foremost of heroes among the Kurus, recovering his senses, saw the son of Pritha standing like the lord of the celestials, alone on the battle-field.  And he said in hurry (unto Bhishma), ’How hath this one escape from thee?  Do thou afflict him in such a way that he may not escape.’  And at this, Santanu’s son, smiling, said unto him, ’Where had been this sense of thine, and where had been thy prowess too, when thou hadst been in a state of unconsciousness renouncing thy arrows and handsome bow?  Vibhatsu is not addicted to the commission of atrocious deeds; nor is his soul inclined to sin.  He renounceth not his principles even for the sake of the three worlds.  It is for this only that all of us have not been slain in this battle.  O thou foremost of Kuru heroes, go back to the city of the Kurus, and let Partha also go away, having conquered the kine.  Do thou never foolishly throw away thy own good.  Indeed, that which leadeth to one’s welfare ought to be accomplished.’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Having listened to the words of the grandsire that tended to his own welfare, the wrathful king Duryodhana no longer eager for battle, drew a deep sigh and became silent.  And reflecting that the advice of Bhishma was beneficial and seeing that the Pandavas gaining in strength, the other warriors also, desirous of protecting Duryodhana, resolved to return.  And beholding those foremost of Kuru heroes departing for their city, Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, with a cheerful heart followed them for a while, desirous of addressing and worshipping them.  And having worshipped the aged grandsire—­the son of Santanu, as also the preceptor Drona, and having saluted with beautiful arrows Drona’s son and Kripa and other venerable ones among the Kurus, the son of Pritha broke into fragments Duryodhana’s crown decked with precious gems, with another arrow.  And having saluted all the venerable and brave warriors thus, he filled the three worlds with the twang of the Gandiva.  And suddenly blowing his conch called Devadatta, the hero pierced the hearts of all his foes.  And having humbled the hostile, he looked resplendent on his car decked with a handsome flag.  And beholding the Kurus depart, Kiritin cheerfully said unto Matsya’s son, ’Turn back thy steeds; thy kine have been recovered; the foe is going away and do thou also return to thy city with a cheerful heart.’  And the celestials also, having witnessed that most wonderful encounter between Phalguna and the Kurus, were highly delighted, and went to their respective abodes, reflecting upon Partha’s feats.”

SECTION LXVI

Vaisampayana said, “Having vanquished the Kurus in battle, that one with eyes like those of a bull brought back that profuse cattle wealth of Virata.  And while the Dhritarashtra, after their rout, were going away, a large number of Kuru-soldiers issuing out of the deep forest appeared with slow steps before Partha, their hearts afflicted with fear.  And they stood before him with joined palms and with hair dishevelled.  And fatigued with hunger and thirst, arrived in a foreign land, insensible with terror, and confused in mind, they all bowed down unto the son of Pritha and said,—­We are thy slaves.’