Section CLXXXV Drona-vadha Parva
"Sanjaya said,
'At this time Duryodhana, under the influence of wrath, approached Drona and addressing him said these words, for inspiring him with joy and provoking his anger.'
"Duryodhana said,
'No mercy should have been shown to our foes while they were heartless and worn out with toil and taking rest, especially when they are all of sure aim. Desirous of doing what is agreeable to you, we showed them kindness by then letting them alone. The tired Pandavas, however (having taken rest), have become stronger. As regards ourselves, we are, in every respect, losing in energy and strength. The Pandavas, protected by you, are constantly gaining prosperity. All weapons that are celestial and all those that appertain to Brahma exist in you. I tell you truly, that neither the Pandavas, nor ourselves, nor any other bowmen in the world, can be a match for you while you are engaged in battle. O foremost of regenerate ones, you are acquainted with all weapons. Without doubt, by means of your celestial weapons you are capable of destroying the (three) worlds with the gods, the Asuras, and the Gandharvas. The Pandavas are all afraid of you. You, however, forgivest them, remembering that they were your pupils, or, perhaps, owing to my ill luck.'
"Sanjaya continued,
'Thus rebuked and angered by your son, Drona, O king, wrathfully addressed Duryodhana and said these words: 'Although I am so old, O Duryodhana, I am still exerting myself in battle to the utmost extent of might. All these men are unacquainted with weapons. I am, however, well-versed in them. If, from desire of victory, I slay these men, there can be no more ignoble act for me to do. That, however, which is in your mind, be it good or bad, I will accomplish, O Kaurava, at your command. It will not be otherwise. Putting forth my prowess in battle and slaying all the Pancalas, I will doff my armour, O king! I swear this to you truly. You think that Arjuna, the son of Kunti, was worn out in battle. O mighty-armed Kaurava! Listen to what I truly say regarding his prowess. If Savyasacin’s wrath is excited, neither Gandharvas, nor Yakshas nor Rakshasas can venture to bear him.
At Khandavas, he encountered the divine chief of the celestials himself. The illustrious Arjuna, with his shafts baffled the pouring Indra. Yakshas, and Nagas, and Daityas, and all others proud of their might, were slain by that foremost of men. That also is known to you. On the occasion of the tale of cattle, the Gandharvas headed by Citrasena and others were vanquished by him. That firm bowman rescued you, while you were being carried away by those Gandharvas. Nivatakavacas also, those enemies of the celestials, that were unslayable in battle by the celestials, themselves, were vanquished by that hero. Thousands of Danavas dwelling in Hiranyapura, that tiger among men vanquished. How can human beings then withstand him? O monarch, you have seen with your own eyes how this host of thine, although exerting themselves so heroically, has been destroyed by the son of Pandu.'
"Sanjaya continued,
'Unto Drona who was thus applauding Arjuna, your son, O king, angered thereat, once more said these words: 'Myself and Duhsasana, and Karna, and my maternal uncle, Sakuni, dividing this Bharata host into two divisions (and taking one with us), shall to-day slay Arjuna in battle.'
'Hearing these words of his, Bharadvaja’s son, laughing, sanctioned that speech of the king and said,
'Blessings to you! What Kshatriya is there that would slay that bull amongst Kshatriyas, that unslayable one, viz., the bearer of Gandiva, that hero blazing forth with energy? Neither the Lord of treasures, nor Indra, nor Yama, nor the Asuras, the Uragas, and the Rakshasas can stay Arjuna armed with weapons. Only they that are fools say such words as those you have said, O Bharata! Who is there that would return home in safety, having encountered Arjuna in battle? As regards thyself, you are sinful and cruel and suspicious of everybody. Even them that are employed in your welfare, you are ready to rebuke in this way. Go you against the son of Kunti, for withstanding him for your own sake. You are a well-born Kshatriya. You seeks battle. Why dost you cause all these unoffending Kshatriyas to be slain? You are the root of this hostility.
Therefore, go you against Arjuna. This your maternal uncle is possessed of wisdom and observant of Kshatriya duties. O son of Gandhari, let this one addicted to gambling proceed against Arjuna in battle. This one, skilled in dice, wedded to deception, addicted to gambling, versed in cunning and imposture, this gambler conversant with the ways of deceiving, will vanquish the Pandavas in battle!
With Karna in your company, you had often joyfully boasted, from folly and emptiness of understanding, in the hearing of Dhritarashtra, saying,
'O sire, myself, and Karna, and my brother Duhsasana, these three, uniting together, will slay the sons of Pandu in battle.'
This your boast was heard in every meeting of the court. Accomplish your vow, be truthful in speech, with them. There your mortal foe, the son of Pandu, is staying before you. Observe the duties of a Kshatriya. Your slaughter at the hands of Jaya would be worthy of every praise. You have practised charity. You have eaten (everything ever desired by you). You have obtained wealth to the measure of your wish. You have no debts. You have done all that one should do. Do not fear. Fight now with the son of Pandu.'
These words said, the battle commenced.'"
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