Thereafter with a sorrowful heart Arjuna thus addressed Keshava "O sinless one, without fighting for you, I will drive your steeds, in battle. Even these, O lotus-eyed one, were the words you spoke before. Why then do you not keep your promise inviolate? It is only then when I shall be involved in a calamity or shall be incapable or resisting (my foes and their weapons), it is then only that you shall take it upon yourself to protect me; but not when I am competent and standing thus.
ततोऽर्जुन: क्लान्तमना: केशवं प्रत्यभाषत॥ अयुध्यमानस्तुरगान् संयन्तास्मीति चानघ। इत्युक्त्वा पुण्डरीकाक्ष प्रतिज्ञा स्वां न रक्षसि॥ यद्यहं व्यसनी वा स्यामशक्तो वा निवारणे। ततस्त्वयैवं कार्यं स्यान्न तत्कार्यं मयि स्थिते॥