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CHAPTER TWO
a moment, there for a moment, became equal in the two armies, like the diffusion of moonlight in the two fortnights.
Then Parvataka himself, twanging his bow, got into his chariot and set out for battle with all his followers. He covered the enemy's army with a shower of arrows and simultaneously the air with dust dug up by the army. Instantly he caused great destruction, like a meal for Krtānta, in the enemy's army, like a lion in a herd of elephants. His advance unchecked, he broke down Vindhyasakti's forces rapidly, like a wind breaking down trees. Angered by the destruction of his soldiers, Vindhyaśakti, long-armed, rose up to destroy his enemies, like a younger brother of the night of the end of the world. When Vindhyasakti attacked, he was not withstood by Parvata's army, like a tiger by antelopes, like a garuda by snakes.
Then proud of his bow and strength of arm, he challenged to battle Parvataka who had made a stand when his army was scattered. The two kings, wishing to fight with each other, fought with iron arrows, with tadbalas, 104 with arrows with half-moon heads, like teeth of Yama. They in their chariots destroyed each other's chariot, horses, and charioteer, as if carrying a debt of defeat (to discharge). Then mounted on other chariots both Vindhyasakti and Parvataka approached, like mountains at the end of the world. Then by means of all his power King Vindhyasakti made King Parvataka weaponless, powerless, like a snake without poison. Defeated by Vindhayaśakti, like a young elephant by a large elephant, Parvataka fled without looking back. Then Vindhyaśakti took the courtesan Guñamañjari, elephants, et cetera, and other property. For wealth belongs to him who has power. His work done, Vindhyasakti turned from the ocean of battle, like a full cloud, and went to Vindhyapura.
104 178.
A missile with the shape of a mouse's tail.' Abhi. 3. 444.
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