Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

"""Fear""The Vengeance of Dronaattack. Then he succeeded in cutting down the flagstaff,and when that had fallen he leapt from his chariot, andcasting aside his bow for his sword, he seized Drupadathe king with as much ease as a huge bird seizes awater-snake.Having thus exhibited his own might in the presence ofboth hosts, Arjuna gave a loud shout and came forthfrom amongst the Panchalas, carrying his captive with him.At this sight the Kurus were maddened and would havemade to devastate the whole capital of the Panchalas, butArjunain a loud voice restrained them.Drupada," hesaid, "is our friend and ally.To yield him up personallywill satisfy Drona. On no account let us slay hispeople !Then allthe princes together, bringing with them theircaptives, turned to Drona and laid before him Drupada,together with many of his ministers and friends.The Vengeance of DronaDrona smiled quietly at the king who had once been his"friend.not, O king,"he said ; yourlife shall bespared. But would you not care to cultivate my friendship ? Then he was silent for a moment. Againopening his lips, he said "In : truth, Drupada,I love youno less to-day than of old in our boyhood. And I stilldesire your friendship. You told me, alas! that only aking could be the friend of a king, and for that reasonshall I restore to you only half of your territory, inorder that, being a king myself,Imay enjoy youraffection on equal terms. You shall be king of all yourlands that lie on the south of the river Ganges, and I shallreign over those on the north. And now, Drupada, willit bemean you to grant me your friendship ?135