IT was the day before the commencement of the great battle. The grandsire, now the Kaurava Generalissimo, was with Duryo- dhana seeking to inspire him with his own heroic spirit and cheerfulness.

Bhishma spoke of the strength, skill and prowess of the warriors ranged on the Kauravas' side. Duryodhana was cheered up. Presently, Karna became the subject of their talk.

"Karna has earned your affection," said Bhishma, "but I do not think much of him. I do not like his great hatred of the Panda- vas, and he is too boastful. There is no limit to his arrogance and he is much given to disparaging others.

I would not place him in the highest rank among the warriors of the land. Besides, he has given away the divine armour with which he was born. He is not therefore likely to be of great help to me in this battle.