Drona and Bhishma who saw the discomfiture and confusion of the Kaurava army came up quickly and restored confi- dence.The scattered forces were brought together and Duryodhana was again seen leading them.

"How can you stand thus," saidDuryodhana to the grand sire, "looking on when our forces are scattered and put to disgraceful flight I fear you are too kind to the Pandavas.

Why did you not tell me frankly 'I lave the Pandavas; Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki are my friends and I cannot attack or slay them"' You should have stated the position explicitly to me.

Surely these men are riot equal to you, and if you were so minded, you could deal with them easily. Even now, it would be best if you and Drona told me frankly your mind in the matter."

The chagrin of defeat, and the knowledge that the grand sire disapproved of his ways made Duryodhana speak thus bitterly, but Bhishma merely smiled and said: "Wasn't I quite frank in my advice to you?