br />
Speed and chant thy wonted mantra, do the rites that sages know,<br />
Bid the helméd warrior Arjun come and meet his warlike foe!"<br />
To his tent retired Yudhishthir in his wrath and in his shame,<br />
Spake to Arjun who from battle to his angry elder came:<br />
"Hast thou yet, O tardly Arjun, base insulting Karna slain,<br />
Karna dealing dire destruction on this battle's reddened plain?<br />
Like his teacher Par'su-Rama dyes in purple blood his course,<br />
Like a snake of deathful poison Karna guards the Kuru force,<br />
Karna smote my chariot-driver and my standard rent in twain,<br />
Shattered car and lifeless horses strew the red inglorious plain,<br />
Scarce with life in speechless anguish from the battle-field I fled,<br />
Scorn of foes and shame of kinsmen! Warrior's fame and honour dead!<br />
Ten long years and three Yudhishthir joy nor peace nor rest hath seen,<br />
And while Karna lives and glories all our insults still are green,<br />
Hast thou, Arjun, slain that chieftain as in swelling pride he stood,<br />
Hast thou wiped our wrongs and insults in that chariot -driver's blood?"<br />
"At a distance," Krishna answered, "fiery Arjun fought his way,<br />
Now he seeks the archer Karna and he vows his death to-day."<br />
Anger lit Yudhishthir's forehead and a tremor shook his frame,<br />
As he spake to silent Arjun words of insult and of shame:<br />
"Wherefore like a painted warrior doth the helméd Arjun stand,<br />
Wherefore useless lies Gandiva in his weak and nerveless hand,