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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."
Brihannala laughed and said: "O prince, you started from the city,
full of fierce determination and the ladies expect great things of you.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
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