the sons of Pandu had alone subjugated the whole earth!' Thus
addressed, Vrihannala replied unto the prince, saying, 'What ability
have I to act as a charioteer in the field of battle? If it is song or
dance or musical instruments or such other things, I can entertain thee
therewith, but where is my skill for becoming a charioteer?'

[39] The words in the original is _pranayam_, lit., love.
Nilakantha, however, explains it as meaning modesty, humility. I
think, Nilakantha is right. The relations between Arjuna and the
princess were like those between father and daughter.

"Uttara said, 'O Vrihannala, be thou a singer or a dancer, hold thou
(for the present), without loss of time, the reins of my excellent
steeds, mounting upon my car!'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Although that oppressor of foes, the son of
Pandu, was acquainted with everything, yet in the presence of Uttara, he
began to make many mistakes for the sake of fun. And when he sought to
put the coat of mail on his body by raising it upwards, the large-eyed
maidens, beholding it, burst out into a loud laughter. And seeing him
quite ignorant of putting on armour, Uttara himself equipped Vrihannala
with a costly coat of mail. And casing his own person in an excellent
armour of solar effulgence, and hoisting his standard bearing the figure
of a lion, the prince caused Vrihannala to become his charioteer. And
with Vrihannala to hold his reins, the hero set out, taking with him
many costly bows and a large number of beautiful arrows. And his friend,
Uttara and her maidens then said unto Vrihannala, 'Do thou, O
Vrihannala, bring for our dolls (when thou comest back) various kinds of
good and fine cloths after vanquishing the Kurus assembled for battle of
whom Bhishma and Drona are foremost!' Thus addressed, Partha the son of
Pandu, in a voice deep as the roar of the clouds, smilingly said unto
that bevy of fair maidens. 'If thus Uttara can vanquish those mighty
warriors in battle, I will certainly bring excellent and beautiful
cloths.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words, the heroic Arjuna
urged the steeds towards the Kuru army over which floated innumerable
flags. Just, however, as they were starting, elderly dames and maidens,
and Brahmanas of rigid vows, beholding Uttara seated on his excellent
car with Vrihannala as charioteer and under that great banner hoisted on
high, walked round the car to bless the hero. And the women said