Shloka 43
आकर्णपलित: श्यामो ववसाशीतिपञ्चक: । रणे पर्यचरद द्रोणो वृद्धः षोडशवर्षवत्,जिनकी अंग-कान्ति श्याम थी, जिनके कानोंतकके बाल पक गये थे तथा जो चार सौ वर्षकी अवस्था पूरे कर चुके थे, वे बूढ़े द्रोणाचार्य रणभूमिमें सोलह वर्षके तरुणकी भाँति सब ओर विचरते रहे
ākarṇapalitaḥ śyāmo vayasā śītipañcakaḥ | raṇe paryacarad droṇo vṛddhaḥ ṣoḍaśavarṣavat ||
Kṛpa said: Though Drona was dark-hued, with hair turned grey up to his ears, and though he was advanced in years, on the battlefield the aged teacher moved about in every direction like a sixteen-year-old youth. The verse underscores the awe inspired by disciplined prowess and unwavering resolve in war, while also hinting at the moral tension of venerable elders expending their remaining strength in a fratricidal conflict.
कृप उवाच