MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
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"Mark ye, chieftains, gallant Arjun wheels his sounding battle-car,<br />
'Gainst our prince and proud Duryodhan seeks to turn the tide of war,<br />
Let us fall upon our foeman and our prince and leader save,<br />
Few save INDRA, god of battles, conquers Arjun fierce and brave,<br />
What were Matsya's fattened cattle, many thousands though they be,<br />
If oar monarch sinks in battle like a ship in stormy sea!"<br />
Vain were Kripa's words of wisdom, Arjun drove the chariot fair,<br />
While his shafts like countless locusts whistled through the ambient air,<br />
Kuru soldiers struck with panic neither stood and fought, nor fled,<br />
Gazed upon the distant Arjun, gazed upon their comrades dead!<br />
Arjun twanged his mighty weapon, blew his far-resounding shell,<br />
Strangely spake his monkey-standard, Kuru warriors knew it well,<br />
Sankha's voice, Gandiva's accents, and the chariot's booming sound,<br />
Filled the air like distant thunder, shook the firm and solid ground.<br />
Kuru soldiers fled in terror or they slumbered with the dead,<br />
And the rescued lowing cattle with their tails uplifted fled!<br />
V<br />
WARRIOR'S GUERDON<br />
Now with joy the king Virata to his royal city came,<br />
Saw the rescued herds of cattle, saw Uttara prince of fame,<br />
Marked the great and gallant Arjun, helmet-wearing, armour-cased<br />
Knew Yudhishthir and his brothers now as royal princes dressed,<br />
And he greeted good Yudhishthir, truth-beloving brave and strong<br />
And to valiant Arjun offered Matsya's princess fair and young!<br />
"Pardon, monarch," answered Arjun, "but I may not take as bride<br />
Matsya's young and beauteous princess whom I love with father's pride,<br />
She hath often met me trusting in the inner palace hall,<br />
As a daughter on a father waited on my loving call!<br />
I have trained her kokil accents, taught her maiden steps in dance,<br />
Watched her skill and varied graces all her native charms enhance,