,
for the sake of nectar, there had taken place a mighty conflict between
the gods and the demons. I had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And
on the occasion of the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a
dreadful and mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to
the lord of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the
slaying of _Vritra_, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had also
beheld the high and terrific encounter with _Virochana's_ son, and, O
Pandava, with _Vala_, and with _Prahrada_ and with others also. In these
exceedingly dreadful battles, I was present; but, O Pandu's son, never
(before) had I lost my senses. Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the
destruction of all creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other
purpose than destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of
his, "pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
mighty energy of the illusion spread by the _Danavas_" quoth I unto the
terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the power of my
weapons and of the bow, _Gandiva_. To-day even by (the help of)
illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom and also this
horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O charioteer. Pacify thyself."
Having said this, O lord of men, I created for the good of the
celestials, an illusion of arms capable of bewildering all beings. And
when (their) illusion had been dispelled, some of the foremost amongst
the _Asuras_, of unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of
illusion. Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and now it
was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up, Matali,
sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds, began to
range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_
assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I began to send them to the
mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that conflict then raging, calculated to
annihilate the _Nivata-Kavachas_ on a sudden, I could not see the
_Danavas_ concealed by illusion.'"

SECTION CLXXI

"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the _Daityas_ began to fight
with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them, resorting to the
energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly discharged from the
_Gandiva_, began to sever their heads at those different places where
they were respectively stationed. And t