' Then
Halayudha of complexion like unto that of clouds uncharged with rain,
addressing his younger brother (Krishna), said with great satisfaction, 'O,
I am happy to hear, as I do from sheer good fortune, that our father's
sister Pritha with the foremost of the Kaurava princes have all escaped
(from death)!'"
SECTION CLXLII
(Swayamvara Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then those bulls among Brahmanas shaking their deer-
skins and water-pots made of cocoanut-shells exclaimed, 'Fear not, we will
fight the foe!' Arjuna smilingly addressing those Brahmanas exclaiming
thus, said, 'Stand ye aside as spectators (of the fray). Showering hundreds
of arrows furnished with straight points even I shall check, like snakes
with mantras, all those angry monarchs.' Having said this, the mighty
Arjuna taking up the bow he had obtained as dower accompanied by his
brother Bhima stood immovable as a mountain. And beholding those
Kshatriyas who were ever furious in battle with Karna ahead, the heroic
brothers rushed fearlessly at them like two elephants rushing against a
hostile elephant. Then those monarchs eager for the fight fiercely
exclaimed, 'The slaughter in battle of one desiring to fight is
permitted.' And saying this, the monarchs suddenly rushed against the
Brahmanas. And Karna endued with great energy rushed against Jishnu for
fight. And Salya the mighty king of Madra rushed against Bhima like an
elephant rushing against another for the sake of a she-elephant in heat;
while Duryodhana and others engaged with the Brahmanas, skirmished with
them lightly and carelessly.
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