Thus can I avenge the deeds of foul play they have practised on us. I am deeply bounden to this bird of prey from whom I have received the teaching. There is no offence in adopting plans to suit one's altered circumstances.

If we can lawfully attack an enemy, when his army is tired or when his forces are scattered, wily then should not we, who have lost our armies, attack our enemies when they are asleep?

There can be nothing wrong in it. Indeed it is only thus that we can punish and defeat these Pandavas who have achieved successes through foul play. We have no other course open."

Aswatthama made up his mind and he immediately woke up Kripacharya and informed him of his plan. Kripacharya, who heard it, was astonished.

"This can never be," said he. "It is wholly wrong. To attack men who have retired to sleep, has never been done before. It would be an unprecedented crime against the laws of Kshatriya conduct.