Setubandha

SR No.: 001384
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 812
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Literature
File Size: 14 MB

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SETUBANDHA 10. As a mountain, furiously hurled by an ape, crumbled on the chest of a demon, the dust rose aloft, while the mass of rocks slumped down to the ground.
11. The tracks of the warriors, stretching right through the enemy troops, and exhibiting uncommon valour, were a formidable sight, 3 with distinguished warriors slain and falling in succession.
12. Martial ardour was brought into play. One's own blow was derided as trivial because of the lack of a worthy counterblow. The urge of enmity prevailed. The strong persisted in daring exploits.
13. The heart did not sink, even though the head sank to the ground; nor did it lose courage, even though pierced by the spear. The fear of war, even though brought near by the warriors, found no place in the hearts of their antagonists, because it was unfamiliar to them.
14. The pride of a warrior ignored the enemy's blow. Manly self-confidence achieved success in the thick of the fight. The wrath of the warriors did not abate even during strategics withdrawals.
15. The apes yélled furiously when pierced and thrown up by 'the elephants of the enemy. Clenching their teeth, and shaking their flowing hair in anger, they closed their eyes in death.
16. The resolve of a warrior was not broken, and he thought of the master's kindness even in peril. Death was set at nought, and honour prevailed even in face of danger.6
17. The captive nymphs, who had when first brought to Lankā rejected the demons for long, even at the risk of their life, accepted as their lovers those very demons when they were slain in the forefront of the battle.?
3. Lit. hard even to look at. 4. Krşna's reading (pahara) is followed. 5. Lit. innocent. See Ramadása in Extracts.
6. Lit. shame was remembered even when the cause of fear was seen. Cf. verse 78.
7. A reference to the belief that warriors who die on the battlefield become gods. Cf. 12.67.