*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 68.*
Lakshana, daughter of Duryodhana, was to select her own husband, and
there was an assembly of princes. Samba, son of Jambavati, carried away
the girl by force. The Kauravas could not brook this insult. Bhishma,
Kama, Salya, Bhuri, Yajna Ketu and Duryodhana united to defeat Samba and
they brought him back as a prisoner. Narada gave the information to the
Vrishnis and their chief Ugrasena gave them permission to fight with the
Kauravas. Balarama did not like that the Kurus and Yadus should fight
with one another. So he went himself to Hastinapura. He remained outside
the town and sent Uddhava to learn the views of Dhrita-Rashtra. The
Kurus came in a body to receive Balarama. When the formalities were
over, Balarama composedly asked the Kurus, in the name of king Ugrasena,
to restore Samba. The Kurus proudly replied: "We have given the kingdom
to the Vrishnis and Yadus. A wonder indeed, they want to become our
equals and to dictate to us! Surely the lamb cannot take away the lion's
game."
Balarama thought how foolish the Kurus had become. They did not know the
powers of Ugrasena and of Krishna. In anger he exclaimed, "I will make
the earth to be stripped of all Kauravas" He took his plough and gave a
pull to Hastinapura. The town became topsy-turvy. The Kurus came and
adored him. They brought back Samba and Lakshana. Duryodhana made large
presents and Balarama became appeased. He went back with Samba and his
bride to Hastinapura and related what had happened to the Yadus.