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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana
+Vyasa, Part 2, by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Part 2
+
+Author: Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+Posting Date: March 21, 2015 [EBook #7965]
+Release Date: April, 2005
+First Posted: June 6, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KRISHNA-DWAIPAYANA VYASA, PART 2 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by John B. Hare, David King, Juliet Sutherland,
+Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+
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+
+Editorial comment: Part 1 of THE MAHABHARATA OF KRISHNA-DWAIPAYANA
+VYASA can be found in the Project Gutenberg EBook#7864.
+
+
+This E-text was prepared by John B. Hare, David King, Juliet
+Sutherland, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team. Scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2003. Redaction at Distributed
+Proofing, Juliet Sutherland, Project Manager. Additional proofing and
+formatting at sacred-texts.com, by J. B. Hare. This text is in the
+public domain. These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose,
+provided this notice of attribution is left intact.
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 2
+
+SABHA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I
+
+(Sabhakriya Parva)
+
+Om! After having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted
+male being, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be
+uttered.
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then, in the presence of Vasudeva, Maya Danava,
+having worshipped Arjuna, repeatedly spoke unto him with joined hands
+and in amiable words,--'O son of Kunti, saved have I been by thee from
+this Krishna in spate and from Pavaka (fire) desirous of consuming me.
+Tell me what I have to do for thee.'
+
+"Arjuna said,--'O great Asura, everything hath already been done by
+thee (even by this offer of thine). Blest be thou. Go whithersoever
+thou likest. Be kind and well-disposed towards me, as we are even kind
+to and well-pleased with thee!'
+
+"Maya said,--'O bull amongst men, what thou hast said is worthy of
+thee, O exalted one. But O Bharata, I desire to do something for thee
+cheerfully. I am a great artist, a Viswakarma among the Danavas. O son
+of Pandu, being what I am, I desire to do something for thee.'
+
+"Arjuna said,--'O sinless one, thou regardest thyself as saved (by me)
+from imminent death. Even if it hath been so, I cannot make thee do
+anything for me. At the same time, O Danava, I do not wish to frustrate
+thy intentions. Do thou something for Krishna. That will be a
+sufficient requital for my services to thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then, O bull of the Bharata race, urged by Maya,
+Vasudeva reflected for a moment as to what he should ask Maya to
+accomplish. Krishna, the Lord of the universe and the Creator of every
+object, having reflected in his mind, thus commanded Maya,--'Let a
+palatial sabha (meeting hall) as thou choosest, be built (by thee), if
+thou, O son of Diti, who art the foremost of all artists, desirest to
+do good to Yudhishthira the just. Indeed, build thou such a palace that
+persons belonging to the world of men may not be able to imitate it
+even after examining it with care, while seated within. And, O Maya,
+build thou a mansion in which we may behold a combination of godly,
+asuric and human designs.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having heard those words, Maya became
+exceedingly glad. And he forthwith built a magnificent palace for the
+son of Pandu like unto the palace of the celestials themselves. Then
+Krishna and Partha (Arjuna) after having narrated everything unto king
+Yudhishthira the just, introduced Maya unto him. Yudhishthira received
+Maya with respect, offering him the honour he deserved. And, O Bharata,
+Maya accepted that honour thinking highly of it. O monarch of the
+Bharata race, that great son of Diti then recited unto the sons of
+Pandu the history of the Danava Vrisha-parva, and that foremost of
+artists then, having rested awhile, set himself after much thoughtful
+planning to build a palace for the illustrious sons of Pandu. Agreeably
+to the wishes of both Krishna and the sons of Pritha, the illustrious
+Danava of great prowess, having performed on an auspicious day the
+initial propitiatory rites of foundation and having also gratified
+thousands of well-versed Brahmanas with sweetened milk and rice and
+with rich presents of various kinds, measured out a plot of land five
+thousand cubits square, which was delightful and exceedingly handsome
+to behold and which was favourable for construction of a building
+well-suited to the exigencies of every season."
+
+
+SECTION II
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Janardana deserving the worship of all, having
+lived happily at Khandavaprastha for some time, and having been treated
+all the while with respectful love and affection by the sons of Pritha,
+became desirous one day of leaving Khandavaprastha to behold his
+father. That possessor of large eyes, unto whom was due the obeisance
+of the universe, then saluted both Yudhishthira and Pritha and made
+obeisance with his head unto the feet of Kunti, his father's sister.
+Thus revered by Kesava, Pritha smelt his head and embraced him. The
+illustrious Hrishikesa approached his own sister Subhadra
+affectionately, with his eyes filled with tears, and spoke unto her
+words of excellent import and truth, terse proper, unanswerable and
+fraught with good. The sweet-speeched Subhadra also, saluting him in
+return and worshipping him repeatedly with bent head, told him all that
+she wished to be conveyed to her relatives on the paternal side. And
+bidding her farewell and uttering benedictions on his handsome sister,
+he of the Vrishni race, next saw Draupadi and Dhaumya. That best of men
+duly made obeisance unto Dhaumya, and consoling Draupadi obtained leave
+from her. Then the learned and mighty Krishna, accompanied by Partha,
+went to his cousins. And surrounded by the five brothers, Krishna shone
+like Sakra in the midst of the celestials. He whose banner bore the
+figure of Garuda, desirous of performing the rites preparatory to the
+commencement of a journey, purified himself by a bath and adorned his
+person with ornaments. The bull of the Yadu race then worshipped the
+gods and Brahmanas with floral wreaths, mantras, bows of the head, and
+excellent perfumes. Having finished all these rites, that foremost of
+steady and virtuous persons then thought of setting out. The chief of
+the Yadu race then came out of the inner to the outer apartment, and
+issuing thence he made unto Brahmanas, deserving of worship, offerings
+of vessel-fulls of curd and fruits, and parched-grain and caused them
+to pronounce benedictions upon him. And making unto them presents also
+of wealth, he went round them. Then ascending his excellent car of gold
+endued with great speed and adorned with banner bearing the figure of
+Tarkhya (Garuda) and furnished also with mace, discus, sword, his bow
+Sharnga and other weapons, and yoking thereunto his horses Saivya and
+Sugriva, he of eyes like lotuses set out at an excellent moment of a
+lunar day of auspicious stellar conjunction. And Yudhishthira, the king
+of the Kurus, from affection, ascended the chariot after Krishna, and
+causing that best charioteer Daruka to stand aside, himself took the
+reins. And Arjuna also, of long arms, riding on that car, walked round
+Krishna and fanned him with a white chamara furnished with a handle of
+gold. And the mighty Bhimasena accompanied by the twin brothers Nakula
+and Sahadeva and the priests and citizens all followed Krishna from
+behind. And Kesava, that slayer of hostile heroes, followed by all the
+brothers, shone like a preceptor followed by his favourite pupils. Then
+Govinda spoke unto Arjuna and clasped him firmly, and worshipping
+Yudhisthira and Bhima, embraced the twins. And embraced in return by
+the three elder Pandavas, he was reverentially saluted by the twins.
+After having gone about half a Yojana (two miles), Krishna, that
+subjugator of hostile towns, respectfully addressed Yudhishthira and
+requested him, O Bharata, to stop following him further. And Govinda,
+conversant with every duty, then reverentially saluted Yudhishthira and
+took hold of his feet. But Yudhishthira soon raised Kesava and smelt
+his head. King Yudhishthira the just, the son of Pandu, having raised
+Krishna endued with eyes like lotus-petals and the foremost of the
+Yadava race, gave him leave, saying,--'Good bye!' Then the slayer of
+Madhu, making an appointment with them (about his return) in words that
+were proper, and preventing with difficulty the Pandavas from following
+him further on foot, gladly proceeded towards his own city, like Indra
+going towards Amravati. Out of the love and affection they bore him,
+the Pandavas gazed on Krishna as long as he was within sight, and their
+minds also followed him when he got out of sight. And Kesava of
+agreeable person soon disappeared from their sight, unsatiated though
+their minds were with looking at him. Those bulls among men, the sons
+of Pritha, with minds fixed on Govinda, desisted (from following him
+further) and unwillingly returned to their own city in haste. And
+Krishna in his car soon reached Dwaraka followed by that hero Satyaki.
+Then Sauri, the son of Devaki, accompanied by his charioteer Daruka
+reached Dwaraka with the speed of Garuda."
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Meanwhile king Yudhishthira of unfading
+glory, accompanied by his brothers and surrounded by friends, entered
+his excellent capital. And that tiger among men, dismissing all his
+relatives, brothers, and sons, sought to make himself happy in the
+company of Draupadi. And Kesava also, worshipped by the principal
+Yadavas including Ugrasena, entered with a happy heart his own
+excellent city. And worshipping his old father and his illustrious
+mother, and saluting (his brother) Valadeva, he of eyes like
+lotus-petals took his seat. Embracing Pradyumna, Shamva, Nishatha,
+Charudeshna, Gada, Aniruddha and Bhanu, and obtaining the leave of all
+the elderly men, Janardana entered the apartments of Rukmini."
+
+
+SECTION III
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then Maya Danava addressed Arjuna, that foremost
+of successful warriors, saying,--'I now go with thy leave, but shall
+come back soon. On the north of the Kailasa peak near the mountains of
+Mainaka, while the Danavas were engaged in a sacrifice on the banks of
+Vindu lake, I gathered a huge quantity of delightful and variegated
+vanda (a kind of rough materials) composed of jewels and gems. This was
+placed in the mansion of Vrishaparva ever devoted to truth. If it be
+yet existing, I shall come back, O Bharata, with it. I shall then
+commence the construction of the delightful palace of the Pandavas,
+which is to be adorned with every kind of gems and celebrated all over
+the world. There is also, I think, O thou of the Kuru race, a fierce
+club placed in the lake Vindu by the King (of the Danavas) after
+slaughtering therewith all his foes in battle. Besides being heavy and
+strong and variegated with golden knobs, it is capable of bearing great
+weight, and of slaying all foes, and is equal in strength unto an
+hundred thousand clubs. It is a fit weapon for Bhima, even as the
+Gandiva is for thee. There is also (in that lake) a large conch-shell
+called Devadatta of loud sound, that came from Varuna. I shall no doubt
+give all these to thee.' Having spoken thus unto Partha, the Asura went
+away in a north-easterly direction. On the north of Kailasa in the
+mountains of Mainaka, there is a huge peak of gems and jewels called
+Hiranya-sringa. Near that peak is a delightful lake of the name of
+Vindu. There, on its banks, previously dwelt king Bhagiratha for many
+years, desiring to behold the goddess Ganga, since called Bhagirathee
+after that king's name. And there, on its banks, O thou best of the
+Bharatas, Indra the illustrious lord of every created thing, performed
+one hundred great sacrifices. There, for the sake of beauty, though not
+according to the dictates of the ordinance, were placed sacrificial
+stakes made of gems and altars of gold. There, after performing those
+sacrifices, the thousand-eyed lord of Sachi became crowned with
+success. There the fierce Mahadeva, the eternal lord of every creature,
+has taken up his abode after having created all the worlds and there he
+dwelleth, worshipped with reverence by thousands of spirits. There Nara
+and Narayana, Brahma and Yama and Sthanu the fifth, perform their
+sacrifices at the expiration of a thousand yugas. There, for the
+establishment of virtue and religion, Vasudeva, with pious devotion,
+performed his sacrifices extending for many, many long years. There
+were placed by Keshava thousands and tens of thousands of sacrificial
+stakes adorned with golden garlands and altars of great splendour.
