Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/345

Rh or heavy. And Drona certified that there was none in the world who was equal to Arjuna in lightness of hand and general proficiency.

"One day, Drona, addressing Arjuna before the assembled Kaurava princes, said, 'There was a disciple of Agastya in the science of arms called Agnivesa. He was my preceptor and I, bis disciple. By ascetic merit I obtained from him a weapon called Brahmasira which could never be futile and which was like unto thunder itself one capable of consuming the whole Earth. That weapon ( Bharata, from what I have done, may now pass from disciple to disciple. While imparting it to me, my preceptor said, son of Bharadwaja, never shouldst thou hurl this weapon at any human being, especially at one who is of poor energy 1-Thou hast, o hero, obtained that celestial weapon ! None else deserveth it. But obey the command of the Rishi (Agnivesa). And, look here, Arjuna, give me now the preceptorial fee in the presence of these thy cousins and relatives !' When Arjuna, on hearing this, pledged his word that he would give what the preceptor demanded, the latter said, 'O sinless one, thou must fight with me when I fight with thee!' And that bull among the Kuru princes thereupon pledged bis word unto Drona and touching his feet, went away northward. Then there arose a loud shout covering the whole Earth bounded by her belt of seas to the effect that there was no bowman in the whole world like unto Arjuna. And, indeed, Dhananjaya, in encounters with the mace and the sword and on the chariot as also with the bow, acquired wonderful proficiency. Sahadeva obtained the whole science of morality and duties from (Vrihaspati) the spiritual chief of celestials, and continued to live under the control of his brothers. And Nákula, the favourite of his brothers taught by Drona, became known as a skilful warrior and a great car-warrior (Ati-ratha ). Indeed, Arjuna and the other Pandava princes became so powerful that they slew in battle the great Sauvira who had performed a sacrifice extending over three years, undaunted by the raids of the Gandharvas. And the king of the Yavanas himself whom the powerful Pandu even had failed to Bring under subjection was brought by Arjuna under control. Then again Vipula, the king of the Sauviras, endued with great prowess, who had always shown a disregard for the Kurus, was made by the intelligent Arjuna to feel the edge of his power. And Arjuna also repressed by 'means of his arrows (the pride of) king Sumitra of Sauvira, also known by the name of Datta mitra who had resolutely sought an encounter with him. The third of the Pandavas, princes, assisted by Bhima, on only a single car subjugated all the kings of the East backed by ten thousand cars. In the same way, having conquered on a single car the