But how I wishI could hear someone slander against ParthaAnd Partha only. .

. Let Partha's slanderCome from all directionsFrom the premises of courtFrom the lips of children going to schoolFrom the chirping of birds.

. .

. If I could hear the slanderous wordsIn the stealthy darknessComing from the neighbourhood of brothers.

. .

From the songs of Yogis wanderingWith begging-bowlsFrom the half-asleep, half-awakeArmy-camp !. .

. .

To Partha's slandererI shall offer all my skills of archeryAll my virtues of this lifeAnd of previous lives, if neededRest of the kisses of my wife meant for meShall offer the span of my life. .

. .

Dr. Hrushikesh Mallick very artistically brings down Karna from a high pedestal and makes him speak like a commoner.

Yet, the feelings are genuine and sincere. And the readers are made to wonder at such verses stated above.

The whole of Basusena is replete with such verses. When I read the book in its original version (Odia), I felt impelled to translate it into English since I sincerely felt this great work richly deserves a wider audience.

The wonderful command Dr Mallick has over Odia language and his way of presenting his thoughts in a form and style all his own sometimes defy translation. I have tried to make a modest attempt.

I will be very happy if this translated version gives some moments of joy to the readers. --Dr.

Gopa Ranjan Mishra. .