Dronabhisheka Parva — The counsel of Karna

Sanjaya said O monarch, seeing that foremost of men Karna scated on his car, Duryodhana highly enraptured, spoke these words.

I consider this army, protected by you, to have found a suitable commander in you. Do you now decide that which will be beneficial (to this army) and which is practicable.

Karna said O foremost of men, yourself speak to us, since you are the wisest of kings. A third person cannot so well descry as to what should be done, as he who is interested in any affair.

All these rulers of men are desirous of hcaring your words; and I am sure you will never speak unjust words.

Duryodhana said Owing to his prowess, seniority, knowledge of the Srutis and the support he obtained from all the warriors, he (Bhishma) was the leader of our host. In the fair battle of these ten days that highly glorious one of generous soul, O Karna, slew a large number of my foes and protected my own army.

When that onc, who accomplished many difficult acts, is gone to heaven, ( Karna, whom do you consider capable of leading this host into battle)?

Like an unmanned boat in waters, the army cannot stand in battle even for a short while without a leader, O Karna, O you who are foremost in battle.

An army without a commander is like a boat with none to steer her through or like a chariot without a driver, going any where.

Just as a foreign trader in an unknown country reaps all distress, so an army without a commander is exposed to all dangers.

Therefore do you look among all these high-souled warriors of ours and find out a proper person who may, as a commander, fill the place of Shantanu's son.

The person, who you will consider to be fit to lead our army, in battle, will undoubtedly be chosen to be so unanimously.

Karna said All these foremost of men of high soul are worthy of the leadership (of this host). There is no necessity for making any selection. ever one

All of them are perfectly acquainted with the genelogies (of princes) and with the vital parts of the body; they are possessed of prowess, might and intelligence; they are grateful, highly intelligent and unretreating from battle.

But all of them cannot at the same time assume the leadership; therefore only one among them is to be chosen, in whom there reside superior qualities.

If you promote among several contending rivals, the rest, it is clear, being depressed, will not fight with a desire for doing your good.

But this foremost of all the wielders of weapons, this preceptor and teacher, of all the warriors, this Drona who is venerable in years, is worthy of being elected generalissimo.

When the indomitable Drona, who is foremost among those conversant with Brahma and is equal to Shuka and Angirasa in learning, is here, who else is worthy of being selected as a leader?

O Bharata, there is not even a single warrior among this mighty host of kings, who will not follow Drona when he goes to fight.

O monarch, this one is the foremost of all leaders of warriors; he is the foremost of all wielders of arms, as also of all intelligent persons and he is also your preceptor (in arms).

As the immortals desirous of defeating the Asuras in battle made Kartikeya their leader, so, do you, O Duryodhana, soon elect this one (Drona) as the leader of your army.