Abhimanyu
thought of his father and Krishna and, feeling encouraged by what had been said by
Bhimasena and Yudhishthira, and impelled by his own gallant nature, undertook the
adventure."I shall please my great father and uncle," he said
with enthusiasm. "Let my valour be staked on this."
"May your prowess grow," said Yudhishthira and blessed the
youth.
"Sumitra, see Drona's flag flying there! Drive straight and fast
to that point," said Abhimanyu to his charioteer.
"Faster, faster!" urged Abhimanyu as they sped along.
"May the gods protect you!" said the charioteer.
"Yudhishthira has placed a very great burden on your young shoulders.
Think well before you pierce Drona's array and enter. The acharya is
unrivalled in skill and experience, while you, though his equal in valour, have not his
long years to back it."