Section 43

"Sanjaya said, 'That chastiser of foes, viz., the son of Radha, thus silencing the ruler of the Madras, once more addressed him, O monarch, saying these words, "In answer to that which, O Shalya, you have said unto me by way of instance, I tell you that I am incapable of being frightened by you in battle with your words. If all the gods themselves with Vasava would fight with me, I would not still feel any fear, what need be said then of my fears from Pritha and Keshava? I am incapable of being frightened by means of words alone. He, O Shalya, whom you wouldst be able to frighten in battle is some other person (and not myself)! You have spoken many bitter words to me. Therein lies the strength of a person that is low. Incapable of speaking of my merits, you sayst many bitter things, O you of wicked heart; Karna was never born, O Madraka, for fear in battle. On the other hand, I was born for displaying valour as also for achieving glory for my own self. For the sake of my friendship for you, for my affection, and for your being an ally,—for these three reasons you still livest, O Shalya. Important is the task that has now to be done for king Dhritarashtra. That task, O Shalya, depends on me. For this, you livest a moment. Before this, I made a compact with you that any disagreeable speeches you mightest utter would be pardoned by me. That compact should be observed. It is for this that you livest, O Madraka. Without a 1,000 Salyas I would vanquish my foes. He that injures a friend is sinful. It is for this that you livest for the present.'"