Yudhishthira, beaten at dice, deprived of wealth, exiled and separated
from his connections, had assembled yet an army of seven Akshauhinis, then,
O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard Narada, declare that
Krishna and Arjuna were Nara and Narayana and he (Narada) had seen them
together in the regions of Brahma, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of
success. When I heard that Krishna, anxious to bring about peace, for the
welfare of mankind had repaired to the Kurus, and went away without having
been able to effect his purpose, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success.
When I heard that Karna and Duryodhana resolved upon imprisoning Krishna
displayed in himself the whole universe, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of
success. Then I heard that at the time of his departure, Pritha (Kunti)
standing, full of sorrow, near his chariot received consolation from
Krishna, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that
Vasudeva and Bhishma the son of Santanu were the counsellors of the
Pandavas and Drona the son of Bharadwaja pronounced blessings on them,
then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When Karna said unto Bhishma--I
will not fight when thou art fighting--and, quitting the army, went away,
then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Vasudeva and
Arjuna and the bow Gandiva of immeasurable prowess, these three of
dreadful energy had come together, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of
success. When I heard that upon Arjuna having been seized with compunction
on his chariot and ready to sink, Krishna showed him all the worlds within
his body, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that
Bhishma, the desolator of foes, killing ten thousand charioteers every day
in the field of battle, had not slain any amongst the Pandavas then, O
Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Bhishma, the
righteous son of Ganga, had himself indicated the means of his defeat in
the field of battle and that the same were accomplished by the Pandavas
with joyfulness, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard
that Arjuna, having placed Sikhandin before himself in his chariot, had