+Going thither, O Bharata, Maya brought back the club and the
+conch-shell and the various crystalline articles that had belonged to
+king Vrishaparva. And the great Asura, Maya, having gone thither,
+possessed himself of the whole of the great wealth which was guarded by
+Yakshas and Rakshasas. Bringing them, the Asura constructed therewith a
+peerless palace, which was of great beauty and of celestial make,
+composed entirely of gems and precious stones, and celebrated
+throughout the three worlds. He gave unto Bhimasena that best of clubs,
+and unto Arjuna the most excellent conch-shell at whose sound all
+creatures trembled in awe. And the palace that Maya built consisted of
+columns of gold, and occupied, O monarch, an area of five thousand
+cubits. The palace, possessing an exceedingly beautiful form, like unto
+that of Agni or Suryya, or Soma, shone in great splendour, and by its
+brilliance seemed to darken even the bright rays of the sun. And with
+the effulgence it exhibited, which was a mixture of both celestial and
+terrestrial light, it looked as if it was on fire. Like unto a mass of
+new clouds conspicuous in the sky, the palace rose up coming into view
+of all. Indeed, the palace that the dexterous Maya built was so wide,
+delightful, and refreshing, and composed of such excellent materials,
+and furnished with such golden walls and archways, and adorned with so
+many varied pictures, and was withal so rich and well-built, that in
+beauty it far surpassed Sudharma of the Dasarha race, or the mansion of
+Brahma himself. And eight thousand Rakshasas called Kinkaras, fierce,
+huge-bodied and endued with great strength, of red coppery eyes and
+arrowy ears, well-armed and capable of ranging through the air, used to
+guard and protect that palace. Within that palace Maya placed a
+peerless tank, and in that tank were lotuses with leaves of
+dark-coloured gems and stalks of bright jewels, and other flowers also
+of golden leaves. And aquatic fowls of various species sported on its
+bosom. Itself variegated with full-blown lotuses and stocked with
+fishes and tortoises of golden hue, its bottom was without mud and its
+water transparent. There was a flight of crystal stairs leading from
+the banks to the edge of the water. The gentle breezes that swept along
+its bosom softly shook the flowers that studded it. The banks of that
+tank were overlaid with slabs of costly marble set with pearls. And
+beholding that tank thus adorned all around with jewels and precious
+stones, many kings that came there mistook it for land and fell into it
+with eyes open. Many tall trees of various kinds were planted all
+around the palace. Of green foliage and cool shade, and ever
+blossoming, they were all very charming to behold. Artificial woods
+were laid around, always emitting a delicious fragrance. And there were
+many tanks also that were adorned with swans and Karandavas and
+Chakravakas (Brahminy ducks) in the grounds lying about the mansion.
+And the breeze bearing the fragrance of lotuses growing in water and
+(of those growing on land) ministered unto the pleasure and happiness
+of the Pandavas. And Maya having constructed such a palatial hall
+within fourteen months, reported its completion unto Yudhishthira."
+
+
+SECTION IV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then that chief of men, king Yudhishthira, entered
+that palatial sabha having first fed ten thousand Brahmanas with
+preparations of milk and rice mixed with clarified butter and honey
+with fruits and roots, and with pork and venison. The king gratified
+those superior Brahmanas, who had come from various countries with food
+seasoned with seasamum and prepared with vegetables called jibanti,
+with rice mixed with clarified butter, with different preparations of
+meat--with indeed various kinds of other food, as also numberless
+viands that are fit to be sucked and innumerable kinds of drinks, with
+new and unused robes and clothes, and with excellent floral wreaths.
+The king also gave unto each of those Brahmanas a thousand kine. And, O
+Bharata, the voice of the gratified Brahmanas uttering,--'What an
+auspicious day is this!' became so loud that it seemed to reach heaven
+itself. And when the Kuru king entered the palatial sabha having also
+worshipped the gods with various kinds of music and numerous species of
+excellent and costly perfumes, the athletes and mimes and
+prize-fighters and bards and encomiasts began to gratify that
+illustrious son of Dharma by exhibiting their skill. And thus
+celebrating his entry into the palace, Yudhishthira with his brothers
+sported within that palace like Sakra himself in heaven. Upon the seats
+in that palace sat, along with the Pandavas, Rishis and kings that came
+from various countries, viz., Asita and Devala, Satya, Sarpamali and
+Mahasira; Arvavasu, Sumitra, Maitreya, Sunaka and Vali; Vaka, Dalvya,
+Sthulasira, Krishna-Dwaipayana, and Suka Sumanta, Jaimini, Paila, and
+the disciples of Vyasa, viz., ourselves; Tittiri, Yajanavalkya, and
+Lomaharshana with his son; Apsuhomya, Dhaumya, Animandavya; and
+Kausika; Damoshnisha and Traivali, Parnada, and Varayanuka, Maunjayana,
+Vayubhaksha, Parasarya, and Sarika; Valivaka, Silivaka, Satyapala, and
+Krita-srama; Jatukarna, and Sikhavat. Alamva and Parijataka; the
+exalted Parvata, and the great Muni Markandeya; Pavitrapani, Savarna,
+Bhaluki, and Galava. Janghabandhu, Raibhya, Kopavega, and Bhrigu:
+Harivabhru, Kaundinya, Vabhrumali, and Sanatana, Kakshivat, and Ashija,
+Nachiketa, and Aushija, Nachiketa, and Gautama; Painga, Varaha, Sunaka,
+and Sandilya of great ascetic merit: Kukkura, Venujangha, Kalapa and
+Katha;--these virtuous and learned Munis with senses and souls under
+complete control, and many others as numerous, all well-skilled in the
+Vedas and Vedangas and conversant with (rules of) morality and pure and
+spotless in behaviour, waited on the illustrious Yudhishthira, and
+gladdened him by their sacred discourses. And so also numerous
+principal Kshatriyas, such as the illustrious and virtuous Mujaketu,
+Vivarddhana, Sangramjit, Durmukha, the powerful Ugrasena; Kakshasena,
+the lord of the Earth, Kshemaka the invincible; Kamatha, the king of
+Kamvoja, and the mighty Kampana who alone made the Yavanas to ever
+tremble at his name just as the god that wieldeth the thunder-bolt
+maketh those Asuras, the Kalakeyas, tremble before him; Jatasura, and
+the king of the Madrakas, Kunti, Pulinda the king of the Kiratas, and
+the kings of Anga and Vanga, and Pandrya, and the king of Udhara, and
+Andhaka; Sumitra, and Saivya that slayer of foes; Sumanas, the king of
+the Kiratas, and Chanur the King of the Yavanas, Devarata, Bhoja, and
+the so called Bhimaratha, Srutayudha--the king of Kalinga, Jayasena the
+king of Magadha; and Sukarman, and Chekitana, and Puru that slayer of
+foes; Ketumata, Vasudana, and Vaideha and Kritakshana: Sudharman,
+Aniruddha, Srutayu endued with great strength; the invincible
+Anuparaja, the handsome Karmajit; Sisupala with his son, the king of
+Karusha; and the invincible youths of the Vrishni race, all equal in
+beauty unto the celestials, viz., Ahuka, Viprithu, Sada, Sarana,
+Akrura, Kritavarman, and Satyaka, the son of Sini; and Bhismaka,
+Ankriti, and the powerful Dyumatsena, those chief of bowmen viz., the
+Kaikeyas and Yajnasena of the Somaka race; these Kshatriyas endued with
+great might, all well-armed and wealthy, and many others also regarded
+as the foremost, all waited upon Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, in
+that Sabha, desirous of ministering to his happiness. And those princes
+also, endued with great strength, who dressing themselves in deer-skins
+learnt the science of weapons under Arjuna, waited upon Yudhishthira.
+And O king, the princes also of the Vrishni race, viz., Pradyumna (the
+son of Rukmini) and Samva, and Yuyudhana the son of Satyaki and
+Sudharman and Aniruddha and Saivya that foremost of men who had learnt
+the science of arms under Arjuna these and many other kings, O lord of
+the Earth, used to wait on Yudhishthira on that occasion. And that
+friend of Dhananjaya, Tumvuru, and the Gandharva Chittasena with his
+ministers, any many other Gandharvas and Apsaras, well-skilled in vocal
+and instrumental music and in cadence and Kinnaras also well-versed in
+(musical) measures and motions singing celestial tunes in proper and
+charming voices, waited upon and gladdened the sons of Pandu and the
+Rishis who sat in that Sabha. And seated in that Sabha, those bull
+among men, of rigid vows and devoted to truth, all waited upon
+Yudhishthira like the celestials in heaven waiting upon Brahma."
+
+
+SECTION V
+
+(Lokapala Sabhakhayana Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"While the illustrious Pandavas were seated in that
+Sabha along with the principal Gandharvas, there came, O Bharata, unto
+that assembly the celestial Rishi Narada, conversant with the Vedas and
+Upanishadas, worshipped by the celestials acquainted with histories and
+Puranas, well-versed in all that occurred in ancient kalpas (cycles),
+conversant with Nyaya (logic) and the truth of moral science,
+possessing a complete knowledge of the six Angas (viz., pronunciation,
+grammar, prosody, explanation of basic terms, description of religious
+rites, and astronomy). He was a perfect master in reconciling
+contradictory texts and differentiating in applying general principles
+to particular cases, as also in interpreting contraries by reference to
+differences in situation, eloquent, resolute, intelligent, possessed of
+powerful memory. He was acquainted with the science of morals and
+politics, learned, proficient in distinguishing inferior things from
+superior ones, skilled in drawing inference from evidence, competent to
+judge of the correctness or incorrectness of syllogistic statements
+consisting of five propositions. He was capable of answering
+successively Vrihaspati himself while arguing, with definite
+conclusions properly framed about religion, wealth, pleasure and
+salvation, of great soul and beholding this whole universe, above,
+below, and around, as if it were present before his eyes. He was master
+of both the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, ever desirous of
+humbling the celestials and Asuras by fomenting quarrels among them,
+conversant with the sciences of war and treaty, proficient in drawing
+conclusions by judging of things not within direct ken, as also in the
+six sciences of treaty, war, military campaigns, maintenance of posts
+against the enemy and stratagems by ambuscades and reserves. He was a
+thorough master of every branch of learning, fond of war and music,
+incapable of being repulsed by any science or any course of action, and
+possessed of these and numberless other accomplishments. The Rishi,
+having wandered over the different worlds, came into that Sabha. And
+the celestial Rishi of immeasurable splendour, endued with great energy
+was accompanied, O monarch, by Parijata and the intelligent Raivata and
+Saumya and Sumukha. Possessing the speed of the mind, the Rishi came
+thither and was filled with gladness upon beholding the Pandavas. The
+Brahmana, on arriving there, paid homage unto Yudhishthira by uttering
+blessings on him and wishing him victory. Beholding the learned Rishi
+arrive, the eldest of the Pandavas, conversant with all rules of duty,
+quickly stood up with his younger brothers. Bending low with humility,
+the monarch cheerfully saluted the Rishi, and gave with due ceremonies
+a befitting seat unto him. The king also gave him kine and the usual
+offerings of the Arghya including honey and the other ingredients.
+Conversant with every duty the monarch also worshipped the Rishi with
+gems and jewels with a whole heart. Receiving that worship from
+Yudhishthira in proper form, the Rishi became gratified. Thus
+worshipped by the Pandavas and the great Rishis, Narada possessing a
+complete mastery over the Vedas, said unto Yudhishthira the following
+words bearing upon religion, wealth, pleasures and salvation.
