ours in the face of this mighty array?’—­Thus addressed, that slayer of foes Arjuna answered Yudhisthira, the son of Pritha, who had been plunged into grief at sight, O king, of thy army, in these words,—­Hear, O king, how soldiers that are few in number may vanquish the many that are possessed of every quality.  Thou art without malice; I shall, therefore, tell thee means, O king.  The Rishi Narada knows it, as also both Bhishma and Drona.  Referring to this means, the Grandsire himself in days of old on the occasion of the battle between the Gods and the Asuras said unto Indra and the other celestials.—­They that are desirous of victory do not conquer by might and energy so much as by truth, compassion, righteousness and energy.[112] Discriminating then between righteousness, and unrighteousness, and understanding what is meant by covetousness and having recourse to exertion fight without arrogance, for victory is there where righteousness is.—­For this know, O king, that to us victory is certain in (this) battle.  Indeed, as Narada said,—­There is victory where Krishna is.—­Victory is inherent to Krishna.  Indeed, it followeth Madhava.  And as victory is one of its attributes, so humility is his another attribute.  Govinda is possessed of energy that is infinite.  Even in the midst of immeasurable foes he is without pain.  He is the most eternal of male beings.  And there victory is where Krishna is.  Even he, indestructible and of weapons incapable of being baffled, appearing as Hari in olden days, said in a loud voice unto the Gods and the Asuras,—­Who amongst you would be victorious?—­Even the conquered who said.—­With Krishna in the front we will conquer.[113]—­And it was through Hari’s grace that the three worlds were obtained by the gods headed by Sakra.  I do not, therefore, behold the slightest cause of sorrow in thee, thee that hast the Sovereign of the Universe and the Lord himself of the celestials for wishing victory to thyself.”

SECTION XXII

Sanjaya said,—­“Then, O bull of Bharata’s race, king Yudhishthira, disposing his own troops in counter array against the divisions of Bhishma, urged them on, saying,—­’The Pandavas have now disposed their forces in counter array agreeably to what is laid down (in the scriptures).  Ye sinless ones, fight fairly, desirous of (entering) the highest heaven’.—­In the centre (of the Pandava army) was Sikhandin and his troops, protected by Arjuna.  And Dhristadyumna moved in the van, protected by Bhima.  The southern division (of the Pandava army) was protected.  O king, by that mighty bowman, the handsome Yuyudhana, that foremost combatant of the Satwata race, resembling Indra himself.  Yudhisthira was stationed on a car that was worthy of bearing Mahendra himself, adorned with an excellent standard, variegated with gold and gems, and furnished with golden traces (for the steeds), in the midst of his elephant divisions.[114] His pure