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47. PROMISE FULFILLED
THE chariot of Arjuna thundered on its
way, seeming to shake the earth. The
hearts of the Kauravas quaked when they
heard the twang of the Gandiva bow.
"Our army must be arrayed well and with
care. Arjuna, has come," said Drona
anxiously. Duryodhana did not at all like
the honor Drona did Arjuna by this
anxiety.
He said to Karna: "The Pandavas' pledge
was that they would spend twelve years in
the forest and the following year
undiscovered. The thirteenth year has not
ended yet. Arjuna has revealed himself
before the time. Why then should we give
way to fear? The Pandavas will have to go
again to the forest for another twelve
years. Drona is suffering from the cold
feet of the too learned. Let us leave him in
the rear and advance to the battle."
Karna assented and said: "Our soldiers'
heart is not in the fight and they are
trembling with fear. They say that the
man, who stands so proudly, bow in hand,
on the chariot, speeding towards us, is
Arjuna. But why need we fear even if it
were Parasurama? I will myself stop the
advancing warrior and redeem my word to
you, and fight him, aye, even if all the
others stand back. They may drive away
the cows of the Matsya king while, single
handed, I shall give them cover, engaging
Arjuna in battle," and Karna, as usual,
began to blow his own trumpet.
When Kripa heard these words of Karna,
he said: "This is pure tomfoolery. We
must all make a combined attack on
Arjuna. That would be our one chance of
success. Do not therefore, brag about your
opposing him alone and unaided."
Karna grew angry. He said: "The acharya
ever delights in singing Arjuna's praises
and in magnifying his prowess. Whether
he does so from fear or excessive
fondness for the Pandavas, I do not know.
Those, who are afraid, need not fight, but
may simply look on, while others, who are
true to the salt they have eaten, engage in
battle. I, for one, a mere soldier who loves
my friends and hates my enemies, will
stand here and fight.
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