I quailed at naught, I quailed not even before
The glow of fire, all one to me how red
It streamed at heaven, all one to me how threatening
It spread its yawn of blaze; I knew a ring
Of trusty watchers sightless round me set,
I knew they gave the King’s beloved daughter
Buckler of blood and bones. At last—a step!
’Tis they! Ha, Karna is as shrewd as valiant.
Always I heard so; this day sees it proved.
Not yet! Nor ever, maybe! Nay, ye gods,