Duryodhana: "Each of us alone is capable of conquering all the kings of the earth. Let them come. With sharp arrows we shall curb their pride. Inflamed with wrath after his father's death, this Bhishma among us in former times conquered all the kings of the earth single-handed on his chariot. O Bharata, once his anger was roused, that best of the Kurus struck down countless numbers among them, whereupon, out of fear, they surrendered to this Devavrata, seeking his protection. This Bhishma, joined with us, is still capable of conquering the enemy in battle. Therefore let your fears, O bull of the Bharata race, be dispelled." Duryodhana continued: "Even such resolve was formed then in these heroes of immeasurable energy. The whole earth once lay under the enemy's power. Yet now they are incapable of defeating us in battle, since our enemies, the sons of Pandu, now remain without allies and bereft of vigor. O bull of the Bharata race, sovereignty over the earth now belongs to me, and the kings I have gathered share my views in joy and in sorrow alike. Know then, O best of the Kuru race, that all these kings, O slayer of foes, would enter fire or the sea for my sake. They all laugh at you, seeing you full of grief and joining in these lamentations like a madman, frightened by the enemy's praises. Each of these kings is capable of standing against the Pandavas. Indeed, sovereign, each of them thinks highly of himself; therefore let your fears be dispelled. Not even Vasava himself is capable of conquering my vast army. The Self-create Brahma himself, even should he wish to slay it, cannot destroy it. Having abandoned all hope for the city, Yudhishthira desires only five villages, frightened, O lord, by the army I have gathered and by my strength. The faith you place in the prowess of Vrikodara, son of Kunti, is unfounded. O Bharata, you do not know the extent of my skill. There is no one on earth who could match me in combat with the mace. No one has ever surpassed me in such an encounter, nor will anyone surpass me. With devoted effort and enduring many hardships, I dwelt in the abode of my teacher. There I completed my learning and my exercises. That is precisely why I fear neither Bhima nor any other. When I served Sankarshana (my teacher) with humility, blessed one, he became firmly convinced that Duryodhana has no equal with the mace. In battle I am equal to Sankarshana, and in might there is no one on earth who surpasses me. Bhima shall never be able to withstand the blow of my mace in battle."