DHRITARASHTRA, hearing of the slaugh- ter of his sons and the check received by Karna, was desolate. "O Sanjaya, like moths falling in the fire, my sons are being destroyed.

The stubborn Duryodhana has led the lads Durmukha and Durjaya, to their doom. Alas, I have lost these boys! The fool said: 'Karna, unrivalled among men for courage and the accomplishment of war, is on our side. Who then can defeat us?

Even the gods cannot win a battle against me when Karna is on my side. What can these Pandavas do to me? But now he has seen Karna beating a retreat when Bhimasena attacked him.

Has he seen wisdom at least now? Alas, Sanjaya, my son has earned the undying hatred of the son of Vayu, Bhima, who has the strength of the god of death! We are indeed ruined!"