The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.28

c2.s5.28

adorning a dead man,’* the usual and effective spurs to courage are duty and glory. ‘I elect glory even at the cost of life,’ says the Kurus’ chief hero;† for ‘victory is the root of right, and death is better than lack of fame.’‡ But fear inspired courage also; for according to the Epic rule a deserter is killed, and may even be burned to death.§