he Madras, like the Udaya and the Asta hills, received those
assailants. Boasting of his prowess in battle, Shalya poured a shower of
arrows on that chastiser of foes, king Yudhishthira the just, like
Maghavat pouring rain. The high-souled king of the Kurus also having
taken up his beautiful bow displayed those diverse kinds of lessons that
Drona had taught him. And he poured successive showers of arrows
beautifully, quickly, and with great skill. As he careered in battle,
none could mark any lapses in him. Shalya and Yudhishthira, both endued
with great prowess in battle, mangled each other, like a couple of tigers
fighting for a piece of meat. Bhima was engaged with thy son, that
delighter in battle. The Pancala prince (Dhrishtadyumna), Satyaki, and
the two sons of Madri by Pandu, received Shakuni and the other Kuru
heroes around. In consequence of thy evil policy, O king, there again
occurred in that spot an awful battle between thy warriors and those of
the foe, all of whom were inspired with the desire of victory. Duryodhana
then, with a straight shaft, aiming at the gold-decked standard of Bhima,
cut off in that battle. The beautiful standard of Bhimasena, adorned with
many bells, fell down, O giver of honours. Once more the king, with a
sharp razor-faced arrow, cut off the beautiful bow of Bhima that looked
like the trunk of an elephant. Endued with great energy, the bowless
Bhima then, putting forth his prowess pierced the chest of thy son with a
dart. At this, thy son sat down on the terrace of his car. When
Duryodhana swooned away, Vrikodara once more, with razor-faced shaft, cut
off the head of his driver from his trunk. The steeds of Duryodhana's
car, deprived of their driver, ran wildly on all sides, O Bharata,
dragging the car after them, at which loud wails arose (in the Kuru
army). Then the mighty car-warrior Ashvatthama, and Kripa and Kritavarma,
followed that car, desirous of rescuing thy son. The (Kaurava) troops (at
sight of this) became exceedingly agitated. The followers of Duryodhana
became terrified. At that time, the wielder of Gandiva, drawing his bow,
began to slay them with his arrows. Then Yudhishthira, excited with rage,
rushed against the ruler of the Madras, himself urging his steeds white
as ivory and fleet as thought. We then saw something that was wonderful
in Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, for though very mild and soft, he then
became exceedingly fierce. With eyes opened wide and body t