"But yet," continued he, "I cannot have my mother plead completely in vain. Part with Arjuna to me.

Either he or myself must die in this war. I will not kill your other sons, whatever they may do unto me. Mother of warrior sons, you will still have five sons.

Either I or Arjuna will survive this war, and with the other four sons, you will still have five".

When Kunti heard her first-born speak thus firmly, adhering to the Kshatriya code, her heart was full of tumultuous and contrary feelings and, without trusting herself to speak. she embraced him and departed in silence.