+
+"Narada said--'Is the wealth thou art earning being spent on proper
+objects? Doth thy mind take pleasure in virtue? Art thou enjoying the
+pleasures of life? Doth not thy mind sink under their weight? O chief
+of men, continuest thou in the noble conduct consistent with religion
+and wealth practised by thy ancestors towards the three classes of
+subjects, (viz., good, indifferent, and bad)? Never injurest thou
+religion for the sake of wealth, or both religion and wealth for the
+sake of pleasure that easily seduces? O thou foremost of victorious men
+ever devoted to the good of all, conversant as thou art with the
+timeliness of everything, followest thou religion, wealth, pleasure and
+salvation dividing thy time judiciously? O sinless one, with the six
+attributes of kings (viz., cleverness of speech, readiness in providing
+means, intelligence in dealing with the foe, memory, and acquaintance
+with morals and politics), dost thou attend to the seven means (viz.,
+sowing dissensions, chastisement, conciliation, gifts, incantations,
+medicine and magic)? Examinest thou also, after a survey of thy own
+strength and weakness, the fourteen possessions of thy foes? These are
+the country, forts, cars, elephants, cavalry, foot-soldiers, the
+principal officials of state, the zenana, food supply, computations of
+the army and income, the religious treatises in force, the accounts of
+state, the revenue, wine-shops and other secret enemies. Attendest thou
+to the eight occupations (of agriculture, trade, &c), having examined,
+O thou foremost of victorious monarchs, thy own and thy enemy's means,
+and having made peace with thy enemies? O bull of the Bharata race, thy
+seven principal officers of state (viz., the governor of the citadel,
+the commander of forces, the chief judge, the general in interior
+command, the chief priest, the chief physician, and the chief
+astrologer), have not, I hope, succumbed to the influence of thy foes,
+nor have they, I hope, become idle in consequence of the wealth they
+have earned? They are, I hope, all obedient to thee. Thy counsels, I
+hope, are never divulged by thy trusted spies in disguise, by thyself
+or by thy ministers? Thou ascertainest, I hope, what thy friends, foes
+and strangers are about? Makest thou peace and makest thou war at
+proper times? Observest thou neutrality towards strangers and persons
+that are neutral towards thee? And, O hero, hast thou made persons like
+thyself, persons that are old, continent in behaviour, capable of
+understanding what should be done and what should not, pure as regards
+birth and blood, and devoted to thee, thy ministers? O Bharata, the
+victories of kings can be attributed to good counsels. O child, is thy
+kingdom protected by ministers learned in Sastras, keeping their
+counsels close? Are thy foes unable to injure it? Thou hast not become
+the slave of sleep? Wakest thou at the proper time? Conversant with
+pursuits yielding profit, thinkest thou, during the small hours of
+night, as to what thou shouldst do and what thou shouldst not do the
+next day? Thou settlest nothing alone, nor takest counsels with many?
+The counsels thou hast resolved upon, do not become known all over thy
+kingdom? Commencest thou soon to accomplish measures of great utility
+that are easy of accomplishment? Such measures are never obstructed?
+Keepest thou the agriculturists not out of thy sight? They do not fear
+to approach thee? Achievest thou thy measures through persons that are
+trusted incorruptible, and possessed of practical experience? And, O
+brave king, I hope, people only know the measures already accomplished
+by thee and those that have been partially accomplished and are
+awaiting completion, but not those that are only in contemplation and
+uncommenced? Have experienced teachers capable of explaining the causes
+of things and learned in the science of morals and every branch of
+learning, been appointed to instruct the princes and the chiefs of the
+army? Buyest thou a single learned man by giving in exchange a thousand
+ignorant individuals? The man that is learned conferreth the greatest
+benefit in seasons of distress. Are thy forts always filled with
+treasure, food, weapons, water, engines and instruments, as also with
+engineers and bowmen? Even a single minister that is intelligent,
+brave, with his passions under complete control, and possessed of
+wisdom and judgment, is capable of conferring the highest prosperity on
+a king or a king's son. I ask thee, therefore, whether there is even
+one such minister with thee? Seekest thou to know everything about the
+eighteen Tirthas of the foe and fifteen of thy own by means of three
+and three spies all unacquainted with one another? O slayer of all
+foes, watchest thou all thy enemies with care and attention, and
+unknown to them? Is the priest thou honourest, possessed of humility,
+and purity of blood, and renown, and without jealousy and illiberality?
+Hath any well-behaved, intelligent, and guileless Brahmana, well-up in
+the ordinance, been employed by thee in the performance of thy daily
+rites before the sacred fire, and doth he remind thee in proper time as
+to when thy homa should be performed? Is the astrologer thou hast
+employed skilled in reading physiognomy, capable of interpreting omens,
+and competent to neutralise the effect of the disturbances of nature?
+Have respectable servants been employed by thee in offices that are
+respectable, indifferent ones in indifferent offices, and low ones in
+offices that are low? Hast thou appointed to high offices ministers
+that are guileless and of well conduct for generations and above the
+common run? Oppressest thou not thy people with cruel and severe
+punishment? And, O bull of the Bharata race, do thy ministers rule thy
+kingdom under thy orders? Do thy ministers ever slight thee like
+sacrificial priests slighting men that are fallen (and incapable of
+performing any more sacrifices) or like wives slighting husbands that
+are proud and incontinent in their behaviour? Is the commander of thy
+forces possessed of sufficient confidence, brave, intelligent, patient,
+well-conducted, of good birth, devoted to thee, and competent? Treatest
+thou with consideration and regard the chief officers of thy army that
+are skilled in every kind of welfare, are forward, well-behaved, and
+endued with prowess? Givest thou to thy troops their sanctioned rations
+and pay in the appointed time? Thou dost not oppress them by
+withholding these? Knowest thou that the misery caused by arrears of
+pay and irregularity in the distribution of rations driveth the troops
+to mutiny, and that is called by the learned to be one of the greatest
+of mischiefs? Are all the principal high-born men devoted to thee, and
+ready with cheerfulness to lay down their lives in battle for thy sake?
+I hope no single individual of passions uncontrolled is ever permitted
+by thee to rule as he likes a number of concerns at the same time
+appertaining to the army? Is any servant of thine, who hath
+accomplished well a particular business by the employment of special
+ability, disappointed in obtaining from thee a little more regard, and
+an increase of food and pay? I hope thou rewardest persons of learning
+and humility, and skill in every kind of knowledge with gifts of wealth
+and honour proportionate to their qualifications. Dost thou support, O
+bull in the Bharata race, the wives and children of men that have given
+their lives for thee and have been distressed on thy account?
+Cherishest thou, O son of Pritha, with paternal affection the foe that
+hath been weakened, or him also that hath sought thy shelter, having
+been vanquished in battle? O lord of Earth, art thou equal unto all
+men, and can every one approach thee without fear, as if thou wert
+their mother and father? And O bull of the Bharata race, marchest thou,
+without loss of time, and reflecting well upon three kinds of forces,
+against thy foe when thou hearest that he is in distress? O subjugator
+of all foes beginnest thou thy march when the time cometh, having taken
+into consideration all the omens you might see, the resolutions thou
+hast made, and that the ultimate victory depends upon the twelve
+mandalas (such as reserves, ambuscades, &c, and payment of pay to the
+troops in advance)? And, O persecutor of all foes, givest thou gems and
+jewels, unto the principal officers of enemy, as they deserve, without
+thy enemy's knowledge? O son of Pritha, seekest thou to conquer thy
+incensed foes that are slaves to their passions, having first conquered
+thy own soul and obtained the mastery over thy own senses? Before thou
+marchest out against thy foes, dost thou properly employ the four arts
+of reconciliation, gift (of wealth) producing disunion, and application
+of force? O monarch, goest thou out against thy enemies, having first
+strengthened thy own kingdom? And having gone out against them,
+exertest thou to the utmost to obtain victory over them? And having
+conquered them, seekest thou to protect them with care? Are thy army
+consisting of four kinds of forces, viz., the regular troops, the
+allies, the mercenaries, and the irregulars, each furnished with the
+eight ingredients, viz., cars, elephants, horses, offices, infantry,
+camp-followers, spies possessing a thorough knowledge of the country,
+and ensigns led out against thy enemies after having been well trained
+by superior officers? O oppressor of all foes, O great king, I hope
+thou slayest thy foes without regarding their seasons of reaping and of
+famine? O king, I hope thy servants and agents in thy own kingdom and
+in the kingdoms of thy foes continue to look after their respective
+duties and to protect one another. O monarch, I hope trusted servants
+have been employed by thee to look after thy food, the robes thou
+wearest and the perfumes thou usest. I hope, O king, thy treasury,
+barns, stables arsenals, and women's apartments, are all protected by
+servants devoted to thee and ever seeking thy welfare. I hope, O
+monarch, thou protectest first thyself from thy domestic and public
+servants, then from those servants of thy relatives and from one
+another. Do thy servants, O king, ever speak to thee in the forenoon
+regarding thy extravagant expenditure in respect of thy drinks, sports,
+and women? Is thy expenditure always covered by a fourth, a third or a
+half of thy income? Cherishest thou always, with food and wealth,
+relatives, superiors, merchants, the aged, and other proteges, and the
+distressed? Do the accountants and clerks employed by thee in looking
+after thy income and expenditure, always appraise thee every day in the
+forenoon of thy income and expenditure? Dismissest thou without fault
+servants accomplished in business and popular and devoted to thy
+welfare? O Bharata, dost thou employ superior, indifferent, and low
+men, after examining them well in offices they deserve? O monarch,
+employest thou in thy business persons that are thievish or open to
+temptation, or hostile, or minors? Persecutest thou thy kingdom by the
+help of thievish or covetous men, or minors, or women? Are the
+agriculturists in thy kingdom contented. Are large tanks and lakes
+constructed all over thy kingdom at proper distances, without
+agriculture being in thy realm entirely dependent on the showers of
+heaven? Are the agriculturists in thy kingdom wanting in either seed or
+food? Grantest thou with kindness loans (of seed-grains) unto the
+tillers, taking only a fourth in excess of every measure by the
+hundred? O child, are the four professions of agriculture, trade,
+cattle-rearing, and lending at interest, carried on by honest men? Upon
+these O monarch, depends the happiness of thy people. O king, do the
+five brave and wise men, employed in the five offices of protecting the
+city, the citadel, the merchants, and the agriculturists, and punishing
+the criminals, always benefit thy kingdom by working in union with one
+another? For the protection of thy city, have the villages been made
+like towns, and the hamlets and outskirts of villages like villages?
+Are all these entirely under thy supervision and sway? Are thieves and
+robbers that sack thy town pursued by thy police over the even and
+uneven parts of thy kingdom? Consolest thou women and are they
+protected in thy realm? I hope thou placest not any confidence in them,
+nor divulgest any secret before any of them? O monarch, having heard of
+any danger and having reflected on it also, liest thou in the inner
+apartments enjoying every agreeable object? Having slept during the
+second and the third divisions of the night, thinkest thou of religion
+and profit in the fourth division wakefully. O son of Pandu, rising
+from bed at the proper time and dressing thyself well, showest thou
+thyself to thy people, accompanied by ministers conversant with the
+auspiciousness or otherwise of moments? O represser of all foes, do men
+dressed in red and armed with swords and adorned with ornaments stand
+by thy side to protect thy person? O monarch! behavest thou like the
+god of justice himself unto those that deserve punishment and those
+that deserve worship, unto those that are dear to thee and those that
+thou likest not? O son of Pritha, seekest thou to cure bodily diseases
+by medicines and fasts, and mental illness with the advice of the aged?
+I hope that the physicians engaged in looking after thy health are well
+conversant with the eight kinds of treatment and are all attached and
+devoted to thee. Happeneth it ever, O monarch, that from covetousness
+or folly or pride thou failest to decide between the plaintiff and the
+defendant who have come to thee? Deprivest thou, through covetousness
+or folly, of their pensions the proteges who have sought thy shelter
+from trustfulness or love? Do the people that inhabit thy realm, bought
+by thy foes, ever seek to raise disputes with thee, uniting themselves
+with one another? Are those amongst thy foes that are feeble always
+repressed by the help of troops that are strong, by the help of both
+counsels and troops? Are all the principal chieftains (of thy empire)
+all devoted to thee? Are they ready to lay down their lives for thy
+sake, commanded by thee? Dost thou worship Brahmanas and wise men
+according to their merits in respect of various branches of learning? I
+tell thee, such worship is without doubt, highly beneficial to thee.
