Scorched by envy. Duryodhan

 A

Got it — let’s do both.

1. In the 

Mahābhārata

While the exact phrase “I am scorched by envy” is not a verbatim translation from the Sanskrit epic, it captures Duryodhana’s mood very well. For example:

• In the Sabhāparva (Book of the Assembly Hall), after witnessing the splendour of the Pāṇḍavas’ palace at Indraprastha, Duryodhana feels humiliated and consumed by jealousy. He can’t sleep, he can’t eat, and his heart is “burning” with envy — which leads to his plotting the dice game.

Different translators render this in slightly different ways — some describe him as “pierced by envy,” others as “burning with jealousy.” The imagery of fire is common.

2. A Dramatic Monologue (Duryodhana’s voice)

Here’s a short expansion in that spirit:

“I am scorched by envy. Their halls gleam with jewels, while I — heir of the Kuru throne — walk in shadow. My veins burn with the fire of their fortune. Each cheer for Yudhiṣṭhira is a spear in my heart, each glance toward Arjuna a blow upon my pride. Why should they have glory, and I disgrace? No river can quench this blaze within me — only their downfall will bring me peace.”

Would you like me to continue this monologue as a longer soliloquy (like a theatrical scene where Duryodhana bares his soul), or keep it sharp and succinct like a war-cry?

1
DURYODHANA’S ENVY
‘What man of mettle will stand to see his
rivals prosper and himself decline?’
Why should one like you envy Yudhishthira? . . . Be content with what you have,
stay with your own dharma—that is the way to happiness.
—Dhritarashtra to Duryodhana,
Mahabharata II.5.3, 6 1



‘I am scorched by envy’