Karna's turn came. Seeing him march toward the bow like a golden mountain entering the arena, the Pandavas considered that the target had been struck and the princess won. As he approached the bow, however, Draupadi stood up and said in a loud voice, "I shall not accept a charioteer's son as my husband." Knowing that Karna was the son of Adhiratha, leader of the suta caste who generally acted as chariot drivers, Draupadi exercised her prerogative and denied him the opportunity to attempt the test. Karna blushed deeply and laughed in vexation. Glancing at the sun, he turned and strode back to
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