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The Bhagavad Gita1396
the enemy, commanded by Bhima, and confronting us in threatening array,
seems more strong and sufficient. Therefore, let all the captains of my host
prepare to stand by Bhishma, to support and guard him well.’
“Then Bhishma, the ancient chief of the Kurus, blew his great battle-shell,
sounding it like unto the roar of the lion, to awaken the spirits and courage of
the Kurus. And answering its great roar, there sounded at once innumerable
other shells and horns, drums and tabors; and other instruments of warlike
music, so that the sound was tumultuous and stirred the hearts of the Kurus
to valiant deeds and high resolves.
“Then, in brave response and mighty defiance, sounded forth the
instruments of the hosts of the Pandus.
“Standing in their great war-chariots, trimmed with gold and precious
stones, and drawn by milk-white steeds, Krishna, the incarnation of God,
and Arjuna, the son of Pandu, sounded their war shells until the air quivered
in vibration. And all the rest of the mighty host of the Pandus joined in the
defiance, and the mightiest warriors of the throng sounded their instruments
again and again, until the sound was as the sound of the violent thunder,
and earth’s surface answered in responsive rhythm. And the hosts of the
Kurus were affrighted and dismayed.
“Then Arjuna, perceiving that the hosts of Kuru stood ready to begin the
fight, and seeing that even then the arrows were beginning to wing their
flight through the air, raising his bow, spake thus to Krishna, the God, who
stood beside him in the chariot:”
“O Krishna, drive thou, I pray thee, my chariot so that it stand between the
two opposing armies, that I may gaze upon the men of the Kuru hosts that
stand ready to begin this bloody fight, and with whom I must combat, battle,
and strive in this fray. Let me look upon mine enemies, the followers of the
evil-minded and vindictive commander of the Kurus!”
Then drove Krishna the chariot containing himself and Arjuna, until at last
it stood in a space between the two opposing hosts. And then Krishna bade
Arjuna look attentively upon the hostile army of the Kurus, and then upon