Let such evil consequences always overtake the warriors of our foes.
Those that fly away from battle are wretches among men. They simply swell
the tale of human beings on earth. For true manhood, however, they are
neither here nor hereafter. Victorious foes, O sire, proceed cheerfully.
Their praises recited the while by bards, in pursuit of the flying
combatants. When enemies, coming to battle tarnish the fame of a person,
the misery the latter feels is more poignant, I think, than that of death
itself. Know that victory is the root of religious merit and of every
kind of happiness. That which is regarded as the highest misery by
cowards is cheerfully borne by those that are heroes.[300] Resolved upon
acquiring heaven, we should fight, regardless of life itself, and
determined to conquer or die, attain a blessed end in heaven. Having
taken such an oath, and prepared to throwaway life itself, heroes should
courageously rush against the enemy's ranks. In the van should be placed
a division of men armed with swords and shields. In the rear should be
placed the car-division. In the space intervening should be placed other
classes of combatants. This should be the arrangement made for assailing
the foe. Those combatants in the army that are veterans should fight in
the van. They would protect their comrades behind them. Those amongst the
army that would be regarded as foremost for strength and courage, should
be placed in the van. The others should stand behind them.
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