n
of Bharadwaja, never shouldst thou hurl this weapon at any human being,
especially at one who is of poor energy. 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
his 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 Nakula, 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 Dattamitra who had resolutely sought an
encounter with him. The third of the Pandava 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
whole of the south, Dhananjaya sent unto the kingdom of the Kurus a large
booty.

"Thus did those foremost of men, the illustrious Pandavas, conquering the
territories of other kings, extend the limits of their own kingdom. But
beholding the great prowess and strength of those mighty bowmen, king
Dhritarashtra's sentimen