MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
MAHABHARATA CONDENSED INTO ENGLISH ... - Mandhata Global
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"Arjun!" "Arjun!" cried the Kurus, and in panic broke and fled,<br />
Steed and tusker turned from battle, soldiers fell among the dead,<br />
Godlike Krishna drove the coursers of resistless Arjun's car,<br />
And the sound of Arjun's sankha rose above the cry of war,<br />
And the voice of his Gandiva spread a terror far and near,<br />
Crushed and broken, faint and frightened, fled the Kurus in their fear,<br />
Onward still through scattered foemen conquering Arjun held his way,<br />
Till the evening's gathering darkness closed the action of the day!<br />
III<br />
BHISHMA AND ARJUN MEET<br />
Anxious was the proud Duryodhan when the golden morning came,<br />
For before the car of Arjun fled each Kuru chief of fame,<br />
Brave Duryodhan shook in anger and a tremor moved hisframe<br />
As he spake to ancient Bhishma words of wrath in bitter shame:<br />
"Bhishma! dost thou lead the Kurus in this battle's crimson field,<br />
Warlike Drona, doth he guard us like a broad and ample shield?<br />
Wherefore then before yon Arjun do the valiant Kurus fly,<br />
Wherefore doth our leader linger when he hears the battle cry?<br />
Doth a secret love for Pandavs quell our leader's matchless might,<br />
With a halting zeal for Kurus doth the noble Bhishma fight?<br />
Pardon, chief, if for the Pandavs doth thy partial heart incline,<br />
Yield thy place, let faithful Karna lead my gallant Kuru line!<br />
Anger flamed on Bhishma's forehead and the tear was in his eye,<br />
And in accents few and trembling thus the warrior made reply:<br />
"Vain our toil, unwise Duryodhan! Nor can Bhishma warrior old,<br />
Nor can Drona skilled in weapons, Karna archer proud and bold,<br />
Wash the stain of deeds unholy and of wrongs and outraged laws,<br />
Conquer with a load of cunning 'gainst a right and righteous cause,<br />
Deaf to wisdom's voice, Duryodhan, deaf to parents and to kin,<br />
Thou shalt perish in thy folly, in thy unrepented sin!