Thus slaughtered by Karna, the Pancalas and the Cedis began to lose their senses all over the field like elephants during the conflagration in a forest.  Those foremost of men, O tiger among men, uttered loud roars like those of the tiger.  Loud became the wails of woe, like those of living creatures at the universal dissolution that were uttered by those crying combatants struck with panic and running wildly on all sides, O king, of the field of battle and trembling with fear.  Beholding them thus slaughtered, O sire, by the Suta’s son, all creatures, even beasts and birds, were filled with fear.  The Srinjayas then, thus slaughtered in battle by the Suta’s son, repeatedly called upon Arjuna and Vasudeva like the spirits of the dead within Yama’s dominions calling upon Yama to rescue them.  Hearing those wails of the troops slaughtered with Karna’s shafts, and beholding the terrible bhargava weapon invoked into existence Kunti’s son Dhananjaya said unto Vasudeva these words, “Behold, O Krishna of mighty arms, the prowess of the bhargava weapon!  It cannot, by any means, be baffled!  Behold the Suta’s son also, O Krishna, filled with rage in this great battle and resembling the Destroyer himself, in prowess and employed in achieving such a fierce feat!  Urging his steeds incessantly, he is repeatedly casting angry glances upon me!  I will never be able to fly away from Karna in battle!  The person that is living, may, in battle, meet with either victory or defeat.  To the man, however, that is dead, O Hrishikesha, even death is victory.  How can defeat be his that is dead?” Thus addressed by Partha, Krishna replied unto that foremost of intelligent men and chastiser of foes, these words that were suitable to the occasion, “The royal son of Kunti hath been deeply wounded and mangled by Karna.  Having seen him first and comforted him, thou wilt then, O Partha, slay Karna?” Then Keshava proceeded, desirous of beholding Yudhishthira, thinking that Karna meanwhile, O monarch, would be overwhelmed with fatigue!  Then Dhananjaya, himself desirous of beholding the king afflicted with arrows, quickly proceeded on that car, avoiding the battle, at Keshava’s command.  While the son of Kunti was thus proceeding from desire of seeing king Yudhishthira the just, he cast his eyes on every part of the army but failed to find his eldest brother anywhere on the field.  The son of Kunti proceeded, O Bharata, having fought with the son of his preceptor Drona, and having vanquished that hero incapable of being resisted by the wielder of the thunderbolt himself.’”

65

“Sanjaya said, ’Having vanquished the son of Drona and achieved a mighty and heroic feat that is exceedingly difficult of accomplishment, Dhananjaya, irresistible by foes, and with bow outstretched in his hands, cast his eyes among his own troops.  The brave Savyasaci, gladdening those warriors of his that were still battling at the head of their divisions and applauding those among them that were celebrated