the command of the host from Duryodhana.

In the meantime, proud Kerna, the friend and ally of Duryodhana, fills
the mind of the Kuru chief with impressions hostile to Drona and his
son, persuading him that Drona only fought to secure Aswatthama's
elevation to royal dignity, and that he threw away his life, not out of
grief, but in despair at the disappointment of his ambitious schemes.
Kripa and Aswatthama now arrive and Duryodhana professes to condole with
Aswatthama for his father's loss. Kerna sneeringly asks him what he
purposes, to which he replies:--

"Whoever confident in arms is ranked amongst the adverse host--whomever
the race of proud Panchala numbers, active youth, weak age or unborn
babes, whoever beheld my father's murder, or whoever dares to cross my
path, shall fall before my vengeance. Dark is my sight with rage, and
Death himself, the world's destroyer, should not escape my fury."

Kripa then requests Duryodhana to give the command of the army to
Aswatthama. The king excuses himself on the plea of having promised it
to Kerna, to whom he transfers his ring accordingly. A violent quarrel
ensues between Kerna and Aswatthama, and Duryodhana and Kripa have some
difficulty in preventing them from single combat. Fiery Aswatthama at
last reproaches Duryodhana with partiality, and refuses to fight for him
more. Bhima proclaims that he has at last encountered Duhsasana, the
insulter of Draupadi, and is about to sacrifice him to his vengeance.
Kerna, instigated by Aswatthama, foregoes his anger and is about to
resume his arms when a voice from heaven prevents him. He is obliged,
therefore, to remain an idle spectator of the fight, but desires Kripa
to assist the king. They go off to fight.