+Hast thou faith in the religion based on the three Vedas and practised
+by men who have gone before thee? Dost thou carefully follow the
+practices that were followed by them? Are accomplished Brahmanas
+entertained in thy house and in thy presence with nutritive and
+excellent food, and do they also obtain pecuniary gifts at the
+conclusion of those feasts? Dost thou, with passions under complete
+control and with singleness of mind, strive to perform the sacrifices
+called Vajapeya and Pundarika with their full complement of rites?
+Bowest thou unto thy relatives and superiors, the aged, the gods, the
+ascetics, the Brahmanas, and the tall trees (banian) in villages, that
+are of so much benefit to people? O sinless one, causest thou ever
+grief or anger in any one? Do priests capable of granting thee
+auspicious fruits ever stand by thy side? O sinless one, are thy
+inclinations and practices such as I have described them, and as always
+enhance the duration of life and spread one's renown and as always help
+the cause of religion, pleasure, and profit? He who conducteth himself
+according to this way, never findeth his kingdom distressed or
+afflicted; and that monarch, subjugating the whole earth, enjoyeth a
+high degree of felicity. O monarch, I hope, no well-behaved,
+pure-souled, and respected person is ever ruined and his life taken, on
+a false charge or theft, by thy ministers ignorant of Sastras and
+acting from greed? And, O bull among men, I hope thy ministers never
+from covetousness set free a real thief, knowing him to be such and
+having apprehended him with the booty about him? O Bharata, I hope, thy
+ministers are never won over by bribes, nor do they wrongly decide the
+disputes that arise between the rich and the poor. Dost thou keep
+thyself free from the fourteen vices of kings, viz., atheism,
+untruthfulness, anger, incautiousness, procrastination, non-visit to
+the wise, idleness, restlessness of mind, taking counsels with only one
+man, consultation with persons unacquainted with the science of profit,
+abandonment of a settled plan, divulgence of counsels,
+non-accomplishment of beneficial projects, and undertaking everything
+without reflection? By these, O king, even monarchs firmly seated on
+their thrones are ruined. Hath thy study of the Vedas, thy wealth and
+knowledge of the Sastras and marriage been fruitful?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"After the Rishi had finished, Yudhishthira
+asked,--'How, O Rishi, do the Vedas, wealth, wife, and knowledge of the
+Sastras bear fruit?'
+
+"The Rishi answered,--'The Vedas are said to bear fruit when he that
+hath studied them performeth the Agnihotra and other sacrifices. Wealth
+is said to bear fruit when he that hath it enjoyeth it himself and
+giveth it away in charity. A wife is said to bear fruit when she is
+useful and when she beareth children. Knowledge of the Sastras is said
+to bear fruit when it resulteth in humility and good behaviour.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The great ascetic Narada, having answered
+Yudhishthira thus, again asked that just ruler,--'Do the officers of
+thy government, O king, that are paid from the taxes levied on the
+community, take only their just dues from the merchants that come to
+thy territories from distant lands impelled by the desire of gain? Are
+the merchants, O king, treated with consideration in thy capital and
+kingdom, capable of bringing their goods thither without being deceived
+by the false pretexts of (both the buyers and the officers of
+government)?
+
+"'Listenest thou always, O monarch, to the words, fraught with
+instructions in religion and wealth, of old men acquainted with
+economic doctrines? Are gifts of honey and clarified butter made to the
+Brahmanas intended for the increase of agricultural produce, of kine,
+of fruits and flowers, and for the sake of virtue? Givest thou always,
+O king, regularly unto all the artisans and artists employed by thee
+the materials of their works and their wages for periods not more than
+four months? Examinest thou the works executed by those that are
+employed by thee, and applaudest thou them before good men, and
+rewardest thou them, having shewn them proper respect? O bull of the
+Bharata race, followest thou the aphorisms (of the sage) in respect of
+every concern particularly those relating to elephants, horses, and
+cars? O bull of the Bharata race, are the aphorisms relating to the
+science of arms, as also those that relate to the practice of engines
+in warfare--so useful to towns and fortified places, studied in thy
+court? O sinless one, art thou acquainted with all mysterious
+incantations, and with the secrets of poisons destructive of all foes?
+Protectest thou thy kingdom from the fear of fire, of snakes and other
+animals destructive of life, of disease, and Rakshasas? As acquainted
+thou art with every duty, cherishest thou like a father, the blind, the
+dumb, the lame, the deformed, the friendless, and ascetics that have no
+homes. Hast thou banished these six evils, O monarch, viz., sleep,
+idleness, fear, anger, weakness of mind, and procrastination?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The illustrious bull among the Kurus, having
+heard these words of that best of Brahmanas, bowed down unto him and
+worshipped his feet. And gratified with everything he heard, the
+monarch said unto Narada of celestial form,--'I shall do all that thou
+hast directed, for my knowledge hath expanded under thy advice!' Having
+said this the king acted conformably to that advice, and gained in time
+the whole Earth bounded by her belt of seas. Narada again spoke,
+saying,--'That king who is thus employed in the protection of four
+orders, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras, passeth his days
+here happily and attaineth hereafter to the region of Sakra (heaven).'"
+
+
+SECTION VI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"At the conclusion of Narada's words, king
+Yudhishthira the just worshipped him duly; and commanded by him the
+monarch began to reply succinctly to the questions the Rishi had asked.
+
+"Yudhishthira said--'O holy one, the truths of religion and morality
+thou hast indicated one after another, are just and proper. As regards
+myself, I duly observe those ordinances to the best of my power.
+Indeed, the acts that were properly performed by monarchs of yore are,
+without doubt, to be regarded as bearing proper fruit, and undertaken
+from solid reasons for the attainment of proper objects. O master, we
+desire to walk in the virtuous path of those rulers that had, besides,
+their souls under complete control.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, possessed of
+great glory, having received with reverence the words of Narada and
+having also answered the Rishi thus, reflected for a moment. And
+perceiving a proper opportunity, the monarch, seated beside the Rishi,
+asked Narada sitting at his ease and capable of going into every world
+at will, in the presence of that assembly of kings, saying,--'Possessed
+of the speed of mind, thou wanderest over various and many worlds
+created in days of yore by Brahma, beholding everything. Tell me, I ask
+thee, if thou hast, O Brahmana, ever beheld before anywhere an assembly
+room like this of mine or superior to it!' Hearing these words of
+Yudhishthira the just, Narada smilingly answered the son of Pandu in
+these sweet accents,--
+
+"Narada said,--'O child, O king I did neither see nor hear of ever
+before amongst men, any assembly room built of gems and precious stones
+like this of thine, O Bharata. I shall, however, describe unto thee the
+rooms of the king of the departed (Yama), of Varuna (Neptune) of great
+intelligence, of Indra, the King of Gods and also of him who hath his
+home in Kailasha (Kuvera). I shall also describe unto thee the
+celestial Sabha of Brahma that dispelleth every kind of uneasiness. All
+these assembly rooms exhibit in their structure both celestial and
+human designs and present every kind of form that exists in the
+universe. And they are ever worshipped by the gods and the Pitris, the
+Sadhyas, (under-deities called Gana), by ascetics offering sacrifices,
+with souls under complete command, by peaceful Munis engaged without
+intermission in Vedic sacrifices with presents to Brahmanas. I shall
+describe all these to you if, O bull of the Bharata race, thou hast any
+inclinations to listen to me!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus addressed by Narada, the high-souled
+king Yudhishthira the just, with his brothers and all those foremost of
+Brahmanas (seated around him), joined his hands (in entreaty). And the
+monarch then asked Narada, saying,--'Describe unto us all those
+assembly rooms. We desire to listen to thee. O Brahmana, what are the
+articles with which each of the Sabhas are made of? What is the area of
+each, and what is the length and breadth of each? Who wait upon the
+Grandsire in that assembly room? And who also upon Vasava, the Lord of
+the celestials and upon Yama, the son of Vivaswana? Who wait upon
+Varuna and upon Kuvera in their respective assembly rooms. O Brahmana
+Rishi, tell us all about these. We all together desire to hear thee
+describe them. Indeed, our curiosity is great.'" Thus addressed by the
+son of Pandu, Narada replied, saying,--"O monarch, hear ye all about
+those celestial assembly rooms one after another."
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+"Narada said,--'the celestial assembly room of Sakra is full of lustre.
+He hath obtained it as the fruit of his own acts. Possessed of the
+splendour of the sun, it was built, O scion of the Kuru race, by Sakra
+himself. Capable of going everywhere at will, this celestial assembly
+house is full one hundred and fifty yojanas in length, and hundred
+yojanas in breadth, and five yojanas in height. Dispelling weakness of
+age, grief, fatigue, and fear, auspicious and bestowing good fortune,
+furnished with rooms and seats and adorned with celestial trees, it is
+delightful in the extreme. There sitteth in that assembly room, O son
+of Pritha, on an excellent seat, the Lord of celestials, with his wife
+Sachi endowed with beauty and affluence. Assuming a form incapable of
+description for its vagueness, with a crown on his head and bright
+bracelets on the upper arms, attired in robes of pure white and decked
+with floral wreaths of many hues, there he sitteth with beauty, fame,
+and glory by his side. And the illustrious deity of a hundred
+sacrifices is daily waited upon, O monarch, in that assembly by the
+Marutas in a body, each leading the life of a householder in the bosom
+of his family. And the Siddhyas, celestial Rishis, the Sadhyas in all,
+the gods, and Marutas of brilliant complexion and adorned with golden
+garlands,--all of them in celestial form and decked in ornaments,
+always wait upon and worship the illustrious chief of the immortals,
+that mighty represser of all foes. And O son of Pritha, the celestial
+Rishis also, all of pure souls, with sins completely washed off and
+resplendent as the fire, and possessed of energy, and without sorrow of
+any kind, and freed from the fever of anxiety, and all performers of
+the Soma sacrifice, also wait upon and worship Indra. And Parasara and
+Parvata and Savarni and Galava; and Sankha, and the Muni, Gaursiras,
+and Durvasa, and Krodhana and Swena and the Muni Dhirghatamas; and
+Pavitrapani, Savarni, Yajnavalkya and Bhaluki; and Udyalaka, Swetaketu,
+and Tandya, and also Bhandayani; and Havishmat, and Garishta, and king
+Harischandra; and Hridya, Udarshandilya. Parasarya, Krishivala;
+Vataskandha, Visakha, Vidhatas and Kala. Karaladanta, Tastri, and
+Vishwakarman, and Tumuru; and other Rishis, some born of women and
+others living upon air, and others again living upon fire, these all
+worship Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, the lord of all the
+worlds. And Sahadeva, and Sunitha, and Valmiki of great ascetic merit;
+and Samika of truthful speech, and Prachetas ever fulfilling their
+promises, and Medhatithi, and Vamadeva, and Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu;
+and Maruta and Marichi, and Sthanu of great ascetic merit; and
+Kakshivat, and Gautama, and Tarkhya, and also the Muni Vaishwanara; and
+the Muni Kalakavrikhiya and Asravya, and also Hiranmaya, and Samvartta,
+and Dehavya, and Viswaksena of great energy; and Kanwa, and Katyayana,
+O king, and Gargya, and Kaushika;--all are present there along with the
+celestial waters and plants; and faith, and intelligence, and the
+goddess of learning, and wealth, religion, and pleasure; and lightning,
+O son of Pandu; and the rain-charged clouds, and the winds, and all the
+loud-sounding forces of heaven; the eastern point, the twenty seven
+fires conveying the sacrificial butter, Agni and Soma, and the fire of
+Indra, and Mitra, and Savitri, and Aryaman; Bhaga, Viswa the Sadhyas,
+the preceptor (Vrihaspati), and also Sukra; and Vishwavasu and
+Chitrasena, and Sumanas, and also Taruna; the Sacrifices, the gifts to
+Brahmanas, the planets, and the stars, O Bharata, and the mantras that
+are uttered in sacrifices--all these are present there. And, O King,
+many Apsaras and Gandharvas, by various kinds of dances and music both
+instrumental and vocal, and by the practice of auspicious rites, and by
+the exhibition of many feats of skill, gratify the lord of the
+celestials--Satakratu--the illustrious slayer of Vala and Vritra.
