VALOUR

There was a technical term for the military virtue of abstaining from attacking a foe that has accepted defeat: thazhinji.

It is a soldier's virtue to be pitiless in battle. But when an enemy is in distress, to reader him help is the edge of the soldier's sword.

I.e., kindness to a foe in distress cuts him to the quick.

The hero burls his javelin at the attacking elephant and looks about for a fresh weapon with which to receive the next elephant. He then realizes for the first time that a javelin had pierced him and is sticking in his body without his having known it. Smiling in joy at finding a weapon he plucks it out and arms himself with it.

There was a special term for carrying on the fight in spite of grievous wounds.

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