"There, Krishna, see the Trigartasstanding, cheerful under the
intoxication of theiroath, though they know they go to certain death. Indeed they are full
of the exultation of approaching swarga." So speaking to his great charioteer, Arjuna
approached the large samsaptaka force.
This was the Twelfth Day of the great battle. It was a fierce fight.
After a time, Arjuna's attack began to tell and the Trigartas fell in swathes before him
but Susarma reminded them of their oath.
"Heroes, we have taken our oaths before the fire and in the
presence of the whole army of warriors. Having sworn terrible resolves, it is unworthy to
flinch. Let us not fall into public ridicule." The samsaptakas cheered their leader,
and faced Arjuna with the sublime courage of accepted deaths.
"Hrishikesa, they are resolved on fighting to the last. Drive on," said
Arjuna.
Driven by Madhusudana* Arjuna's chariot moved like Indra's car in the
great war of the gods against the asuras. It went here and it went there and wherever it
went, Arjuna's great bow, the Gandiva, scattered death among the doomed Trigartas.
