"It looks," said he, "as though war would break out between
us soon. If it does, you must support me. Arjuna and I are equally beloved of you. We both
claim equally close relationship with you. You cannot say that either of us is nearer to
you than the other. I came here before Arjuna.
Tradition has it that he who came first should be shown preference.
Janardana, you are the greatest among the great; so it is incumbent on you to set an
example to others. Confirm with your conduct the traditional dharma and remember that it
was I who came first."
To which Purushottama (Krishna) answered: "Son of
Dhritarashtra, it may be that you came here first, but it was Kunti's son that I saw
immediately on waking up. If you were the first arrival, it was Arjuna who first caught my
eye. So, even in this respect, your claims on me are equal and I am therefore bound to
render assistance to both sides.
In distributing favours, the traditional usage is to begin with the
junior most among the recipients. I would, therefore, offer the choice to Arjuna first.
The Narayana, my tribesmen, are my equals in battle and constitute a host, large and
almost invincible.
In my distribution of assistance, they will be on one side, and I
individually on the other, but I shall wield no weapon and take no part in actual
fighting."