+Besides these, many other Brahmanas and royal and celestial Rishis, all
+resplendent as the fire, decked in floral wreaths and ornaments,
+frequently come to and leave that assembly, riding on celestial cars of
+various kinds. And Vrihaspati and Sukra are present there on all
+occasions. These and many other illustrious ascetics of rigid vows, and
+Bhrigu and the seven Rishis who are equal, O king, unto Brahma himself,
+come to and leave that assembly house, riding on cars beautiful as the
+car of Soma, and themselves looking as bright therein as Soma himself.
+This, O mighty armed monarch, is the assembly house, called
+Pushkaramalini, of Indra of a hundred sacrifices that I have seen.
+Listen now to the account of Yama's assembly house.'
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+"Narada said,--'O Yudhisthira, I shall now describe the assembly house
+of Yama, the son of Vivaswat, which, O son of Pritha, was built by
+Viswakarma. Listen now to me. Bright as burnished gold, that assembly
+house, O monarch, covers an area of much more than a hundred yojanas.
+Possessed of the splendour of the sun, it yieldeth everything that one
+may desire. Neither very cool nor very hot, it delighteth the heart. In
+that assembly house there is neither grief nor weakness of age, neither
+hunger nor thirst. Nothing disagreeable findeth a place there, nor any
+kind of evil feelings there. Every object of desire, celestial or
+human, is to be found in that mansion. And all kinds of enjoyable
+articles, as also of sweet, juicy, agreeable, and delicious edibles in
+profusion that are licked, sucked, and drunk, are there, O chastiser of
+all enemies. The floral wreaths in that mansion are of the most
+delicious fragrance, and the trees that stand around it yield fruits
+that are desired of them. There are both cold and hot waters and these
+are sweet and agreeable. In that mansion many royal sages of great
+sanctity and Brahmana sages also of great purity, cheerfully wait upon,
+O child, and worship Yama, the son of Vivaswat. And Yayati, Nahusha,
+Puru, Mandhatri, Somaka, Nriga; the royal sage Trasadasyu, Kritavirya,
+Sautasravas; Arishtanemi, Siddha, Kritavega, Kriti, Nimi, Pratarddana,
+Sivi, Matsya, Prithulaksha, Vrihadratha, Vartta, Marutta, Kusika,
+Sankasya, Sankriti, Dhruva, Chaturaswa, Sadaswormi and king Kartavirya;
+Bharata and Suratha, Sunitha, Nisatha, Nala, Divodasa, and Sumanas,
+Amvarisha, Bhagiratha; Vyaswa, Vadhraswa, Prithuvega, Prithusravas,
+Prishadaswa, Vasumanas, Kshupa, and Sumahavala, Vrishadgu, and
+Vrishasena, Purukutsa, Dhwajin and Rathin; Arshtisena, Dwilipa, and the
+high-souled Ushinara; Ausinari, Pundarika, Saryati, Sarava, and Suchi;
+Anga, Rishta, Vena, Dushmanta, Srinjaya and Jaya; Bhangasuri, Sunitha,
+and Nishada, and Bahinara; Karandhama, Valhika, Sudymna, and the mighty
+Madhu; Aila and the mighty king of earth Maruta; Kapota, Trinaka, and
+Shadeva, and Arjuna also. Vysawa; Saswa and Krishaswa, and king
+Sasavindu; Rama the son of Dasaratha, and Lakshmana, and Pratarddana;
+Alarka, and Kakshasena, Gaya, and Gauraswa; Rama the son of Jamadagnya,
+Nabhaga, and Sagara; Bhuridyumna and Mahaswa, Prithaswa, and also
+Janaka; king Vainya, Varisena, Purujit, and Janamejaya; Brahmadatta,
+and Trigarta, and king Uparichara also; Indradyumna, Bhimajanu,
+Gauraprishta, Nala, Gaya; Padma and Machukunda, Bhuridyumna,
+Prasenajit; Aristanemi, Sudymna, Prithulauswa, and Ashtaka also; a
+hundred kings of the Matsya race and hundred of the Vipa and a hundred
+of the Haya races; a hundred kings of the name of Dhritarashtra, eighty
+kings of the name of Janamejaya; a hundred monarchs called Brahmadatta,
+and a hundred kings of the name of Iri; more than two hundred Bhishmas,
+and also a hundred Bhimas; a hundred Prativindhyas, a hundred Nagas,
+and a hundred Palasas, and a hundred called Kasa and Kusa; that king of
+kings Santanu, and thy father Pandu, Usangava, Sata-ratha, Devaraja,
+Jayadratha; the intelligent royal sage Vrishadarva with his ministers;
+and a thousand other kings known by the name of Sasa-vindu, and who
+have died, having performed many grand horse-sacrifices with large
+presents to the Brahmanas--these holy royal sages of grand achievements
+and great knowledge of the Sastras, wait upon, O King, and worship the
+son of Vivaswat in that assembly house. And Agastya and Matanga, and
+Kala, and Mrityu (Death), performers of sacrifices, the Siddhas, and
+many Yogins; the Prtris (belonging to the classes--called Agniswattas,
+Fenapa, Ushampa, Swadhavat, and Verhishada), as also those others that
+have forms; the wheel of time, and the illustrious conveyer himself of
+the sacrificial butter; all sinners among human beings, as also those
+that have died during the winter solstice; these officers of Yama who
+have been appointed to count the allotted days of everybody and
+everything; the Singsapa, Palasa, Kasa, and Kusa trees and plants, in
+their embodied forms, these all, O king, wait upon and worship the god
+of justice in that assembly house of his. These and many others are
+present at the Sabha of the king of the Pitris (manes). So numerous are
+they that I am incapable of describing them either by mentioning their
+names or deeds. O son of Pritha, the delightful assembly house, moving
+everywhere at the will of its owner, is of wide extent. It was built by
+Viswakarma after a long course of ascetic penances. And, O Bharata,
+resplendent with his own effulgence, it stands glorified in all its
+beauty. Sannyasis of severe ascetic penance, of excellent vows, and of
+truthful speech, peaceful and pure and sanctified by holy deeds, of
+shining bodies and attired in spotless robes, decked with bracelets and
+floral garlands, with ear-rings of burnished gold, and adorned with
+their own holy acts as with the marks of their order (painted over
+their bodies), constantly visit that Sabha (Assembly). Many illustrious
+Gandharvas, and many Apsaras fill every part of that mansion with
+music; both instrumental and vocal and with sounds of laughter and
+dance. And, O son of Pritha, excellent perfumes, and sweet sounds and
+garlands of celestial flowers always contribute towards making that
+mansion supremely blest. And hundreds of thousands of virtuous persons,
+of celestial beauty and great wisdom, always wait upon and worship the
+illustrious Yama, the lord of created beings in that assembly house.
+Such, O monarch, is the Sabha, of the illustrious king of the Pitris! I
+shall now describe unto the assembly house of Varuna also called
+Pushkaramalini!'
+
+
+SECTION IX
+
+"Narada said--'O Yudhishthira, the celestial Sabha of Varuna is
+unparalleled in splendour. In dimensions it is similar to that of Yama.
+Its walls and arches are all of pure white. It hath been built by
+Viswakarma (the celestial architect) within the waters. It is
+surrounded on all sides by many celestial trees made of gems and jewels
+and yielding excellent fruits and flowers. And many plants with their
+weight of blossoms, blue and yellow, and black and darkish, and white
+and red, that stand there, or excellent bowers around. Within those
+bowers hundreds and thousands of birds of diverse species, beautiful
+and variegated, always pour forth their melodies. The atmosphere of
+that mansion is extremely delightful, neither cold nor hot. Owned by
+Varuna, that delightful assembly house of pure white consists of many
+rooms and is furnished with many seats. There sitteth Varuna attired in
+celestial robe, decked in celestial ornaments and jewels, with his
+queen, adorned with celestial scents and besmeared with paste of
+celestial fragrance. The Adityas wait upon and worship the illustrious
+Varuna, the lord of the waters. And Vasuki and Takshaka, and the Naga
+called Airavana; Krishna and Lohita; Padma and Chitra endued with great
+energy; the Nagas called Kamvala and Aswatara; and Dhritarashtra and
+Valahaka; Matimat and Kundadhara and Karkotaka and Dhananjaya; Panimat
+and the mighty Kundaka, O lord of the Earth; and Prahlada and
+Mushikada, and Janamejaya,--all having auspicious marks and mandalas
+and extended hoods;--these and many other snakes, O Yudhishthira,
+without anxiety of any kind, wait upon and worship the illustrious
+Varuna. And, O king, Vali the son of Virochana, and Naraka the
+subjugator of the whole Earth; Sanghraha and Viprachitti, and those
+Danavas called Kalakanja; and Suhanu and Durmukha and Sankha and
+Sumanas and also Sumati; and Ghatodara, and Mahaparswa, and Karthana
+and also Pithara and Viswarupa, Swarupa and Virupa, Mahasiras; and
+Dasagriva, Vali, and Meghavasas and Dasavara; Tittiva, and Vitabhuta,
+and Sanghrada, and Indratapana--these Daityas and Danavas, all bedecked
+with ear-rings and floral wreaths and crowns, and attired in the
+celestial robes, all blessed with boons and possessed of great bravery,
+and enjoying immortality, and all well of conduct and of excellent
+vows, wait upon and worship in that mansion the illustrious Varuna, the
+deity bearing the noose as his weapon. And, O king, there are also the
+four oceans, the river Bhagirathee, the Kalindi, the Vidisa, the Venwa,
+the Narmada of rapid current; the Vipasa, the Satadu, the Chandrabhaga,
+the Saraswati; the Iravati, the Vitasta, the Sindhu, the Devanadi; the
+Godavari, the Krishnavenwa and that queen of rivers the Kaveri; the
+Kimpuna, the Visalya and the river Vaitarani also; the Tritiya, the
+Jeshthila, and the great Sone (Soane); the Charmanwati and the great
+river Parnasa; the Sarayu, the Varavatya, and that queen of rivers the
+Langali, the Karatoya, the Atreyi, the red Mahanada, the Laghanti, the
+Gomati, the Sandhya, and also the Trisrotasi--these and other rivers
+which are all sacred and are world-renowned places of pilgrimage, as
+also other rivers and sacred waters and lakes and wells and springs,
+and tanks, large or small, in their personified form, O Bharata, wait
+upon and worship the lord Varuna. The points of the heavens, the Earth,
+and all the Mountains, as also every species of aquatic animals, all
+worship Varuna there. And various tribes of Gandharvas and Apsaras,
+devoted to music, both vocal and instrumental, wait upon Varuna,
+singing eulogistic hymns unto him. And all those mountains that are
+noted for being both delightful and rich in jewels, wait (in their
+personified forms) in that Sabha, enjoying sweet converse with one
+another. And the chief minister of Varuna, Sunabha by name, surrounded
+by his sons and grandsons, also attend upon his master, along with (the
+personified form) of a sacred water called go. These all, in their
+personified forms, worship the deity. O bull of the Bharata race, such
+is the assembly room of Varuna seen by me before, in the course of my
+wanderings. Listen now to the account I give of the assembly room of
+Kuvera.'
