{"id":575,"date":"2013-07-13T01:28:59","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=575"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:28:59","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:28:59","slug":"11-the-slaying-of-jarasandha-vol-08-translations-volume-08","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/08-translations-volume-08\/11-the-slaying-of-jarasandha-vol-08-translations-volume-08","title":{"rendered":"-11_The Slaying of Jarasandha.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n

                  III<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n


\n <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n


\n The Slaying of Jarasandha<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n


\n <\/span><\/p>\n

K<\/font><\/b><\/span>rishna pursued: \u201cNow is the
\ncall of Fate, <\/span><\/p>\n

Fallen is Dimbhuc, fallen
\nHansa great, <\/span><\/p>\n

Kansa is slain and all his
\nhost; the hour <\/span><\/p>\n

At last draws nigh when
\nJarasandha\u2019s power <\/span><\/p>\n

Must bow to death; yet not
\nin violent war <\/span><\/p>\n

Is conquerable nor all the
\ngods that are <\/span><\/p>\n

Nor the embattled Titans
\noverwhelm:<\/span><\/p>\n

In deadly duel we must
\nvanquish him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conduct is mine, strength
\nBheem\u2019s and in the field<\/span><\/p>\n

Arjoon who is very victory
\nstands to shield.<\/span><\/p>\n

We will consume the Maagadh,
\nKing, believe,<\/span><\/p>\n

As three strong fires a
\nsacrifice achieve<\/span><\/p>\n

If we three in a lonely
\nplace attain<\/span><\/p>\n

To see him, no doubt is, the
\nKing of men<\/span><\/p>\n

Duel with one of three will
\nundertake,<\/span><\/p>\n

In pride and strength and
\ngreed of glory\u2019s sake<\/span><\/p>\n

Grandiose of heart, duel
\nwith Bhema claim<\/span><\/p>\n

But Bheme great-armed, Bheme
\nvigorous for him<\/span><\/p>\n

Suffices, even as death that
\ncloses all<\/span><\/p>\n

Sufficient is for the
\nimmense world\u2019s fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

King, if my heart thou
\nknowest and if trust<\/span><\/p>\n

Thou hast in me at all, then
\nas a just<\/span><\/p>\n

And dear deposit in my hands
\nimplied<\/span><\/p>\n

Bheem and Arjoona give.\u201d And
\nthe King cried,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAchyuta, O Achyuta, never
\nso,<\/span><\/p>\n

O hero, speak, O slayer of
\nthe foe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thou art the Pandav\u2019s lord,
\ntheir refuge thou.<\/span><\/p>\n

Govinda, all thou speakest I
\navow<\/span><\/p>\n

Truth merely; (whom thou guidest
\nare not men <\/span><\/p>\n

Fortune abandons. Nay,
\nalready slain<\/span><\/p>\n

King Jarasandha is, rescued
\nalready<\/span><\/p>\n

Those kings of earth, and
\nwon and greatly ready<\/span><\/p>\n

Imperial Sacrifice, now that
\nI stand,<\/span><\/p>\n

O first of men, in thy
\ncontrolling hand.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 50<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

Quickly
\nthis work to accomplish, be it planned <\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nprudently; for without you no zest, <\/span><\/p>\n

No courage I
\nhave to live, as one distressed <\/span><\/p>\n

One
\novercome with sickness, who lives on <\/span><\/p>\n

When life
\nno meaning has but pain alone.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Without the
\nchild of Pandu Krisna is none, <\/span><\/p>\n

Nor
\npossible without Krishna Pritha\u2019s son. <\/span><\/p>\n

By Krishna
\nled unvanquishable are these. <\/span><\/p>\n

Splendid in
\nstrength, strongest of strong men is, <\/span><\/p>\n

Vricodar:
\njoined and made a third with you, <\/span><\/p>\n

Famous and
\nnoble, nought is he may not do. <\/span><\/p>\n

(Well led
\nthe armed multitudes effect <\/span><\/p>\n

Great
\ndeeds, but led must be by men elect. <\/span><\/p>\n

Blind and
\ninert mere strength is, all its force<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Impetuous but a block. As by that course <\/span><\/p>\n

