|
88.SOMADATTA'S END
Partha's mind was at the time concentrated
on Jayadratha's movements and he did not
watch this combat between Satyaki and
the son of Somadatta.
But his charioteer Krishna was deeply
concerned about Satyaki's fate. For
Krishna knew about their family feud.
"Dhananjaya," said Krishna, "Satyaki is
exhausted. Bhurisravas is going to kill
him now."
Still Arjuna was following only
Jayadratha's movements.
"Satyaki who came after an exhausting
battle with the Kaurava forces has been
forced to accept Bhurisravas' challenge,"
said Krishna again. "It is a most unequal
battle. Unless we help him, beloved
Yuyudhana will be slain."
Even as Krishna was saying this,
Bhurisravas lifted Satyaki up and brought
him crashing to the ground and all the
men around in the Kaurava army
exclaimed: "Yuyudhana is dead!"
Again Krishna importuned: "Satyaki is
lying almost dead on the field, the best
among the Vrishni clan. One who came to
help you, is being killed before your eyes.
You are looking on, doing nothing."
Bhurisravas caught hold of the prostrate
Satyaki and dragged him on the ground as
a lion drags its elephant prey.
Arjuna was in a great conflict of mind.
"Bhurisravas has not been called to battle
by me, nor has he challenged me to fight.
How can I send my shaft at Bhurisravas
when he is engaged with another? My
mind recoils from such an act, although it
is true a friend who came to help me is
being slaughtered before my eyes."
Just as Arjuna finished saying this to
Krishna, the sky was darkened by a cloud
of arrows sent by Jayadratha. Arjuna
replied with a shower of arrows, but he
constantly turned with pain to where
Satyaki was in the mortal grip of
Bhurisravas.
Krishna again pressed Arjuna to consider
Satyaki's condition. "O Partha, Satyaki
has lost all his weapons and he is now in
Bhurisravas' power, helpless."
When Arjuna turned, he saw Bhurisravas
with his foot on the prostrate body of
Satyaki and sword upraised to slay him.
Before Bhurisravas could deliver the fatal
thrust, Arjuna shot an arrow which went
with the speed of lightning and the next
moment the uplifted arm fell chopped off
to the ground still holding the sword.
Bhurisravas, all amazed, turned and saw
who had done it.
"Son of Kunti," he exclaimed, "I had not
expected this of you! It befits not a
warrior to shoot from behind in this
manner.
|
|