MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
But once more the bow rebounded, fell the monarch in his shame,<br />
Left in haste Panchala's mansions for the region whence he came!<br />
Uprose Salya, king of Madra, with his wondrous skill and might,<br />
Faltering, on his knees descending, fell in sad inglorious plight,<br />
Thus each monarch fell and faltered, merry whispers went around,<br />
And the sound of stifled laughter circled round the festive ground!<br />
VI<br />
THE DISGUISED ARJUN<br />
Hushed the merry sound of laughter, hushed each suitor in his shame,<br />
Arjun, godlike son of Pritha, from the ranks of Brahmans came,<br />
Guised as priest serene and holy, fair as INDRA's rainbow bright,<br />
All the Brahmans shook their deerskins, cheered him in their hearts' delight!<br />
Some there were with sad misgivings heard the sound of joyous cheer<br />
And their minds were strangely anxious, whispered murmurs spake their fear:<br />
"Wondrous bow which Sisupala, mighty Salya could not strain,<br />
Jarasandha famed for prowesq strove to bend the string in vain,<br />
Can a Brahman weak by nature, and in warlike arms untrained,<br />
Wield the bow which crownéd monarchs, long-armed chieftains have not strained?<br />
Sure the Brahman boy in folly dares a foolish thoughtless deed,<br />
And amidst this throng of monarchs shame will be our only meed,<br />
Youth in youthful pride or madness will a foolish emprise dare,<br />
Sager men should stop his rashness and the Brahman's honour spare!"<br />
"Shame he will not bring unto us," other Brahmans made reply,<br />
"Rather, in this throng of monarchs, rich renown and honour high,<br />
Like a tusker strong and stately, like Himalay's towering crest,<br />
Stands unmoved the youthful Brahman, ample-shouldered, deep in chest,<br />
Lion-like his gait is agile, and determined is his air,<br />
Trust me he can do an emprise who hath lofty will to dare!<br />
He will do the feat of valour, will not bring disgrace and stain,<br />
Nor is task in all this wide earth which a Brahman tries in vain,