Where dips
\nthe soil, there water\u2019s led and whence <\/span><\/p>\n

A gap most
\nopens rivermen lead thence <\/span><\/p>\n

Water, even
\nsuch is guiding policy.)\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore,
\nGovinda, in thy hand are we, <\/span><\/p>\n

Whom the
\nworld names its hero famousest <\/span><\/p>\n

For conduct
\nand in that great science best. <\/span><\/p>\n

Krishna
\nwhose strength is wisdom, counsel, who<\/span><\/p>\n

Is girded
\nwith resource, Krishna must you <\/span><\/p>\n

Put in your
\nvan with action\u2019s every need:<\/span><\/p>\n

So only
\naction\u2019s purpose may succeed:<\/span><\/p>\n

Arjoon by
\nKrishna led, Bheema by Arjoon:<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nconduct, victory, strength \u2014 these three triune <\/span><\/p>\n

Shall grow
\nand conquer, making valour good.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

He said,
\nand those three huge in hardihood, <\/span><\/p>\n

The Vrisnny
\nhero and the Pandavs twain,
\nWent forth to Magadha of happy men.<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nGirivraj, the city of the hills,<\/span><\/p>\n

A nation of
\nthe four-fold orders fills,<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nprosperous race and glad, they travelled are,<\/span><\/p>\n

Flushed
\nwith high festival and void of care<\/span><\/p>\n

(A virgin
\ncity inviolable in war).<\/span><\/p>\n

So came
\nthey to the city gates where soared<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018 For I
\nshall live as lasts a man distressed,<\/font> <\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 51<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The height by Brihadratha\u2019s
\nsons adored<\/span><\/p>\n

And all the people, one of
\npeaks that stand,<\/span><\/p>\n

Delightful hills, Chytyac,
\nin Magadh land; \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

Thither they storming came.
\nThere Rishabha,<\/span><\/p>\n

The eater of forbidden
\nflesh, to slay<\/span><\/p>\n

Came Brihadrath the king
\n(and slew and bound<\/span><\/p>\n

Three war-drums with its
\nhide whose threatening sound<\/span><\/p>\n

Far borne through a whole
\nmonth went echoing).<\/span><\/p>\n

These in his city placed the
\nMaagadh king.<\/span><\/p>\n

(Covered with dust of
\nglorious blossoms there<\/span><\/p>\n

The drums hurled oft their
\nthunders through the air.)<\/span><\/p>\n

But now came storming to the
\nChytyac-wall<\/span><\/p>\n

The heroes and the war-drums
\nbroke and all<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon the rampart fell as if
\nto smite<\/span><\/p>\n

The very head of Jarasandha\u2019s
\nmight:<\/span><\/p>\n

Chytyac, the ancient peak
\nenorm, deep-based, <\/span><\/p>\n

Ever
\nwith flowers and fragrance worshipped, vast <\/span><\/p>\n

And famous, with Titanic
\nforce of arm <\/span><\/p>\n

Assailed and overthrew with
\nloud alarm;<\/span><\/p>\n

So leaped exulting through
\nno usual gate. <\/span><\/p>\n

To war with Jarasandh they
\ncame, and yet <\/span><\/p>\n

Weapons of war had none,
\nwith their arms merely <\/span><\/p>\n

Sworded and shielded with
\nthe vow austerely <\/span><\/p>\n

Assumed wherein men enter
\nworldly life, <\/span><\/p>\n

Snatucs. A town they saw
\nwith riches rife,<\/span><\/p>\n

Food-mart and flower-mart
\nand populous street,<\/span><\/p>\n

In all desirable wealth
\ngrandly complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

