Vaisampayana continued, "And then, hastily embraced by his brothers, Partha, that subduer of hostile cities, with the permission of Drona advanced for the combat. On the other side Karna having been embraced by Duryodhana with his brothers, taking up his bow and arrows, stood ready for fight. Then the firmament became enveloped in clouds emitting flashes of lightning, and the colored bow of Indra appeared shedding its effulgent rays. And the clouds seemed to laugh in consequence of rows of white vakas that were then on their wing. And seeing Indra thus viewing the arena from affection (for his son), the Sun too dispersed the clouds from over his own offspring. And Falguna remained deep hid under cover of the clouds, while Karna remained visible, being surrounded by the rays of the Sun. And the sons of Dhrita-rashtra stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja, and Kripa, and Bhisma remained with Partha. And the assembly was divided as also were the female spectators. And knowing the state of things, Kunti, the daughter of Bhoja, swooned away. And by help of female attendants, Vidura, versed in the lore of all duties, revived the insensible Kunti by sprinkling sandal paste and water on her person. On being restored to consciousness, Kunti seeing her two sons clad in mail was seized with fear, but she could do nothing (to protect them). And beholding both the warriors with bows strung in their hands, the son of Saradwan, Kripa, knowing all duties and cognisant of the rules regulating duels, addressed Karna, saying, "This Pandava is the youngest son of Kunti. He belongeth to the Kaurava race. He will engage in combat with thee. But, O thou mighty-armed one, thou too must tell us thy lineage and the names of thy father and mother; and the royal line of which thou art the ornament! Learning all this, Partha will fight with thee or not (as he shall see fit), Sons of kings never fight with men of inglorious lineage.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Kripa, Karna's countenance became like unto a lotus pale and torn with the pelting showers of the rainy season. Duryodhana said, 'O preceptor, verily, the shastras have it that three classes of persons can lay claim to royalty, viz, persons of the blood
