KARNA

With Drona's leave, Karna the lover of battle-then and there duplicated all Arjuna's feats with careless ease. Great was Duryodhana's exultation. He threw his arms round Karna.

"Welcome, O thou with mighty arms,' whom good fortune has sent to us. I and this kingdom of the Kurus are at your command." Said Karna.

"I, Karna, am grateful, O king. Only two things I seek -your love and single combat with Partha."

Duryodhana clasped Karna again to his bosom:

"My prosperity is all thine to enjoy."

As love flooded Duryodhana's heart, even so did blazing wrath fill Arjuna, who felt affronted-, and glaring fiercely at Karna who stood, stately as a mountain peak, receiving the greetings of the Kaurava brothers, he said:

"O Karna, slain by me thou shalt presently go to the hell appointed for those who intrude uninvited and prate unbidden."

Karna laughed in scorn:

"This arena is open to all, O Arjuna, and not to you alone, Might is the sanction of sovereignty and the law is based on it. But what is the use of mere talk which is the weapon of the weak? Shoot arrows instead of words."

Thus challenged, Arjuna, with Drona's permission, hastily embraced his brothers and stood ready for combat, while Karna a, taking leave of the Kuru brothers con- fronted him weapon in hand.

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