So went they mid the shops
\nand highroad wide<\/span><\/p>\n

And from the garland-makers
\nin the pride<\/span><\/p>\n

Of hostile strength fresh
\ngarlands violently<\/span><\/p>\n

They mastered. Then in
\nbright variety<\/span><\/p>\n

Of garments many-hued the
\nmighty three<\/span><\/p>\n

With wreaths and burnished
\near-rings bright a fame<\/span><\/p>\n

To Jarasandha\u2019s lordly
\ndwelling came.<\/span><\/p>\n

As lions of the Himalaya eye
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

A cattle-pen, so they the
\npalace high. <\/span><\/p>\n

But on the Maagadh men
\namazement fell <\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing those shapes of
\nheroes formidable, <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 52<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/div>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Like
\nelephants in strength, broad-breasted, wide
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>And
\ngreat of shoulder and like boles their arms
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Of shaal
\ntrees mighty, fit for warlike harms;<\/span><\/p>\n

Now
\nsandal-smeared and rubbed with aloe-scent,
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

They through
\nthe courts in courage arrogant
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Pass sternly,
\nthrough three crowded courts attain
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The royal
\npresence freed from anxious pain.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

And the great
\nKing arose, for them he judged
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Worthy of
\nhigh guest-offerings, nowise grudged
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The water for
\nthe feet, the honied curds
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

And gifts of
\nkine, but with deserved words
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Greeted them
\ncrying \u201cWelcome, holy men\u201d.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

And no word
\nanswered him the Pandavs twain.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Krishna
\nin their midst, the man of mind,
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Said only,
\n\u201cKing of kings, these two must bind<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence till
\nmidnight hour, envisaging
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Their vow.
\nThen will they speak to thee, O King.\u201d
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

So in the
\nchamber sacrificial placed
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

They
\nsojourned and the King with awe possessed
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Returned to
\nhis high mansion. But when night
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Was deep,
\nwent the strong arbiter of fight
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

To those
\nthree twice-born; for his vow preferred
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Compelled
\nhim, through earth famous, when he heard
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Of Snatac
\nBrahmms in his city bright
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

To meet them
\neven in the deep midnight.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

And they
\nindeed with strange astonishment
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Dismayed him
\nand their garments hue-besprent
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Unwonted. As
\nhe came the three arose,
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The lion men,
\nthe victors of their foes.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelfare, O
\nKing,\u201d they cried, and each on each
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

They looked
\nand scanned the King awaiting speech. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then to those
\nlords concealed in priestly dress
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The King said
\nwith his haughty graciousness,
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit, holy
\nmen.\u201d They sat, heroic forms
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Blazing with
\nmightier beauty than informs
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The fires of
\nsacrifice, when a great king
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Sacrifices.
\nAnd sternly censuring
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Disguise and
\ntravesty of shape sincere <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 53<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

The conqueror steadfast,
\n\u201cWhy come you here,<\/span><\/p>\n

Not as the Snatac, in this
\ntransient world<\/span><\/p>\n

Who takes the household vow,
\nthe Brahmin. Curled<\/span><\/p>\n

Garlands he wears not,
\nsmears not sandal paste.<\/span><\/p>\n

What names are yours who
\ncome in flowers dressed,<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon your mighty arms the
\nbowstring scored<\/span><\/p>\n

(And wearing heroism like a
\nsword,)<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet Brahminhood pretend? Speak truth whence
\nsprings<\/span><\/p>\n

Your race. (Truth is the
\nornament of kings.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Splitting the Chytyac peak
\nfiercely you came,<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet wear a vain disguise to
\nhide a flame<\/span><\/p>\n

Yourselves reveal. Where no
\ngate was, no path<\/span><\/p>\n

Allowed, you entered, nor a
\nmonarch\u2019s wrath<\/span><\/p>\n

Calamitous feared; and are
\nye Brahmins? Bright<\/span><\/p>\n

In speech the Brahmin;
\nspeech his only might<\/span><\/p>\n

And prowess. You whose deeds
\nyour caste deny,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What needing come you to my
\npalace high?<\/span><\/p>\n

And wherefore took you not
\nthe offering<\/span><\/p>\n

To guests observed but
\nscorned Magadha\u2019s King?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Krishna in a deep and
\nquiet voice<\/span><\/p>\n

