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67. THE FOURTH DAY
Those that escaped
fled in panic and caused great havoc in the
Kaurava army, trampling numerous
soldiers in their wild race. Duryodhana,
thereupon, ordered a wholesale attack on
Bhima.
But he stood firm as a rock and presently,
the Pandava warriors came up and joined
him. A number of Duryodhana's arrows
struck Bhima's chest and he climbed up
his chariot again.
"Visoka, now is the glad hour," said
Bhima to his charioteer. "I see a number
of Dhritarashtra's sons before me, ready to
be shaken down like ripe fruits on a tree.
Keep your hold well on the reins and
drive on. I am going to dispatch these
wretches to Yama's abode." Bhima's
arrows would have killed Duryodhana
then and there, had it not been for his
armor.
Eight of Duryodhana's brothers were slain
in that day's battle by Bhima. Duryodhana
fought fiercely. Bhima's bow was
smashed by one of Duryodhana's arrows.
Taking up a fresh bow, Bhima sent an
arrow with a knife-edge at Duryodhana
that cut the latter's bow into two.
Not baffled by this, Duryodhana took up a
fresh bow and discharged a well-aimed
shaft which struck Bhima on his chest
with such force that he reeled and sat
down.
The Pandava warriors now poured a great
shower of arrows on Duryodhana.
Ghatotkacha, who saw his father sit dazed
with the force of the blow, got
exceedingly angry and fell on the Kaurava
army, which was unable to stand against
his onslaught.
"We cannot fight this Rakshasa today."
said Bhishma to Drona. "Our men are
weary. It is nearing sunset and at night of
the Rakshasas grows stronger with the
darkness. Let us deal with Ghatotkacha
tomorrow."
The grandsire ordered his army to retire
for the night. Duryodhana sat musing in
his tent, his eyes filled with tears. He had
lost many of his brothers in that day's
battle.
"Sanjaya," exclaimed Dhritarashtra.
"Every day, you give me nothing but bad
news. Your tale has ever been one of
sorrow, of defeat and loss of dear ones! I
cannot stand this any more. What
stratagem can save my people? How are
we going to win in this fight? Indeed, I am
full of fear. It seems fate is more powerful
than human effort."
"King " said Sanjaya in reply, "is this not
all the result of your own folly? Of what
avail is grief? How can I manufacture
good news for you? You should hear the
truth with fortitude."
"Ah! Vidura's words are coming true,"
said the blind old king, plunged in great
grief.
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