Shloka 9
Droṇa-pātana-paripṛcchā (Inquiry into the Fall of Droṇa) | द्रोणपातनपरिपृच्छा
रथानश्वान् नरान् नागानभिधावन्नितस्ततः । चचारोन्मत्तवद द्रोणो वृद्धोडपि तरुणो यथा,वे बूढ़े होकर भी जवानके समान फुर्तीले थे। द्रोणाचार्य उन्मत्तकी भाँति युद्धस्थलमें इधर-उधर चारों ओर विचरते और रथों, घोड़ों, पैदल मनुष्यों तथा हाथियोंपर धावा करते थे
sañjaya uvāca | rathān aśvān narān nāgān abhidhāvann itas tataḥ | cacāronmattavad droṇo vṛddho 'pi taruṇo yathā ||
Sañjaya said: Drona, though advanced in years, moved with the speed and vigor of a young man. Like one possessed, he ranged across the battlefield, charging now here, now there—assailing chariots, horses, foot-soldiers, and elephants. The verse underscores the terrifying momentum of martial prowess when unrestrained by calm discernment, and how age and status do not necessarily temper the ferocity of war.
संजय उवाच