Then the firmament became enveloped in clouds emitting flashes of
lightning, and the coloured bow of Indra appeared shedding its effulgent
rays. And the clouds seemed to laugh on account of the rows of white
cranes that were then on the wing. And seeing Indra thus viewing the arena
from affection (for his son), the sun too dispersed the clouds from over
his own offspring. And Phalguna remained deep hid under cover of the
clouds, while Karna remained visible, being surrounded by the rays of the
Sun. And the son of Dhritarashtra stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja and Kripa
and Bhishma remained with Partha. And the assembly was divided, as also
the female spectators. And knowing the state of things, Kunti the daughter
of Bhoja, swooned away. And by the help of female attendants, Vidura,
versed in the lore of all duties, revived the insensible Kunti by
sprinkling sandal-paste and water on her person. On being restored to
consciousness, Kunti, seeing her two sons clad in mail, was seized with
fear, but she could do nothing (to protect them). And beholding both the
warriors with bows strung in their hands the son of Saradwat, viz., Kripa,
knowing all duties and cognisant of the rules regulating duels, addressed
Karna, saying 'This Pandava, who is the youngest son of Kunti, belongeth
to the Kaurava race: he will engage in combat with thee. But, O mighty-
armed one, thou too must tell us thy lineage and the names of thy father
and mother and the royal line of which thou art the ornament.
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