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CHAPTER V
Negotiations with Bahubali (1-174)
Then the Lord of Bharata went to the council-hall, where General Suşeņa paid homage to him and informed him, "This cakra of yours, after making universal conquest, will not approach this city today, like a vicious elephant the tying-post." Bharata said, "Pray, what hero is there now in the six divisions of Bharata who does not obey my command ?" The minister made this reply: "I know your Majesty conquered this very Bharatakṣetra up to Mt. Kṣudrahimavat. Is there any victory left when you have made conquest in all directions? Do chick-peas stay (in one place) when they have fallen on a moving grindstone? That this cakra does not enter the city, Lord, indicates that something, insolent from transgressing your command, must still be conquered. Even among the gods do not see anyone to be conquered, invincible to you. Oh, I know! There is one to be conquered, invincible to all. The son of Rṣabha Svāmin, your younger brother, Bahubali, O Master, is very strong, destroying the strength of the strong. On one hand are all the weapons, on the other hand the thunderbolt; just so, on one hand are all the kings, on the other Bahubali. As you are the highest of the people, son of Rsabha Svāmin, so is he. With him unconquered, what have you conquered ? No one is seen in six-part Bharata who is the equal of the Master (Bharata). Pray, what distinction is there to the Lord of Bharata in its conquest? He does not honor your command which is honored by the world. The cakra does not come here as if from shame because he has not been conquered. Since no enemy, like a disease, 18
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