I have heard that foremost of the Kurus viz., Bhishma say, 'I will never strike Shikhandin, in as much as formerly born as a daughter he attained manhood subsequently." Having formed this resolution the Pandavas with him of Madhu's race went back to their tents with cheerful hearts, and with the permission of the illustrious Bhishma.
श्रुतं हि कुरुमुख्यस्य नाहं हन्यां शिखण्डिनम्। कन्या ह्येषा पुरा भूत्वा पुरुषः समपद्यत॥ इत्येवं निश्चयं कृत्वा पाण्डवाः सहमाधवाः। अनुमान्य महात्मानं प्रययुर्हष्टमानसाः। शयनानि यथास्वानि भेजिरे पुरुषर्षभाः॥