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But you are dying the death of a brave man. You will go to the happy
regions reserved for kshatriyas who lay down their lives on the field of battle."
"Krishna, I go to swarga with my friends and relatives. But you
and your friends will live on earth to suffer," said the stubborn Duryodhana.
"I studied the Vedas. I have given gifts ordained by law and I
have reigned supreme over all the sea-girt earth. While I lived, I stood upon the humbled
heads of foes.
All human joys, such joys as even the Gods cannot despise and kings
sigh for in vain, the very pinnacle of power, were mine. Dying now, such death as warriors
deem the crown of Kshatriya life, I go to meet in heaven my friends and brothers gone
before, eager to welcome me.
Who is more blest, I, or you who, doomed to linger here, mourning for
slaughtered friends in desolate homes, find the long sought triumph but ashes in your
mouth?" said Duryodhana and the gods showered flowers down on the dying warrior and
the gandharvas played music and the sky was illuminated. Vasudeva and the Pandavas felt
small.
"There is truth," said Krishna, "in what Duryodhana
said. You could not have defeated him by fair means. This wicked man was invincible in
battle."
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