When I approached Drupada, the king, he spoke to me with coldness: “A king does not befriend a non-king, nor is friendship ever truly accepted from one who is not equal. I know of no agreement with you regarding the kingdom.” Then, O Brahmin, he said, “I will grant you food for a single night, as you wish.” Thus addressed, I departed from his presence with my wife, my heart burning with anger and a resolve to fulfill my vow soon. With this purpose, I came to the Kurus, O Bhishma, accompanied by my capable and virtuous disciples, seeking to accomplish my desire. Before you stands this splendid city of the Nagas—tell me, what shall I do for you? Let an unbreakable bow be made, and let excellent weapons be provided; enjoy great pleasures and honor in Kurukshetra. All the wealth of the Kurus, the entire kingdom with its provinces, is yours; you alone are the supreme king, and all obey your command. Whatever you have asked of me, O Brahmin, has been accomplished; consider it done. By good fortune you have come, O sage among Brahmins, and you have done me a great favor. Bhishma accepted me as teacher, together with the sons of Pandu, and brought all his grandsons and many treasures. The king formally gave his grandsons into my care as disciples, and then I spoke to Bhishma, the foremost among the wise: “Kripa remains as teacher, skilled in weapons and honored by the learned. But if I, the Brahmin, stay here, he may become disheartened. Having received a little from you and wealth with joy, O king, I will return to my own hermitage as I came.” When I had spoken thus, Bhishma, best among warriors, addressed me, chief among teachers and foremost in weapon lore: “Let Kripa remain honored and always cared for by me. You, Drona, be the teacher of my grandsons; you are esteemed by me as their instructor. Accept these sons, skilled in weapons, and always train them.” Thus honored by Bhishma, I rested in the Kuru palace, revered and radiant. When I had rested, Bhishma brought the grandsons of the Kurus and offered them as disciples, along with various treasures. The lord, well pleased, gave to my father Bharadvaja a house well furnished, filled with wealth and grain. Gladly, I accepted the Kauravas as my disciples—both the Pandavas and the sons of Dhritarashtra. Having accepted them all, I spoke to them privately, with confidence, after they had approached me: “There is something I desire, which turns in my heart. Since you will master the science of weapons, this should be given to me—so speak, O sinless ones.” At this, the Kauravas remained silent, O lord of men; but Arjuna promised me everything, scorcher of foes. Repeatedly, I kissed Arjuna on the head, embraced him with affection, and wept with joy. Calling my son Ashvatthama, I said, “Know this Partha as your friend, whom I have given to you; accept him.” Partha embraced him, saying, “Well done, well done! From today, O foremost Brahmin, I am bound to you by righteousness. O best of the twice-born, I am your disciple; by your grace I live.” Having said this, Arjuna then grasped my feet. Thereafter, I began teaching the sons of Pandu the knowledge of weapons—both divine and human. Other royal youths also gathered, O bull among the Bharatas, and approached me, seeking instruction in arms. The Vrishnis, the Andhakas, kings from various regions, and Radheya, the son of a charioteer, all came to me for training. Competing with Partha, the son of the charioteer, filled with intense anger, relied on Duryodhana and scorned the Pandavas. Desiring to master the science of archery, he too approached me. But among all those students, the Pandava excelled in diligence and skill. Because of his devotion to the science of weapons, Arjuna became distinguished in their equal application, in speed, and in excellence. Among all my disciples, Arjuna surpassed the rest; in teaching, I considered him equal to Indra himself. Thus I instructed all the princes in archery. After a long time, I gave each of them a water pot. To my son, I gave a pitcher without delay, but as long as he did not approach, I did not perform the supreme rite for him. I instructed Ashvatthama in the task, and the victorious one filled the water pot using the Varuna weapon. Phalguna (Arjuna) approached me together with my son, and from Ashvatthama he received special instruction, not separately. The intelligent Partha, foremost among those skilled in weapons, was not surpassed; he made the utmost effort in honoring me as his teacher. In weapons, he attained supreme mastery and became dear to me. Seeing Phalguna always diligent in archery, I called his charioteer privately and said, “Never give food to Arjuna in the dark, nor should you reveal this, for my words must be obeyed by you.” Yet once, as Arjuna was eating, the wind blew and the lamp, though burning, was extinguished by its force.