MAHABHARATA
Both side armies in the battle,
One by one began to settle.
The rules of the war were read,
For everyone strictly to abide.
“The battle to stop at sunset.
Between equals be single combat.
Horsemen to attack horsemen.
Infantrymen to engage infantrymen.”
“Those who left the field,
Or retired from the field,
Should never be attacked,
But they should be spared.”
“Those men surrendered
They should not be killed,
Besides non-fighters, drummers,
Charioteers and conch blowers.”
After the code of conduct read,
The armies face to face stood.
They were in preparedness,
Ready to attack their enemies.
“Soldiers, fear not death.
In the war field any death,
Takes one to the Heaven,
Understand everyone.”
“Prefer a brave death,
Than a sickly death.
One dies in the war,
He rises as a star.”
This Bhisma’s opening speech,
Around the field it did reach.
It aroused a spirit of war,
Among each and every warrior.
On the other side Yudhisthira,
Instructed the Chief Dhristadyumna
Their forces to be in readiness,
To attack any moment the enemies.
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