+
+
+SECTION X
+
+"Narada said,--'Possessed of great splendour, the assembly house of
+Vaisravana, O king, is a hundred yojanas in length and seventy yojanas
+in breadth. It was built, O king, by Vaisravana himself using his
+ascetic power. Possessing the splendour of the peaks of Kailasa, that
+mansion eclipses by its own the brilliance of the Moon himself.
+Supported by Guhyakas, that mansion seems to be attached to the
+firmament. Of celestial make, it is rendered extremely handsome with
+high chambers of gold. Extremely delightful and rendered fragrant with
+celestial perfumes, it is variegated with numberless costly jewels.
+Resembling the peaks of a mass of white clouds, it seems to be floating
+in the air. Painted with colours of celestial gold, it seems to be
+decked with streaks of lightning. Within that mansion sitteth on an
+excellent seat bright as the sun and covered with celestial carpets and
+furnished with a handsome footstool, king Vaisravana of agreeable
+person, attired in excellent robes and adorned with costly ornaments
+and ear-rings of great brilliance, surrounded by his thousand wives.
+Delicious and cooling breezes murmuring through forests of tall
+Mandaras, and bearing fragrance of extensive plantations of jasmine, as
+also of the lotuses on the bosom of the river Alaka and of the
+Nandana-gardens, always minister to the pleasure of the King of the
+Yakshas. There the deities with the Gandharvas surrounded by various
+tribes of Apsaras, sing in chorus, O king, notes of celestial
+sweetness. Misrakesi and Rambha, and Chitrasena, and Suchismita; and
+Charunetra, and Gritachi and Menaka, and Punjikasthala; and Viswachi
+Sahajanya, and Pramlocha and Urvasi and Ira, and Varga and Sauraveyi,
+and Samichi, and Vududa, and Lata--these and a thousand other Apsaras
+and Gandharvas, all well-skilled in music and dance, attend upon
+Kuvera, the lord of treasures. And that mansion, always filled with the
+notes of instrumental and vocal music, as also with the sounds of dance
+of various tribes of Gandharvas, and Apsaras hath become extremely
+charming and delicious. The Gandharvas called Kinnaras, and others
+called Naras, and Manibhadra, and Dhanada, and Swetabhadra and Guhyaka;
+Kaseraka, Gandakandu, and the mighty Pradyota; Kustumvuru, Pisacha,
+Gajakarna, and Visalaka, Varaha-Karna, Tamraushtica, Falkaksha, and
+Falodaka; Hansachuda, Sikhavarta, Vibhishana, Pushpanana, Pingalaka,
+Sonitoda and Pravalaka; Vrikshavaspa-niketa, and Chiravasas--these O
+Bharata, and many other Yakshas by hundred and thousands always wait
+upon Kuvera. The goddess Lakshmi always stayeth there, also Kuvera's
+son Nalakuvera. Myself and many others like myself often repair
+thither. Many Brahmana Rishis and celestial Rishis also repair there
+often. Many Rakshasas, and many Gandharvas, besides those that have
+been named, wait upon the worship, in that mansion, the illustrious
+lord of all treasures. And, O tiger among kings, the illustrious
+husband of Uma and lord of created things, the three-eyed Mahadeva, the
+wielder of the trident and the slayer of the Asura called Bhaga-netra,
+the mighty god of the fierce bow, surrounded by multitudes of spirits
+in their hundreds and thousands, some of dwarfish stature, some of
+fierce visage, some hunch-backed, some of blood-red eyes, some of
+frightful yells, some feeding upon fat and flesh, and some terrible to
+behold, but all armed with various weapons and endued with the speed of
+wind, with the goddess (Parvati) ever cheerful and knowing no fatigue,
+always waiteth here upon their friend Kuvera, the lord of treasures.
+And hundreds of Gandharva chiefs, with cheerful hearts and attired in
+their respective robes and Viswavasu, and Haha and Huhu; and Tumvuru
+and Parvatta, and Sailusha; and Chitrasena skilled in music and also
+Chitraratha,--these and innumerable Gandharvas worship the lord of
+treasures. And Chakradhaman, the chief of the Vidyadharas, with his
+followers, waiteth in that mansion upon the lord of treasures. And
+Kinnaras by hundreds and innumerable kings with Bhagadatta as their
+chief, and Druma, the chief of the Kimpurushas, and Mahendra, the chief
+of the Rakshasas, and Gandhamadana accompanied by many Yakshas and
+Gandharvas and many Rakshasas wait upon the lord of treasures. The
+virtuous Vibhishana also worshippeth there his elder brother the lord
+Kuvera (Croesus). The mountains of Himavat, Paripatra, Vindhya,
+Kailasa, Mandara, Malaya, Durdura, Mahendra, Gandhamadana, Indrakila,
+Sunava, and Eastern and the Western hills--these and many other
+mountains, in their personified forms, with Meru standing before all,
+wait upon and worship the illustrious lord of treasures. The
+illustrious Nandiswaras, and Mahakala, and many spirits with arrowy
+ears and sharp-pointed mouths, Kaksha, Kuthimukha, Danti, and Vijaya of
+great ascetic merit, and the mighty white bull of Siva roaring deep,
+all wait in that mansion. Besides these many other Rakshasas and
+Pisachas (devils) worship Kuvera in that assembly house. The son of
+Pulastya (Kuvera) formerly used always to worship in all the modes and
+sit, with permission obtained, beside the god of gods, Siva, the
+creator of the three worlds, that supreme Deity surrounded by his
+attendants. One day the exalted Bhava (Siva) made friendship with
+Kuvera. From that time, O king, Mahadeva always sitteth on the mansion
+of his friend, the lord of treasures. Those best of all jewels, those
+princes of all gems in the three worlds, viz., Sankha and Padma, in
+their personified forms, accompanied by all the jewels of the earth
+(also in their personified forms) worship Kuvera.'
+
+"'This delightful assembly house of Kuvera that I have seen, attached
+to the firmament and capable of moving along it, is such, O king.
+Listen now to the Sabha I describe unto thee, belonging to Brahma the
+Grandsire.'
+
+
+SECTION XI
+
+"Narada said,--'Listen to me, O child, as I tell thee of the assembly
+house of the Grandsire, that house which none can describe, saying it
+is such. In the Krita (golden) age of old, O king, the exalted deity
+Aditya (once) came down from heaven into the world of men. Having seen
+before the assembly-house of Brahma the Self-created, Aditya was
+cheerfully wandering over the Earth in human form, desirous of
+beholding what could be seen here. It was on that occasion, O son of
+Pandu, that the god of day spoke unto me, O bull of the Bharata race,
+of that celestial Sabha (assembly) of the Grandsire, immeasurable and
+immaterial and indescribable, as regards form and shape, and capable of
+delighting the heart of every creature by its splendour. Hearing, O
+bull of the Bharata race, of the merits of that Sabha, I became, O
+king, desirous of beholding it. I then asked Aditya, saying,--"O
+exalted one, I desire to behold the sacred Sabha of the Grandsire. O
+lord of light, tell me, O exalted one, by what ascetic penances, or by
+what acts, or by what charms or by what rites, I may be enabled to
+behold that excellent sin-cleaning Sabha."--Hearing these words of
+mine, Aditya the god of day, the deity of a thousand rays, answered me,
+"O chief of the Bharata race, thus: Observe thou, with mind rapt in
+meditation, the Brahma vow extending for a thousand years." Repairing
+then to the breast of the Himavat, I commenced that great vow, and
+after I had completed it the exalted and sinless deity Surya endued
+with great energy, and knowing no fatigue, took me with him to the
+Sabha of the Grandsire. O king, it is impossible to describe that
+Sabha, saying--it is such, for within a moment it assumes a different
+form that language fails to paint. O Bharata, it is impossible to
+indicate its dimensions or shape. I never saw anything like it before.
+Ever contributing to the happiness of those within it, its atmosphere
+is neither cold nor warm. Hunger and thirst or any kind of uneasiness
+disappear as soon as one goeth thither. It seems to be made up of
+brilliant gems of many kinds. It doth not seem to be supported on
+columns, it knoweth no deterioration, being eternal. That self
+effulgent mansion, by its numerous blazing, celestial indications of
+unrivalled splendour, seems to surpass the moon, the sun and the fire
+in splendour. Stationed in heaven, it blazes forth, censuring as it
+were the maker of the day. In that mansion O king, the Supreme Deity,
+the Grand-sire of all created things, having himself created everything
+by virtue of his creative illusion, stayeth ever. And Daksha,
+Prachetas, Pulaha, Marichi, the master Kasyapa, Bhrigu, Atri, and
+Vasistha and Gautama, and also Angiras, and Pulastya, Kraut, Prahlada,
+and Kardama, these Prajapatis, and Angirasa of the Atharvan Veda, the
+Valikhilyas, the Marichipas; Intelligence, Space, Knowledge, Air, Heat,
+Water, Earth, Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, Scent; Nature, and the Modes
+(of Nature), and the elemental and prime causes of the world,--all stay
+in that mansion beside the lord Brahma. And Agastya of great energy,
+and Markandeya, of great ascetic power, and Jamadagni and Bharadwaja,
+and Samvarta, and Chyavana, and exalted Durvasa, and the virtuous
+Rishyasringa, the illustrious Sanatkumara of great ascetic merit and
+the preceptor in all matters affecting Yoga; Asita and Devala, and
+Jaigishavya acquainted with truth; Rishava, Ajitasatru, and Mani of
+great energy; and the Science of healing with its eight branches--all
+in their personified forms, O Bharata; the moon with all the stars and
+the stellar conjunctions; Aditya with all his rays; the winds; the
+Sacrifices, the Declarations of purpose (in sacrifices), the Vital
+principles,--these illustrious and vow-observing beings in their
+personified forms, and many others too numerous to mention, attend all
+upon Brahma in that mansion. Wealth and Religion and Desire, and Joy,
+and Aversion, and Asceticism and Tranquillity--all wait together upon
+the Supreme Deity in that palace. The twenty tribes of the Gandharvas
+and Apsaras, as also their seven other tribes, and all the Lokapalas
+(chief protectors of several regions), and Sukra, and Vrihaspati, and
+Vudha, and Angaraka (Mangala), Sani, Rahu, and the other planets; the
+Mantras (of the Sama Veda), the special Mantras (of the same Veda);
+(the rites of) Harimat and Vasumat, the Adityas with Indra, the two
+Agnis mentioned by name (viz. Agnisoma and Indragni), the Marutas,
+Viswakarman, and the Vasus, O Bharata; the Pitris, and all kinds of
+sacrificial libations, the four Vedas. viz., Rig, Sama, Yajuh, and
+Atharva; all Sciences and branches of learning; Histories and all minor
+branches of learning; the several branches of the Vedas; the planets,
+the Sacrifices, the Soma, all the deities; Savitri (Gayatri), the seven
+kinds of rhyme; Understanding, Patience, Memory, Wisdom, Intelligence,
+Fame, Forgiveness; the Hymns of the Sama Veda; the Science of hymns in
+general, and various kinds of Verses and Songs; various Commentaries
+with arguments;--all in their personified forms, O king, and various
+Dramas and Poems and Stories and abridged Glosses--these also, and many
+others wait upon the Supreme Deity in that Sabha, Kshanas, Lavas,
+Muhurtas, Day, Night, Fortnights, Months, the six Seasons, O Bharata,
+Years, Yugas, the four kinds of Days and Nights (viz., appearing to
+man, to the Pitris, to the gods, and to Brahma) and that eternal,
+indestructible, undeteriorating, excellent Wheel of Time and also the
+Wheel of Virtue,--these always wait there, O Yudhishthira; and Aditi,
+Diti, Danu, Surasa, Vinata, Ira, Kalika, Suravi, Devi, Sarama, Gautami
+and the goddesses Pradha, and Kadru;--these mothers of the celestials,
+and Rudrani, Sree, Lakshmi, Bhadra, Shashthi, the Earth, Ganga, Hri,
+Swaha, Kriti, the goddess Sura, Sachi Pushti, Arundhati, Samvritti,
+Asa, Niyati, Srishti, Rati,--these and many other goddesses wait upon
+the Creator of all. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Marutas, Aswinas, the
+Viswadevas Sadhyas, and the Pitris gifted with the speed of the mind;
+these all wait there upon the Grandsire. And, O bull amongst men, know
+thou that there are seven classes of Pitris, of which four classes have
+embodied forms and the remaining three without embodied forms. It is
+well known that the illustrious Vairajas and Agniswattas and
+Garhapattyas (three classes of Pitris) range in heaven. And those
+amongst the Pitris that are called the Somapas, the Ekasringras, the
+Chaturvedas, and the Kalas, are ever worshipped amongst the four orders
+of men. Gratified with the Soma (juice), first, these gratify Soma
+afterwards. All these tribes of Pitris wait upon the Lord of the
+creation and cheerfully worship the Supreme Deity of immeasurable
+energy. And Rakshasas, Pisachas, the Danavas and Guhyakas; Nagas,
+Birds, and various animals; and all mobile and immobile great
+beings;--all worship the Grandsire. And Purandara the chief of the
+celestials, and Varuna and Kuvera and Yama, and Mahadeva accompanied by
+Uma, always repair thither. And, O king of kings, Mahasena (Kartikeya)
+also adoreth there the Grandsire. Narayana himself, and the celestial
+Rishis, and those Rishis called Valakhillyas, and all beings born of
+females and all those not born of females, and whatever else is seen in
+the three worlds--both mobile and immobile, were all seen by me there,
+know O king. And eighty thousand Rishis with vital seed drawn up, and O
+Pandu, fifty thousand Rishis having sons, were all seen by me there.
