"Uttara said, 'Firm as I am in the use of the bow, I would set out this
very day in the track of the kine if only some one skilled in the
management of horses becomes my charioteer. I do not, however, know the
man who may be my charioteer. Look ye, therefore, without delay, for a
charioteer for me that am prepared for starting. My own charioteer was
slain in the great battle that was fought from day to day for a whole
month or at least for eight and twenty nights. As soon as I get another
person conversant with the management of the steeds, I will immediately
set out, hoisting high my own standard. Penetrating into the midst of
the hostile army abounding with elephants and horses and chariots, I
will bring back the kine, having vanquished the Kurus who are feeble in
strength and weak in weapons. Like a second wielder of the thunderbolt
terrifying the Danavas, I will bring back the kine this very moment,
affrighting in battle Duryodhana and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and
Drona with his son, and other mighty bowmen assembled for fight. Finding
none (to oppose), the Kurus are taking away the kine. What can I do when
I am not there? The assembled Kurus shall witness my prowess today. And
they shall say unto one another, "Is it Arjuna himself who is opposing
us?'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard these words spoken by the prince,
Arjuna fully acquainted with the import of everything, after a little
while cheerfully spake in private unto his dear wife of faultless
beauty, Krishna, the princess of Panchala, Drupada's daughter of slender
make, sprung from the (sacrificial) fire and endued with the virtues of
truthfulness and honesty and ever attentive to the good of her husbands.
And the hero said, 'Do thou, O beauteous one, at my request say unto
Uttara without delay, "This Vrihannala was formerly the accomplished
resolute charioteer of Pandu's son (Arjuna). Tried in many a great
battle, even he will be thy charioteer."'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words uttered by the prince over
and over again in the midst of the women, Panchali could not quietly
bear those allusions to Vibhatsu. And bashfully stepping out from among
the women, the poor princess of Panchala gently spake unto him these
words, 'The handsome youth, looking like a mighty elephant and known by
the name of Vrihannala, was formerly the charioteer of Arjuna. A
disciple of that illustrious warrior, and inferior to none in use of the
bow, he was known to me while I was living with the Pandavas. It was by
him that the reins were held of Arjuna's excellent steeds when Agni
consumed the forest of Khandava. It was with him as charioteer that
Partha conquered all creatures at Khandava-prastha. In fact, there is no
charioteer equal unto him.'
"Uttara said, 'Thou knowest, O _Sairindhri_, this youth. Thou knowest,
what this one of the neuter sex may or may not be. I cannot, however, O
blessed one, myself request Vrihannala to hold the reins of my horses.'
"Draupadi said, 'Vrihannala, O hero, will without doubt, obey the words
of thy younger sister[35]--that damsel of graceful hips. If he consents
to be thy charioteer, thou wilt, without doubt, return, having
vanquished the Kurus and rescued thy kine.'
[35] Some read _kaniasi_ for _vaviasi_. Both words are the same,
and mean the same thing.
"Thus addressed by the _Sairindhri_, Uttara spake unto his sister, 'Go
thyself, O thou of faultless beauty, and bring Vrihannala hither.' And
despatched by her brother, she hastily repaired to the dancing-hall
where that strong-armed son of Pandu was staying in disguise."