The Bhagavad-Gita cover

The Bhagavad-Gita

by Edwin Arnold

Dhritirashtra. Ranged thus for battle on the sacred plain-On Kurukshetra- say, Sanjaya! sayWhat wrought my people, and the Pandavas?Sanjaya. When he beheld the host of Pandavas,Raja Duryodhana to Drona drew,And spake these words: "Ah, Guru! see this line,How vast it is of Pandu fighting-men,Embattled by the son of Drupada,Thy scholar in the war! Therein stand rankedChiefs like Arjuna, like to Bhima chiefs,Benders of bows; Virata, Yuyudhan,Drupada, eminent upon his car,Dhrishtaket, Chekitan, Kasi's stout lord,Purujit, Kuntibhoj, and Saivya,With Yudhamanyu, and UttamaujSubhadra's child; and Drupadi's;- all famed!All mounted on their shining chariots!On our side, too,- thou best of Brahmans! seeExcellent chiefs, commanders of my line,Whose names I joy to count: thyself the first,Then Bhishma, Karna, Kripa fierce in fight,Vikarna, Aswatthaman; next to theseStrong Saumadatti, with full many moreValiant and tried, ready this day to dieFor me their king, each with his weapon grasped,Each skilful in the field. Weakest- meseems-Our battle shows where Bhishma holds command,And Bhima, fronting him, something too strong!Have care our captains nigh to Bhishma's ranksPrepare what help they may! Now, blow my shell!"

Readers also enjoyed

What to read after The Bhagavad-Gita

More by Edwin Arnold