+And all the dwellers in heaven repairing thither behold the Supreme
+Deity when they please, and worshipping him with a bow of their head
+return whence they came. And, O king of men, the Grandsire of all
+created beings, the Soul of the universe, the Self create Brahma of
+immeasurable intelligence and glory, equally kind unto all creatures,
+honoureth as they deserve, and gratifieth with sweet speech and gift of
+wealth and other enjoyable articles, the gods, the Daityas, the Nagas,
+the Brahmanas, the Yakshas, the Birds, the Kaleyas, the Gandharvas, the
+Apsaras, and all other exalted beings that came to him as his guests.
+And that delicious Sabha, O child, is always crowded with persons
+coming and going. Filled with every kind of energy, and worshipped by
+Brahmarshis, that celestial Sabha blazes forth with the graceful
+possessions of Brahma and looks extremely handsome, O tiger among kings
+as this Sabha of yours is unrivalled in the world of men, so is that
+Sabha of Brahma, seen by me unrivalled in all the worlds. I have seen
+these Sabhas, O Bharata, in regions of the celestials. This thy Sabha
+is unquestionably the foremost in the world of men!'
+
+
+SECTION XII
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O thou foremost of eloquent men, as thou hast
+described the different Sabhas unto me, it appeareth that almost all
+the monarchs of the earth are to be found in the Sabha of Yama. And, O
+master, almost all the Nagas, and principal Daityas, and rivers, and
+oceans, are to be found in the Sabha of Varuna. And so the Yakshas, the
+Guhyakas, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas and Apsaras and the Deity
+(Yama) having the bull for his vehicle, are to be found in the Sabha of
+the lord of treasures. Thou hast said that in the Sabha of the
+Grandsire are to be seen all the great Rishis, all the gods, all the
+branches of learning. As regards the Sabha of Sakra, however, thou hast
+named, O Muni, all the gods, the Gandharvas, and various Rishis. But, O
+great Muni, thou hast mentioned one and only one king, viz., the royal
+Rishi Harishchandra as living in the Sabha of the illustrious chief of
+the gods. What act was performed by that celebrated king, or what
+ascetic penances with steady vows, in consequence of which he hath been
+equal to Indra himself? O Brahmana, how didst thou also meet with my
+father, the exalted Pandu, now a guest in the region of the Pitris? O
+exalted one of excellent vows hath he told thee anything? O tell me all
+as I am exceedingly curious to hear all this from thee.'
+
+"Narada said,--'O king of kings, I shall tell thee all that thou askest
+me about Harischandra, I shall presently tell thee of his high
+excellence. He was a powerful king, in fact, an emperor over all the
+kings of the earth. Indeed, all the kings of the earth obeyed his sway.
+O monarch, mounted alone upon a victorious car adorned with gold, that
+king by the prowess of his weapons brought the whole earth with her
+seven islands under his sway. And, O monarch, having subjugated the
+whole earth with her mountains, forests, and woods, he made
+preparations for the great sacrifice called the Rajasuya. And all the
+kings of the earth brought at his command wealth unto that sacrifice.
+All of them consented to become distributors of food and gifts unto the
+Brahmanas that were fed on the occasion. At that sacrifice king
+Harishchandra gave away unto all who asked, wealth that was five times
+what each had solicited. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, the king
+gratified the Brahmanas that came from various countries with large
+presents of various kinds of wealth. The Brahmanas gratified with
+various kinds of food and enjoyable articles, given away unto them to
+the extent of their desires, and with the heaps of jewels distributed
+amongst them, began to say,--"King Harischandra is superior to all
+kings in energy and renown."--And know, O monarch, O bull of the
+Bharata race, it was for this reason that Harischandra shone more
+brightly than thousands of other kings. The powerful Harischandra
+having concluded his great sacrifice, became installed, O king, in the
+sovereignty of the earth and looked resplendent on his throne. O bull
+of the Bharata race, all those monarchs that perform the sacrifice of
+Rajasuya, (attaining to the region of Indra) pass their time in
+felicity in Indra's company. And, O bull of the Bharata race, those
+kings also that yield up their lives without turning their backs on the
+field of battle attain to the mansion of Indra and live in joy with
+him. Those again that yield up their bodies after severe ascetic
+penances also attain to the same region and shine brightly there for
+ages. O king of the Kuru race, O son of Kunti, thy father Pandu,
+beholding the good fortune of Harischandra and wondering much thereat,
+hath told thee something. Knowing that I was coming to the world of
+men, he bowed unto me and said,--"Thou shouldst tell Yudhishthira, O
+Rishi, that he can subjugate the whole Earth inasmuch as his brothers
+are all obedient to him. And having done this let him commence the
+grand sacrifice called Rajasuya. He is my son; if he performeth that
+sacrifice, I may, like Harischandra, soon attain to the region of
+Indra, and there in his Sabha pass countless years in continuous joy."
+I told him in reply,--"O King, I shall tell thy son all this, if I go
+to the world of man." I have now told thee what he said, O tiger among
+men. Accomplish then, O son of Pandu, the desires of thy father. If
+thou performest that sacrifice, thou shall then be able to go, along
+with thy deceased ancestors, into the same region that is inhabited by
+the chief of the immortals. It hath been said,--O king, that the
+performance of this great sacrifice is attended with many obstacles. A
+class of Rakshasas called Brahma Rakshasas, employed in obstructing all
+sacrifices, always search for loop-holes when this great sacrifice is
+commenced. On the commencement of such a sacrifice a war may take place
+destroying the Kshatriyas and even furnishing occasion for the
+destruction of the whole Earth. A slight obstacle may involve the whole
+Earth in ruin. Reflecting upon all this, O king of kings do what is for
+thy good. Be thou watchful and ready in protecting the four orders of
+thy subjects. Grow, thou in prosperity, and enjoy thou felicity.
+Gratify thou the Brahmanas with gifts of wealth. I have now answered in
+detail all that thou hast asked me. With thy leave I will now go to the
+city (Dwaravati) of that Dasarhas.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"O Janamejaya, having said this unto the son of
+Pritha, Narada went away, accompanied by those Rishis with whom he had
+come. And after Narada had gone away, king Yudhishthira, O thou of the
+Kuru race, began to think, along with his brothers, of that foremost of
+sacrifices called Rajasuya."
+
+
+SECTION XIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Yudhishthira, having heard these words of Narada,
+began to sigh heavily. And, O Bharata, engaged in his thoughts about
+the Rajasuya, the king had no peace of mind. Having heard of this glory
+of the illustrious monarchs (of old) and being certain about the
+acquisition of regions of felicity by performers of sacrifices in
+consequence of their sacred deeds, and thinking especially of that
+royal sage Harischandra who had performed the great sacrifice king
+Yudhishthira desired to make preparations for the Rajasuya sacrifice.
+Then worshipping his counsellors and others present at his Sabha, and
+worshipped by them in return, he began to discuss with them about that
+sacrifice. Having reflected much, that king of kings, that bull amongst
+the Kurus, inclined his mind towards making preparations for the
+Rajasuya. That prince of wonderful energy and prowess, however,
+reflecting upon virtue and righteousness, again set his heart to find
+out what would be for the good of all his people. For Yudhishthira,
+that foremost of all virtuous men, always kind unto his subjects,
+worked for the good of all without making any distinctions. Indeed,
+shaking off both anger and arrogance, Yudhishthira always said,--'Give
+unto each what is due to each,'--and the only sounds that he could hear
+were,--'Blessed be Dharma! Blessed be Dharma!' Yudhishthira conducting
+himself thus and giving paternal assurance to everybody, there was none
+in the kingdom who entertained any hostile feelings towards him. He
+therefore came to be called Ajatasatru (one with no enemy at all). The
+king cherished every one as belonging to his family, and Bhima ruled
+over all justly. Arjuna, used to employing both his hands with equal
+skill, protected the people from (external) enemies. And the wise
+Sahadeva administered justice impartially. And Nakula behaved towards
+all with humility that was natural to him. Owing to all this, the
+kingdom became free from disputes and fear of every kind. And all the
+people became attentive to their respective occupations. The rain
+became so abundant as to leave no room for desiring more; and the
+kingdom grew in prosperity. And in consequence of the virtues of the
+king, money-lenders, the articles required for sacrifices,
+cattle-rearing, tillage, and traders, all and everything grew in
+prosperity. Indeed, during the reign of Yudhishthira who was ever
+devoted to truth, there was no extortion, no stringent realisation of
+arrears of rent, no fear of disease, of fire, or of death by poisoning
+and incantations, in the kingdom. It was never heard at that time that
+thieves or cheats or royal favourites ever behaved wrongfully towards
+the king or towards one another amongst themselves. Kings conquered on
+the six occasions (of war, treaty, &c) were wont to wait upon him in
+order to do good unto the monarch and worship him ever, while the
+traders of different classes came to pay him the taxes leviable on
+their respective occupations. And accordingly during the reign of
+Yudhishthira who was ever devoted to virtue, his dominion grew in
+prosperity. Indeed, the prosperity of the kingdom was increased not by
+these alone but even by persons wedded to voluptuousness and indulging
+in all luxuries to their fill. And the king of kings, Yudhishthira,
+whose sway extended over all, was possessed of every accomplishment and
+bore everything with patience. And, O king, whatever countries the
+celebrated and illustrious monarch conquered, the people everywhere,
+from Brahmanas to swains, were all more attached to him than to their
+own fathers and mothers."
