Mahabharata 10.3.22

10.3.22

kṣatradharmaṃ viditvāhaṃ yadi brāhmaṇyasaṃśritam |
prakuryāṃ sumahatkarma na me tatsādhu saṃmatam || 22 ||

I am born in an adorable and high family of brahmanas. Through ill-luck, however, I am wedded to kshatriya practices. If, conversant as I am with kshatriya duties, I adopt now the duties of a brahmana and achieve a high object (the purification of self under such injuries), that course would not be consistent with nobleness. I hold an excellent bow and excellent weapons in battle. If I do not avenge the slaughter of my sire, how shall I open my mouth in the midst of men? Paying regard to kshatriya duties, therefore, without hesitation, I shall today walk in the steps of my high-souled sire and the king.