*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 43-44.*
Kansa took his seat on a raised platform with his ministers. There was
beating of drums. The athletes appeared on the scene, headed by Chanur,
Mushtika, Kuta, Sala and Tosala. Nanda and other Gopas made their
presents and were shown over to another platform.
Hearing the noise, Rama and Krishna also came to see the match. At the
entrance they were obstructed by the elephant Kubalayapida. Krishna
asked the driver to remove the elephant, but he only set it upon him.
There was a fight and Krishna at last succeeded in felling the elephant
to the ground. He then plucked out its teeth and with their help, he
killed both the animal and its driver. Blood-stained, the two brothers
entered the wrestling ground with the ivory teeth in their hands. All
were struck by their appearance. The account of the elephant's death
struck terror into Kansa's heart. He began to tremble. The people of
Mathura were attracted by the divine form of the brothers and they began
to talk about their deeds. Chanura addressing the brothers said: -- "You
are known as good wrestlers. The King has therefore invited you to this
match. Come and do the pleasure of the King, for the King is the
embodiment of all Devas."
Krishna said: -- "We dwell in the forest. But still we are subjects of
the King of Bhoja. That we are ordered to please the King is a great
favor to us. But we are boys. We shall play with those of equal might.
There will then be a fair match and there will be no injustice attaching
to those present here."