best of Brahmanas for instruction in arms. The Vrishnis and the Andhakas and princes from various lands and the (adopted) son of Rādhā of the Suta caste, (Karna), all became pupils of Drona. But of them all, the Suta child Karna from jealousy frequently defied Arjuna, and supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the Pandavas. Arjuna, however, from devotion to the science of arms, always stayed by the side of his preceptor, and in skill, strength of arm, and perseverance, excelled all (his class-fellows). Indeed, although the instruction the preceptor gave was the same in the case of all, yet in lightness and skill Arjuna became the foremost of all his fellow pupils. And Drona was convinced that none of his pupils would (at any time) be able to equal that son of Indra.
"Thus Drona continued giving lessons to the princes in the science of weapons. And while he gave unto every one of his pupils a narrow-mouthed vessel (for fetching water) inorder that much time may be spent in filling them, he gave unto his own son Aswathama a broad-mouthed vessel, so that filling it quickly, he might return soon enough. And in the intervals so gained, Drona used to instruct his own son in several superior methods (of using weapons). Jishnu (Arjuna) came to know of this, and thereupon filling his narrow-mouthed vessel with water by means of the Varuna weapon, he used to come unto his preceptor at the same time with his preceptor's son. And accordingly the intelligent son of Prithā that foremost of all men possessing a knowledge of weapons— had no inferiority to his preceptor's son in respect of excellence. Arjuna's devotion to the service of his preceptor as also to arms was very great, and he soon became the favorite of his preceptor. And Drona beholding his pupil's devotion to arms, summoning the cook, told him in secret, 'Never give Arjuna his food in the dark, nor do thou tell him that I have told thee this.' A few days after, however, when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind rose and thereupon the lamp that was burning went out. But Arjuna, endued with energy, continued eating in the dark, his hand, from habit going up to his mouth. His attention being thus called to the force of
