Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our house by
a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed. Therefore, ye tigers
among men, arise and arm yourselves without delay for rescuing those
that have sought our protection and for guarding the honour of our
family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna and the twins and thyself also
that art brave and unvanquished, liberate Duryodhana, who is even now
being taken away a captive! Ye foremost of warriors, these blazing cars,
furnished with golden flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to
Dhritarashtra's sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other
charioteers skilled in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these
everfurnished cars of deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with
activity for fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even
an ordinary Kshatriya (amongst those that are here), would to the
height of his power, protect one that hath come hither for refuge! What
then, O Vrikodara, shall I say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such
words as "_O hasten to my aid_!" Who is there (amongst those standing
around me) that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding
him seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But, ye
sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to all the
three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to you than that
Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as depending on the
might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in which I am engaged had
been over, there is little doubt that I would myself have run to his
aid.
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