Duryodhana said: 'All the sons of Pritha are just like other men, and are in fact born on earth like other men. Why then do you think they are bound to win? Both we and they are equal in energy, valor, age, intellect, knowledge of scripture, weapons, military skill, quickness of hand, and expertise. We are all of one kind, all men by birth. How then, O grandfather, do you know that victory will be theirs? I do not seek to achieve my aims relying on you, or on Drona, or on Kripa, or on Valhika, or on the other kings. I, together with Karna, son of Vikartana, and my brother Duhshasana, shall slay the five sons of Pandu in battle with sharp arrows; then, O king, we shall satisfy the brahmanas by performing great and manifold sacrifices, with abundant dakshinas, gifts of cows, horses, and wealth. When my armies drag the Pandavas into battle with their mighty arms — as hunters drag a herd of deer with a net, or whirlpools draw in a boat without a crew — then the sons of Pandu, seeing us as their enemy, supported by throngs of troops, chariots, and elephants, will abandon their pride — and not they alone, but Keshava too.'