UTTARA, the son of Virata, set off with enthusiasm from the city in his chariot with Brihannala as his charioteer and comman- ded the latter to drive quickly to the place where the Kauravas had rounded up the cows.

Nothing loth, the horses were put to their best speed, and presently the Kaurava army was sighted, at first a gleaming, line, enveloped in a cloud of dust that seemed to go up to the skies.

Going nearer, Uttara saw the great army drew in battle by Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Duryodhana and Karna. At that sight, his courage, which had been gradually drying up during the rapid rush to the field, was quite gone; his mouth went dry and his hair stood on end.

His limbs were all in a tremble. He shut his eyes with both his hands to keep out the fearsome sight.He said:"How can I, single- handed, attack an army? I have no troops, since the king, my father, has taken all available forces, leaving the city unprotected.

It is absurd to think that one man can alone fight a well-equipped army, led by world- renowned warrior! Oh Brihannala, turn back the chariot."