Why should we make research into law and chivalry when dealing with these ruffians who have attained successes by destroying both? If by killing the sleeping Panchalas, who butchered my great father, I may be doomed to re-birth in the body of a foul bird or of a wriggling worm, I do not care.

I seek such a birth!" Saying this and, with out waiting for an answer, Aswatthama proceeded to harness his horses and get his chariot ready to start. When he was about to leave Kripacharya and Kritavarma cried: "Stop. What are you resolved upon doing, Aswatthama?

We cannot approve of it, but neither can we desert you in your desperate enter- prise. The path you are bent on treading, we shall also follow. The sin you are resolved upon, let us share also." So, they went along with him.