Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
वेपमानान् क्षितौ भीतान् नैव कांश्रचिदमुज्चताम् । नामुच्यत तयो: वक्षिन्निष्क्रान्त: शिबिराद् बहि:
vepamānān kṣitau bhītān naiva kāṁścid amuñcatām | nāmuñcyata tayoḥ vakṣi nīṣkrāntaḥ śibirād bahiḥ ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Sila’y nanginginig at takót na nakadapa sa lupa, ngunit wala ni isa ang pinalaya. Wala ring nakatakas mula sa dalawang iyon; paglabas nila mula sa kampo, ipinagpatuloy nila ang pagpatay at walang iniwang buhay.”
संजय उवाच
The verse underscores the ethical collapse that accompanies vengeance-driven warfare: the terrified and helpless are shown no mercy, highlighting how adharma manifests when restraint and compassion are abandoned.
Sañjaya reports to the king that the attackers allowed no one to escape; even those trembling on the ground were not spared, and the killing continued outside the camp as well.