वसुदेव–अर्जुन संवादः
Vasudeva–Arjuna Dialogue in the Aftermath of Dvārakā
स शरक्षयमासाद्य दुःखशोकसमाहत: । धनुष्कोट्या तदा दस्यूनवधीत् पाकशासनि:,बाणोंके समाप्त हो जानेपर दुःख और शोकके आघात सहते हुए इन्द्रकुमार अर्जुन धनुषकी नोकसे ही उन डाकुओंका वध करने लगे
sa śarākṣayam āsādya duḥkhaśokasamāhataḥ | dhanuṣkoṭyā tadā dasyūn avadhīt pākaśāsaniḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: Quando suas flechas se esgotaram, Arjuna—atingido e abalado pela dor e pelo luto—passou então a abater os bandidos com a própria ponta do arco. A cena evidencia a amarga reversão da fortuna: até um protetor célebre, agindo para defender os indefesos, é forçado a uma violência improvisada, como se seu antigo poder e o amparo divino estivessem a minguar.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Even righteous strength is impermanent: when circumstances change and former supports fade, one may still be bound to act for protection according to dharma, yet must face the sorrowful limits of human power and the consequences of an age in decline.
Arjuna’s arrows run out while confronting bandits; overwhelmed by grief, he continues fighting by striking with the tip/end of his bow, indicating both urgency in defending against attackers and the diminished efficacy of his once-unfailing martial prowess.