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Why had the people not cheered his own sons in this way? Was not Duryodhana Arjuna’s equal?

It was clear that he was not from a royal line. Seeing his discomfiture, Duryodhana spoke out. “Nobility does not depend only upon birth. Those who are heroes and leaders of soldiers may also claim nobility, even if not born in royal lines

“O Pārtha, this arena is not meant for you alone. Those who are strong do not waste words.

Seeing all this Bhīma jeered, “O son of a charioteer, you do not deserve death at Arjuna’s hands.

“You will not be able to hit the mark,” he said with annoyance.

One by one the princes were called and each responded to Droṇa similarly and was not allowed to shoot

“O Bhīma, you should not speak such words. How can someone like this be of inferior birth.

Once he knows this, Pārtha may decide whether or not to fight.” Kṛpa looked at Karṇa.

I do not consider him to be a charioteer at all.”

The royal ladies also could not choose between the two heroes.

Kuntī wept again as she recalled how she could not tell anyone she had given birth and how, blinded by

Kuntī had been amazed, then horrified when he told her that he could not leave without giving her a child