Replied, adept in words of
\nexquisite choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrahmins thou deemest us
\nwhom duties call<\/span><\/p>\n

Worldward, but Brahmin,
\nKshatriya, Vyshya, all<\/span><\/p>\n

Equal entitled are to
\nSnatachood;<\/span><\/p>\n

Vows personal, vows general,
\nboth are good.<\/span><\/p>\n

But those the Kshatriya\u2019s
\nmajesty prepare,<\/span><\/p>\n

To Kshatriyas those belong.
\nFlowers if we wear,<\/span><\/p>\n

Who decks his aspiration
\nstern with flowers,<\/span><\/p>\n

The majesty he wins
\noutbraves the hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

(Rightly thou sayest, King,
\nthe Kshatriya\u2019s might<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaks from his arm, in
\nwords has no delight,<\/span><\/p>\n

Wild words and many uses
\nnot; for God<\/span><\/p>\n

Set in the arm, its natural
\nabode,<\/span><\/p>\n

The Kshatriya prowess)
\n(which if thou aspire<\/span><\/p>\n

To see, surely we will not
\nbaulk desire;<\/span><\/p>\n

Today thou shalt behold it.)
\nNor debate <\/span><\/p>\n

Of path allowable and door
\nand gate. <\/span><\/p>\n

No gate is in the house of
\nenemies. <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 54<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

By the plain door a friend\u2019s
\nhouse entered is,<\/span><\/p>\n

But by no door with ruin impetuous<\/span><\/p>\n

A foeman\u2019s. These are
\nvirtue\u2019s gates and thus<\/span><\/p>\n

Enters the self-possessed,
\nright-seeing man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nor offering hospitable take
\nwe can<\/span><\/p>\n

In foemen\u2019s house with deeds
\nupon our hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is our vow and this
\neternal stands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nJarasandh replied, \u201cEnmity, strife<\/span><\/p>\n

I can recall not gazing
\nthrough my life, <\/span><\/p>\n

Brahmins, with you begun,
\nnor aught that men <\/span><\/p>\n

Pervert to hatred. Wherefore
\ncall you then <\/span><\/p>\n

A sinless man your enemy ?
\nThe good <\/span><\/p>\n

One practice keep, one rule
\nwell understood;<\/span><\/p>\n

And he, the Kshatriya<\/u>
\nwho with causeless blame <\/span><\/p>\n

Lightly has taxed the
\ninnocent, he with maim <\/span><\/p>\n

Virtue curtails inheriting
\nremorse:<\/span><\/p>\n

But he in virtue conversant,
\nin force <\/span><\/p>\n

A warrior among warriors, if
\nhe act <\/span><\/p>\n

Other than good, has with
\nhis own hand hacked <\/span><\/p>\n

His own felicity here and
\nthere his soul <\/span><\/p>\n

Following the sinner\u2019s way
\nshall reach the sinner\u2019s goal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the triple
\nuniverse confessed <\/span><\/p>\n

The Kshatriya virtue, the
\nKshatriya life is best <\/span><\/p>\n

For nobleness, for goodness.
\nOther rule <\/span><\/p>\n

They praise not who have
\nlearned in virtue\u2019s school. <\/span><\/p>\n

That virtue and that life
\nare mine. Steadfast <\/span><\/p>\n

Today I stand in them with
\nspirit braced, <\/span><\/p>\n

Sinless before my people.
\nAnd ye prate <\/span><\/p>\n

Madness.\u201d Krishna made
\nsterner answer: \u201cGreat <\/span><\/p>\n

Is he who sent us, of a
\nmighty strain <\/span><\/p>\n

Upbearer, and upon his
\nshoulders lain <\/span><\/p>\n

The burden of a deed for
\nkindred blood. <\/span><\/p>\n

From him we come upon thee
\nlike a flood. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sinless dost thou, O Jarasandha, claim <\/span><\/p>\n

