1:7: O best of the bramanas, all of my warriors are most powerful, but for your information I will tell you only of the military leaders. 1:8: Your honored self, Bhishma, Karna and Kripa are victorious in battle even as Ashvatthama, Vikarna and [Bhurishrava] the son of Somadatta are.
It was this Ashvatthama, a son of Drona, along with Arjuna who released the dreaded brahmastra weapons that sealed the the end of Treta Yuga, brought on the Ice Age and begin our present Kali Yuga as described in the Mahabharata. Karna was Arjuna's half brother (born of Queen Kunti before she married King Pandu) and Kripa married Drona's twin sister.
1:9: There are many other heroes as well who are prepared to sacrifice their very lives for my sake. They are armed with many weapons and missiles and all are well equipped for battle.
1:10: [Behold] our unlimited forces, commanded by [venerable Grandfather] Bhishma and their limited army, commanded by Bhima.
1:11: "Everyone in this panoply of troops, divided by divisions and stations, defend [Grandfather] Bhishma!"
1:12: [Bhishma], the grand sire and elder of the Kuru dynasty, encouraged him [Duryodhana] by roaring like a lion and loudly sounding his mighty conch.
1:13: Then the conchs, kettledrums, tabors, small drums and cow-horns in unison quickly blared forth their tumultuous sounds.
The warriors are psyching themselves up, boasting of their power and greatness, encouraging one another that their victory is assured! But the mighty Pandava Prince Arjuna has reservations!
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