My dear friend, the promise I had made to your dear wife

I hereby reiterate with my father the God of Sun as witness

I renounce my mother for your sake

And also my five brothers, I swear

From now on I will not live on this planet

Along with Arjuna, I promise

O Duryodhana, I will be ahead of you

in martyrdom. It’s the truth, the truth, the truth

This is Karna’s vow, Karna’s vow, Karna’s vow!

O God! To leave you Duryodhana, your bidding?

Is Karna ungrateful? Certainly that’s what you mean

This moment I must punish you but my love forbids me

I am suffering the repercussions of a great misdeed

Death is my refuge; cut off my neck with the sword

It’s well-known I do not spurn those who seek my help

I will make a promise; take that and you may leave

Except Arjuna, the son of Indra, 

none of my other four brothers will I slay

And that is a promise.

Say no further; even if great men dither

And the steadfast Himalayas start moving

Even if the sky comes crashing down

And the oceans start drying up

My friend I will not desert

under any circumstance.

Questions I too have; years ago one day

In that cursed moment when your son was born

When you sent him down the river

O lady, in your heart then

If kindliness did overflow

Do tell me this moment.

Don’t speak pointless words

I will never abandon Duryodhana

Should I forget that all my fame

is only because of him?

Am I an ingrate? Should I betray his trust?

You came here to tell me this? I wonder!

Mother! my whole story I now learn

The doubts gnawing my mind have lifted

That’s due to your kindness, great lady!

My heart is full of gratitude

Among your sons the eldest I am, 

Here I prostrate at your feet

Alas! O God! What am I hearing?

Has lightning struck my head?

Has darkness suddenly engulfed the world?

Is the earth spinning fast around me?

Be kind, tell me the whole truth please.

To utter such harsh words how did you muster the nerve?

Should Karna ditch his best friend Duryodhana?

Should I befriend your sons who are my enemies?

Your womanhood spares you death, you understand?

What should I do, please tell me

Don’t harbour the slightest doubt

Whatever riches I possess

I will lay at your feet, please ask