And thou the world\u2019s great
\nprinces dost overwhelm <\/span><\/p>\n

Gathered for cruel slaughter
\n? When before <\/span><\/p>\n

Did kings on good kings tyranny
\nexplore ? <\/span><\/p>\n

But thou, a king, hast
\nconquered and subdued, <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 55<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

And Rudra\u2019s altar thou
\nwouldst have imbrued <\/span><\/p>\n

With blood of kings for
\nvictims. On our head <\/span><\/p>\n

Their piteous blood shall
\nlie which thy hands shed. <\/span><\/p>\n

For we are Virtue\u2019s and in
\nher have force <\/span><\/p>\n

Virtue to bulwark. (Giving
\ntyranny course, <\/span><\/p>\n

We share the sin.) Not yet
\nthe world has seen <\/span><\/p>\n

That crowning horror,
\nbutchery of men. <\/span><\/p>\n

O man, how couldst thou to a
\ngod devise, <\/span><\/p>\n

To Shankara, a human
\nsacrifice ? <\/span><\/p>\n

(It is thy blood, thy kind
\nthou levellest <\/span><\/p>\n

Comparing human natures with
\nthe beast.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a man in all the
\nworld whose mind <\/span><\/p>\n

Like thine is violent, like
\nthine is blind? <\/span><\/p>\n

But this remember, not with
\nthe deed man does <\/span><\/p>\n

There is an end; he reaps
\nfrom what he sows <\/span><\/p>\n

And as he planted such the
\nfruit he sees:<\/span><\/p>\n

(Footprints his action left,
\nFate treads in these.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore \u2018gainst thee,
\ndestroyer of our caste,<\/span><\/p>\n

We, champions of the
\nmiserable oppressed,<\/span><\/p>\n

For rescue of our kindred
\nmen are here<\/span><\/p>\n

To slay thee. But thou sayest,
\n\u2018What should I fear?<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no man in all the Kshatriya<\/u>
\nrace<\/span><\/p>\n

And I am he alone.\u2019 Great
\nwitlessness<\/span><\/p>\n

Is thine, O King, and error
\nmost unjust.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Kshatriya has a soul
\nand lives but must<\/span><\/p>\n

Recall with pride his birth
\nfrom valiant men ?<\/span><\/p>\n

Who would not by the way of
\nbattle then<\/span><\/p>\n

Enter the doors of Paradise
\neterne,<\/span><\/p>\n

Felicitous gates. When
\nparadise to earn<\/span><\/p>\n

Heroes to war as to a
\nsacrifice<\/span><\/p>\n

Initiate go, resistless then
\nthey rise<\/span><\/p>\n

Conquering Nature. ( Veda
\nfathers heaven;<\/span><\/p>\n

To glory excellent its gates
\nare given;<\/span><\/p>\n

Austerity masters it. In
\nbattle who falls <\/span><\/p>\n

He most infallibly wins the
\nhappy halls. <\/span><\/p>\n

For what is Indra\u2019s heaven,
\nwhat Paradise? <\/span><\/p>\n

Heaven in noble deeds and
\nvirtue lies.) <\/span><\/p>\n

By these the
\nmyriad-sacrificing god<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Page \u2013 56<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

Conquered the Titans and the
\nworld bestrode. <\/span><\/p>\n

And what more excellent way
\nto heaven than strife <\/span><\/p>\n

With thee ? Nor thou by
\nlustiness of life <\/span><\/p>\n

Deceived and thy huge armies
\nMagadhine <\/span><\/p>\n

Maddening with strength thy
\nfoemen quite disdain. <\/span><\/p>\n

In many hearts a fire of courage
\ndwells <\/span><\/p>\n

That equals thine; nay,
\nmaybe, far excels. <\/span><\/p>\n

While these are hidden in
\nthe hands of fate, <\/span><\/p>\n

So long thou art supreme,
\nbut so long great. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, I will speak it, we,
\neven we, can bear <\/span><\/p>\n

