Tagore: Karna Kunti Sangbad

Don't fear, o mother, I predict, Pandavas will win the war. In light of the star, I see awful end engraved in night's attire. At this serene silent moment- I hear from endless sky, the song that sings fruitless effort and hopeless striving. I see that peaceful empty end. Please, don't ask me abandon those who would certainly lose. Let Pandavas be the the victor, let them be king, I shall live amongst those who only lose and despair. In night of my birth, you have abandoned me on earth nameless, homeless. Today too, with your same cruelty, o mother, leave me, in poor honour-less defeat. But bless me with your heart, o mother, neither lust for win, nor desire for fame or fortune can derail me from path of brave and true. Translation by Arun Maji