Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/72

38 covered with blood. Then the great charioteer, the son of Drona, of terrible wrath, vowed, 'without killing all the Panchalas including and the Pandavas also with all their allies, I will not take off my armour.' Having spoken these words, the three warriors leaving Duryodhana's side entered the great forest just as the sun was setting. While sitting under a large banian tree in the night, they saw an owl killing numerous crows one after another. At sight of this, Aswatthama, his heart full of rage at the thought of his father's fate, resolved to slay the slumbering Panchalas. And wending to the gate of the camp, he there saw a Rakshasa of frightful visage and head reaching to the very heavens, guarding the entrance. And seeing that Rakshasa obstructing all his weapons, the son of Drona speedily pacified by worship the Rudra. And then accompanied by Kritavarma and Kripa slew all the sons of Draupadi, all the Panchalas with and others, together with their relatives, slumbering unsuspectingly in the night. All perished on that fatal night except the five Pandavas and the great warrior Satyaki. These escaped owing to Krishna's counsels. Then the charioteer of brought to the Pandavas intelligence of the slaughter of the slumbering Panchalas by the son of Drona. Then Draupadi distressed at the death of her sons and brothers and father sat before her lords resolved to kill herself by fasting. Then Bhima of terrible prowess, moved by the words of Draupadi, resolved to please her; and speedily taking up his mace followed in wrath the son of his preceptor in arms. The son of Drona from fear of and impelled by the fates and moved also by anger discharged a celestial weapon saying 'this is for the destruction of all the Pandavas'; then Krishna saying 'this shall not be' neutralised  speech. Then Arjuna neutralised that weapon by one of his own. Seeing the wicked destructive intentions, Dwaipayana (and Krishna) denounced curses on him which the latter returned. The Pandavas then deprived the mighty charioteer of the jewel on his head and became exceedingly glad, and boastful of their success made a present of it to the sorrowing Draupadi.