The brunt of all thy
\ngreatness. King, forbear <\/span><\/p>\n

Pride with thy equals and
\nvain insolence. <\/span><\/p>\n

(O King, why wilt thou with
\nthy son go hence, <\/span><\/p>\n

With all thy captains and
\ngreat men below <\/span><\/p>\n

To Yama\u2019s melancholy
\nmansions go ? <\/span><\/p>\n

Were there not kings as
\ngreat as thou?. Who strove <\/span><\/p>\n

With Brihadrath,
\nCartoveriya, Dambhodbhove, <\/span><\/p>\n

High Uttara? All they are
\nsunk unmourned, <\/span><\/p>\n

Great kings and mighty
\ncaptains; for they scorned<\/span><\/p>\n

Mightier than they.) No
\nBrahmins, learn, are we, <\/span><\/p>\n

Antagonists of thy
\nsupremacy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Shourian I am and
\nHrishikesha styled;<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the Pandav heroes.
\nBrother\u2019s child <\/span><\/p>\n

I of their mother am \u2014
\nKrishna, thy foe. <\/span><\/p>\n

Take our defiance, King. In
\nbattle show <\/span><\/p>\n

Thy steadfast courage,
\nprince of Magadha, <\/span><\/p>\n

Or while thou mayst, escape.
\nEither this day <\/span><\/p>\n

Release the captive princes
\nall or die.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Then answered Jarasandha
\npuissantly:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot without conquest I
\ncollect amain <\/span><\/p>\n

Princes; who is there penned
\nmy walls within <\/span><\/p>\n

And not in equal battle
\noverthrown ? <\/span><\/p>\n

This is the law and life to
\nKshatriyas known,<\/span><\/p>\n

To battle and subdue and
\nwork their will <\/span><\/p>\n

Upon the conquered, Krishna,
\nOwable <\/span><\/p>\n

Upon God\u2019s altar I have
\ngathered these;<\/span><\/p>\n

And shall I for ignoble fear
\nrelease, <\/span><\/p>\n

While yet the Kshatriya
\nblood beats in my veins, <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 57<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

And yet one Kshatriya
\nthought unquenched remains? <\/span><\/p>\n

Army with battled army,
\nsingle gage <\/span><\/p>\n

With single or alone I will
\nengage <\/span><\/p>\n

With two or three together
\nor one by one.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

So spake the King and
\nordered that his son <\/span><\/p>\n

Be straight anointed for the
\nkingdom\u2019s needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

(Himself must fight with men
\nof dreadful deeds.) <\/span><\/p>\n

And in that hour King
\nJarasandha sighed <\/span><\/p>\n

Remembering, great captains
\nwho had died, <\/span><\/p>\n

Cowshic and Chitrasane, (but
\nother names <\/span><\/p>\n

Men gave in converse with
\nworld-wide acclaims, <\/span><\/p>\n

Hamsa and Dimbhuc calling).
\nOf them that night <\/span><\/p>\n

Recalled and shadow of the
\ncoming fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nspake the Yadove pure and eloquent, <\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing the monarch upon
\nbattle bent:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith which of three will
\nthy heart battle dare, <\/span><\/p>\n

O King, or which of us shall
\nnow prepare<\/span><\/p>\n

For battle?\u201d Then that
\nfamous royal man, <\/span><\/p>\n

The Maagadh Jarasandh, with
\nBheemasen<\/span><\/p>\n

Chose battle. Wreaths,
\npigment of augury<\/span><\/p>\n

Bovine and all auspicious
\ngrammary,<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicaments beside that
\nlighten pain<\/span><\/p>\n

Or call the fugitive senses
\nback again,<\/span><\/p>\n

The high priest brought for
\nJarasandh and read<\/span><\/p>\n

The word of blessing o\u2019er
\nthe monarch\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sabhaparva, Adhyayas 2O-22
\nand Adhyaya 23 incomplete <\/span><\/p>\n

Page \u2013 58<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    III    The Slaying of Jarasandha   Krishna pursued: \u201cNow is the call of Fate, Fallen is Dimbhuc, fallen Hansa great, Kansa is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-08-translations-volume-08","wpcat-12-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/575\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}