|
83.BORROWED ARMOR
Tell me all, be it ever so
unpleasant," said the old king convulsed
with grief. And obedient to the old king's
behest, Sanjaya continued his narration.
Duryodhana was greatly agitated when he
saw Arjuna's chariot proceeding
triumphantly towards the Sindhu king. He
rushed to Drona and complained bitterly:
"Arjuna has effected a breach in the great
army and has advanced to Jayadratha's
position. Seeing our discomfiture, the
warriors, protecting the Sindhu king, will
surely lose heart. They had believed that it
was impossible for Arjuna to get past you
and that has now been falsified. He
advanced before your eyes and nothing
was done to prevent it. You seem indeed
bent on helping the Pandavas. I am in
great distress of mind. Sir, tell me, in what
matter have I offended you? Why are you
letting me down in this way? If I had
known that you would do this, I should
not have asked Jayadratha to stay here. It
was a great mistake I committed in not
letting him go, as he desired, back to his
own country. If Arjuna attacks him, it is
not possible for him to escape death.
Forgive me. I am talking foolishly,
distracted by grief. Do go in person
yourself to save the Saindhava."
To this frantic appeal Drona made answer:
"King, I shall not take offence at your
thoughtless and unworthy remarks. You
are like a son to me. Aswatthama himself
is not dearer! Do what I ask you. Take this
coat of armor and, donning it, go and stop
Arjuna. I cannot do so for my presence is
necessary in this part of the field. See
there, the clouds of arrows! The Pandava
army is attacking us in great force.
Yudhishthira is here unsupported by
Arjuna and is this not just the opportunity
we wanted? Our very plan has borne fruit
and I must now take Yudhishthira
prisoner and deliver him to you. I cannot
give up this objective and run after
Phalguna now. If I go after Arjuna now,
our battle array will be hopelessly broken
and we shall be lost. Let me put this armor
on you. Go in confidence. Do not fear.
You have valor, skill and experience. This
coat will protect you against all weapons.
It will not let any blow pass through your
body. Go forth to battle, Duryodhana, in
confidence as Indra did, clad in the armor
given by Brahma. May victory be yours."
|
|