That far-famed destroyer of hostile hosts, the large-eyed
Karna, was born of Pritha in her maidenhood. He was a portion of the hot-
beamed Sun and his energy and prowess were like unto those of the lion, or
the bull, or the leader of a herd of elephants. In splendour he resembled
the Sun, in loveliness the Moon, and in energy the fire. Begotten by the
Sun himself, he was tall in stature like a golden palm tree, and, endued
with the vigour of youth, he was capable of slaying a lion. Handsome in
features, he was possessed of countless accomplishments. The mighty-armed
warrior, eyeing all around the arena, bowed indifferently to Drona and
Kripa. And the entire assembly, motionless and with steadfast gaze,
thought, 'Who is he?' And they became agitated in their curiosity to know
the warrior. And that foremost of eloquent men, the offspring of the Sun,
in a voice deep as that of the clouds, addressed his unknown brother, the
son of the subduer of the Asura, Paka (Indra), saying, 'O Partha, I shall
perform feats before this gazing multitude; excelling all thou hast
performed! Beholding them, thou shall be amazed.' And, O thou best of
those blest with speech, he had hardly done when the spectators stood up
all at once, uplifted by some instrument, as it were. And, O tiger among
men, Duryodhana was filled with delight, while Vibhatsu was instantly all
abashment and anger. Then with the permission of Drona, the mighty Karna,
delighting in battle, there did all that Partha had done before.
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