And the helmet-wearing Arjun marked his son among his foes,
Wheeled from far his battle-chariot and in wrath terrific rose!
“Arjun!” “Arjun!” cried the Kurus, and in panic broke and fled,
Steed and tusker turned from battle, soldiers fell among the dead!
Godlike Krishna drove the coursers of resistless Arjun's car,
And the sound of Arjun's sankha rose above the cry of war!
And the voice of his gandiva spread a terror far and near,
Crushed and broken, faint and frightened, fled the Kurus in their fear!
Onward still through scattered foemen conquering Arjun held his way,
Till the evening's gathering darkness closed the action of the day!
III
Bhishma and Arjun meet
Anxious was the proud Duryodhan when the golden morning came,
For before the car of Arjun fled each Kuru chief of fame,
Brave Duryodhan shook in anger and a tremor moved his frame,
As he spake to ancient Bhishma words of wrath in bitter shame:
“Bhishma! dost thou lead the Kurus in this battle's crimson field?
Warlike Drona, doth he guard us like a broad and ample shield?