Shloka 9
अध्याय १६९ — भीष्मस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रशंसा तथा शिखण्डिविषये नियमः
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava Forces and His Constraint Regarding Śikhaṇḍin
वयोवृद्धावपि हि तौ क्षत्रधर्मपरायणौ । यतिष्येते परं शक््त्या स्थितौ वीरगते पथि,यद्यपि वे दोनों अवस्थाकी दृष्टिसे बहुत बूढ़े हैं, तथापि क्षत्रिय-धर्मका आश्रय ले वीरोंके मार्गमें स्थित हो अपनी शक्तिभर युद्ध करनेका प्रयत्न करेंगे
vayovṛddhāv api hi tau kṣatradharmaparāyaṇau | yatiṣyete paraṁ śaktyā sthitau vīragate pathi ||
ビーシュマは言った。「二人は年齢こそきわめて高いが、なお刹帝利の法（kṣatriya-dharma）に帰依している。英雄の最期へと至る道に堅く立ち、残る力のすべてを尽くして戦おうと努めるだろう—歳月の衰えよりも義務と武勇を選んで。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when physical strength declines with age, commitment to one’s svadharma—here, the kṣatriya’s duty of courage and steadfastness in battle—remains a moral anchor. The verse praises resolve: acting to the utmost of one’s capacity in the chosen duty, rather than retreating into excuse or fear.
Bhīṣma comments that two elderly warriors, despite their advanced years, will still take their stand in the warrior’s path and attempt to fight with maximum effort. The emphasis is on their unwavering adherence to kṣatriya conduct and readiness for a heroic end.