ld force him to put forth exertion. All
persons, O chief of the Bhojas, joyfully begin to act, even in respect of
enterprises that lead to death, in the belief that those enterprises are
achievable by them. All men, relying on their own judgements and wisdom,
endeavour to accomplish diverse purposes, knowing them to be beneficial.
The resolution that has possessed my mind today in consequence of our
great calamity, as something that is capable of dispelling my grief, I
will now disclose unto both of you.

"'"The Creator, having formed his creatures, assigned unto each his
occupation. As regards the different orders, he gave unto each a portion
of excellence. Unto Brahmanas he assigned that foremost of all things,
the Veda. Unto the Kshatriya he assigned superior energy. Unto the
Vaishya he gave skill, and unto the Shudra he gave the duty of serving
the three other classes. Hence, a Brahmana without self-restraint is
censurable. A Kshatriya without energy is base. A Vaishya without skill
is worthy of dispraise, as also a Shudra who is bereft of humility (to
the other orders).

"'"I am born in an adorable and high family of Brahmanas. Through ill-luck,
however, I am wedded to Kshatriya practices. If, conversant as I am with
Kshatriya duties, I adopt now the duties of a Brahmana and achieve a high
object (the purification of self under such injuries), that course would
not be consistent with nobleness. I hold an excellent bow and excellent
weapons in battle. If I do not avenge the slaughter of my sire, how shall
I open my mouth in the midst of men? Paying regard to Kshatriya duties,
therefore, without hesitation, I shall today walk in the steps of my
high-souled sire and the king.

"'"The Pancalas, elated with victory, will trustfully sleep tonight, having
put off their armour and in great glee, and filled with happiness at the
thought of the victory they have won, and spent with toil and exertion.
While sleeping at their ease during the night within their own camp, I
shall make a great and terrible assault upon their camp. Like Maghavat
slaying the Danavas, I shall, attacking them while senseless and dead in
sleep in their camp, slay them all, putting forth my prowess. Like a
blazing fire consuming a heap of dry grass, I shall slay all of them
assembled in one place with their leader Dhrishtadyumna! Having slain the
Pancalas, I shall obtain peace of mind, O best of men! While engaged in
the act of slaughter, I shall car