And we do not know which is better for us: whether to conquer them or be conquered by them. Those whom, having killed, we would not desire to live, those sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra stand arrayed before us

Radical uncertainty: na vidmaḥ (we do not know). The dilemma is not solvable with available information. Katarat garīyaḥ (which is heavier/graver/better) — the word garīyas (comparative of guru, heavy) applies the same root as teachers (guru).

The paradox: if jayema (we conquer), we kill those we do not wish to kill. If jayeyuḥ (they conquer us), do we die or live with defeat? But the second option is preferable: na jijīviṣāmaḥ (we would not desire to live) after killing them.

The dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ are avasthitāḥ (arrayed, firm) pramukhe (at the front) — the same verb that describes honorable warriors. They are not cowards; Arjuna cannot expect them to flee.