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.
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