possessed of every (other) merit, can scarcely accomplish anything. Every
merit exists by the side of valour in an incipient state. Concentration of
attention, exertion and destiny exist as the three causes of victory. One,
however, that is possessed of valour doth not yet deserve success if he
acts carelessly. It is for this that an enemy endued with strength
sometimes suffers death at the hands of his foes. As meanness overtakes
the weak, so folly sometimes overtakes the strong. A king, therefore, that
is desirous of victory, should avoid both these causes of destruction. If,
for the purpose of our sacrifice, we endeavour to slay Jarasandha and
rescue the kings kept by him for a cruel purpose, there is no higher act
which we could employ ourselves in. If, however, we do not undertake the
task, the world will always think us incompetent. We have certainly the
competence, O king! Why should you, therefore, regard us as incompetent?
Those that have become Munis desirous of achieving tranquillity of souls,
obtain yellow robes with ease. So if we vanquish the foe, the imperial
dignity will easily be ours. We shall, therefore fight the foe.'


SECTION XVII

"Vasudeva said,--'Arjuna hath indicated what the inclination should be of
one that is born in the Bharata race, especially of one who is the son of
Kunti. We know not when death will overtake us, in the night or in the day.
Nor have we ever heard that immortality hath been achieved by desisting
from fight. This, therefore, is the duty of men, viz., to attack all
enemies in accordance with the principles laid down in the ordinance. This
always gives satisfaction to the heart. Aided by good policy, if not
frustrated by Destiny, an undertaking becomes crowned with success. If
both parties aided by such means encounter each other, one must obtain
ascendency over the other, for both cannot win or lose. A battle however,