[Krishna's POV]

Vasudeva to Yuddhishthira extolled:

Sallied forth, my son and yours

 Dharmraj - these valiant heroes

Pradyumna to the seiged Vrishnis bade good cheer:

Watch me thrash Shalwa that evil marauder

My serpent arrows bake him into fodder

My chariot golden  watch the son of Daruka steer!

See how steeled our steeds rampant in armoured might

Not running but how fleet their feet flying seemed

Manes like flames and hooves like diamonds gleamed

See my flag snap at the wind - makara with ferocious bite!''

Quiver and sword, my son by Rukmini twanged his bow

Striking the foe blow by blow - swift his fingers cased in leather

So fast from hand to hand  it made lightning seem so slow;

Changed not face its colour  nor trembled limbs, steady  together.

My joy and pride my Pradyumna like a lion he roared

Shalwa enraged upon him with vulturous arrows gored...

Pradyumna at his vitals a piercing  volley lethal soared. 

Then struck the demon arrow at my son's throat

He fell in his chariot - senseless pale and smote

Seeing him stricken deadly thus, his charioteer acted fast

Daruka's son drove my son to safety - till the danger past. 

Skilled young man how highly trained

Mature in manner and how well restrained

Life saving face with grace under fire

Dispelling the dark his deed shone like the sun

Did rightly your son what had to be done

Back to the battle stormed he and my son!

contd.