' Karna said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the
words that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also. And, O
lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall never, O
Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy presence in
relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and censuring thee, O
represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me, together with
servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch, conquer the earth
furnished with mountains and woods and forests. The earth had been
conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I shall, without doubt, conquer
it for thee single-handed. Let that wretch of the Kuru race, the
exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see it,--he who vilifies those that
do not deserve censure, and praises those that should not be praised.
Let him this day witness my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king,
command me. Victory shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I
swear this before thee.'
"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of Karna, that
lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke unto Karna, saying,
'I am blessed. I have been favoured by thee,--since thou, endued with
great strength, art ever intent on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit,
to-day. As thou, O hero, intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair
thou. May good betide thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).
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