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"King Yudhishthira, then, that foremost of
+speakers, summoning together his counsellors and brothers, asked them
+repeatedly about the Rajasuya sacrifice. Those ministers in a body,
+thus asked by the wise Yudhishthira desirous of performing the
+sacrifice, then told him these words of grave import,--'One already in
+possession of a kingdom desireth all the attributes of an emperor by
+means of that sacrifice which aideth a king in acquiring the attributes
+of Varuna. O prince of Kuru race, thy friends think that as thou art
+worthy of the attributes of an emperor, the time is even come for thee
+for the performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. The time for the
+performance of that sacrifice in which Rishis of austere vows kindle
+six fires with mantras of the Sama Veda, is come for thee in
+consequence of thy Kshatriya possessions. At the conclusion of the
+Rajasuya sacrifice when the performer is installed in the sovereignty
+of the empire, he is rewarded with the fruits of all sacrifices
+including the Agnihotra. It is for this that he is called the conqueror
+of all. Thou art quite able, O strong-armed one, to perform this
+sacrifice. All of us are obedient to thee. Soon will you be able, O
+great king, to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. Therefore, O great king,
+let thy resolution be taken to perform this sacrifice without further
+discussion.' Thus spoke unto the king all his friends and counsellors
+separately and jointly. And, O king, Yudhishthira that slayer of all
+enemies, having heard these virtuous, bold, agreeable and weighty words
+of theirs, accepted them mentally. And having heard those words of his
+friends and counsellors, and knowing his own strength also, the king, O
+Bharata, repeatedly thought over the matter. After this the intelligent
+and virtuous Yudhishthira, wise in counsel, again consulted with his
+brothers, with the illustrious Ritwijas about him, with his ministers
+and with Dhaumya and Dwaipayana and others."
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'How may this wish that I entertain of performing
+the excellent sacrifice of Rajasuya that is worthy of an emperor, bear
+fruit, in consequence of my faith and speech alone.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, thus asked by
+the king, they replied at that time unto Yudhishthira the just in these
+words,--'Being conversant with the dictates of morality, thou art, O
+king, worthy to perform the grand sacrifice of Rajasuya.' After the
+Ritwijas and the Rishis had told these words unto the king, his
+ministers and brothers highly approved of the speech. The king,
+however, possessed of great wisdom, and with mind under complete
+control, actuated by the desire of doing good unto the world, again
+resolved the matter in his mind, thinking of his own strength and
+means, the circumstances of time and place and his income and
+expenditure. For he knew that the wise never come to grief owing to
+their always acting after full deliberation. Thinking that the
+sacrifice should not be commenced, pursuant to his own resolution only,
+Yudhishthira, carefully bearing upon his shoulder the weight of affairs
+thought of Krishna that persecutor of all sinners as the fittest person
+to decide the matter, in as much as he knew him to be the foremost of
+all persons, possessed of immeasurable energy, strong-armed, without
+birth but born amongst men from Will alone. Reflecting upon his
+god-like feats the son of Pandu concluded that there was nothing that
+was unknown to him, nothing that he could not achieve, and nothing that
+he could not bear, and Yudhishthira, the son of Pritha, having come to
+this settled resolution soon sent a messenger unto that master of all
+beings, conveying through him blessings and speeches such as one senior
+in age might send to one that is younger. And that messenger riding in
+a swift car arrived amongst the Yadavas and approached Krishna who was
+then residing in Dwaravati. And Achyuta (Krishna) hearing that the son
+of Pritha had become desirous of seeing him, desired to see his cousin.
+And quickly passing over many regions, being drawn by his own swift
+horses, Krishna arrived at Indraprastha, accompanied by Indrasena. And
+having arrived at Indraprastha, Janardana approached Yudhisthira
+without loss of time. And Yudhisthira received Krishna with
+paternal-affection, and Bhima also received him likewise. And Janardana
+then went with a cheerful heart to his father's sister (Kunti). And
+worshipped then with reverence by the twins, he began to converse
+cheerfully with his friend Arjuna who was overjoyed at seeing him. And
+after he had rested awhile in a pleasant apartment and had been fully
+refreshed, Yudhishthira approached him at his leisure and informed him
+all about the Rajasuya sacrifice.
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have wished to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice.
+That sacrifice, however, cannot be performed by one's wishing alone to
+perform it. Thou knowest, O Krishna, even thing about the means by
+which it may be accomplished. He alone can achieve this sacrifice in
+whom everything is possible, who is worshipped everywhere and who is
+the king of kings. My friends and counsellors approaching me have said
+that I should perform that sacrifice. But, O Krishna, in respect of
+that matter, thy words shall be my guide. Of counsellers some from
+friendship do not notice the difficulties; others from motives of
+self-interest say only what is agreeable. Some again regard that which
+is beneficial to themselves as worthy of adoption. Men are seen to
+counsel thus on matters awaiting decision. But thou, O Krishna, art
+above such motives. Thou hast conquered both desire and anger. It
+behoveth thee to tell me what is most beneficial to the world.'
+
+
+SECTION XIV
+
+(Rajasuyarambha Parva)
+
+"Krishna said,--'O great king, thou art a worthy possessor of all the
+qualities essential for the performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. Thou
+knowest everything, O Bharata. I shall, however, still tell thee
+something. Those persons in the world that now go by the name of
+Kshatriyas are inferior (in everything) to those Kshatriyas that Rama,
+the son of Jamadagnya, exterminated. O lord of the earth, O bull of the
+Bharata race, thou knowest what form of rule these Kshatriyas, guided
+by the instructions traditionally handed down from generation to
+generation, have established amongst their own order, and how far they
+are competent to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. The numerous royal
+lines and other ordinary Kshatriyas all represent themselves to be the
+descendants of Aila and Ikshwaku. The descendants of Aila, O king, as,
+indeed, the kings of Ikshwaku's race, are, know O bull of the Bharata
+race, each divided into a hundred separate dynasties. The descendants
+of Yayati and the Bhojas are great, both in extent (number) and
+accomplishments. O king, these last are to-day scattered all over the
+earth. And all the Kshatriyas worship the prosperity of those monarchs.
+At present, however, O monarch, king Jarasandha, overcoming that
+prosperity enjoyed by their whole order, and overpowering them by his
+energy hath set himself over the heads of all these kings. And
+Jarasandha, enjoying the sovereignty over the middle portion of the
+earth (Mathura), resolved to create a disunion amongst ourselves. O
+monarch, the king who is the lord paramount of all kings, and in whom
+alone the dominion of the universe is centered, properly deserves to be
+called an emperor. And, O monarch, king Sisupala endued with great
+energy, hath placed himself under his protection and hath become the
+generalissimo of his forces. And, O great king, the mighty Vaka, the
+king of the Karushas, capable of fighting by putting forth his powers
+of illusion, waiteth, upon Jarasandha, as his disciple. There are two
+others, Hansa and Dimvaka, of great energy and great soul, who have
+sought the shelter of the mighty Jarasandha. There are others also
+viz., Dantavakra, Karusha, Karava, Meghavahana, that wait upon
+Jarasandha. He also that beareth on his head that gem which is known as
+the most wonderful on earth, that king of the Yavanas, who hath
+chastised Muru and Naraka, whose power is unlimited, and who ruleth the
+west like another Varuna, who is called Bhagadatta, and who is the old
+friend of thy father, hath bowed his head before Jarasandha, by speech
+and specially by act. In his heart, however, tied as he is by affection
+to thee, he regardeth thee as a father regardeth his child. O king,
+that lord of the earth who hath his dominions on the west and the
+south, who is thy maternal uncle and who is called Purujit, that brave
+perpetuator of the Kunti race, that slayer of all foes, is the single
+king that regardeth thee from affection. He whom I did not formerly
+slay, that wicked wretch amongst the Chedis, who represented himself in
+this world as a divine personage and who hath become known also as
+such, and who always beareth, from foolishness, the signs that
+distinguish me that king of Vanga Pundra and the Kiratas, endowed with
+great strength, and who is known on earth by the names of Paundraka and
+Vasudeva hath also espoused the side of Jarasandha. And, O king of
+kings, Bhishmaka, the mighty king of the Bhojas--the friend of
+Indra--the slayer of hostile heroes--who governs a fourth part of the
+world, who by his learning conquered the Pandyas and the
+Kratha-Kausikas, whose brother the brave Akriti was like Rama, the son
+of Jamdagni, hath become a servitor to the king of Magadha. We are his
+relatives and are, therefore, engaged everyday in doing what is
+agreeable unto him. But although we regard him much, still he regardeth
+us not and is engaged in doing us ill. And, O king, without knowing his
+own strength and the dignity of the race to which he belongeth, he hath
+placed himself under Jarasandha's shelter at sight of the latter's
+blazing fame alone. And, O exalted one, the eighteen tribes of the
+Bhojas, from fear of Jarasandha, have all fled towards the west; so
+also have the Surasenas, the Bhadrakas, the Vodhas, the Salwas, the
+Patachchavas, the Susthalas, the Mukuttas, and the Kulindas, along with
+the Kuntis. And the king of the Salwayana tribe with their brethren and
+followers; and the southern Panchalas and the eastern Kosalas have all
+fled to the country of the Kuntis. So also the Matsyas and the
+Sannyastapadas, overcome with fear, leaving their dominions in the
+north, have fled into the southern country. And so all the Panchalas,
+alarmed at the power of Jarasandha, have left their own kingdom and
+fled in all directions. Some time before, the foolish Kansa, having
+persecuted the Yadavas, married two of the daughters of Jarasandha.
+They are called Asti and Prapti and are the sister of Sahadeva.
+Strengthened by such an alliance, the fool persecuting his relatives
+gained an ascendency over them all. But by this conduct he earned great
+obloquy. The wretch also began to oppress the old kings of the Bhoja
+tribe, but they, to protect themselves from the persecution of their
+relative, sought our help. Having bestowed upon Akrura the handsome
+daughter of Ahuka, with Sankarshana as my second I did a service to my
+relatives, for both Kansa and Sunaman were slain by me assisted by
+Rama. But after the immediate cause of fear was removed (by the death
+of Kansa), Jarasandha, his father-in-law, took up arms. Ourselves
+consisting of the eighteen younger branches of the Yadavas arrived at
+the conclusion that even if we struck our enemies continually with
+excellent weapons capable of taking the lives of the foes, we should
+still be unable to do anything unto him even in three hundred years. He
+hath two friends that are like unto the immortals, and in point of
+strength the foremost of all men endued with might. They are called
+Hansa and Dimvaka who are both incapable of being slain by weapons. The
+mighty Jarasandha, being united with them, becomes incapable, I think,
+of being vanquished by even the three worlds. O thou foremost of all
+intelligent men, this is not our opinion alone but all other kings also
+are of the same mind. There lived, O monarch, a king of the name of
+Hansa, who was slain by Rama (Valadeva) after a battle of eighteen
+days. But, O Bharata, hearing people say that Hansa had been killed,
+Dimvaka, O king, thought that he could not live without Hansa. He
+accordingly jumped into the waters of the Yamuna and killed himself.
+Afterwards when Hansa, the subjugator of hostile heroes, heard that
+Dimvaka, had killed himself, he went to the Yamuna and jumped into its
+waters. Then, O bull of the Bharata race, king Jarasandha, hearing that
+both Hansa and Dimvaka had been killed, returned to his kingdom with an
+empty heart. After Jarasandha had returned, O slayer of all foes, we
+were filled with pleasure and continued to live at Mathura. Then the
+widow of Hansa and the daughter of Jarasandha, that handsome woman with
+eyes like lotus-petals, grieved at the death of her lord, went unto her
+father, and repeatedly urged, O Monarch, the king of Magadha,
+saying,--O slayer of all foes, kill thou the slayer of my
+husband.--Then, O great king, remembering the conclusion to which we
+had come of old we became exceedingly cheerless and fled from Mathura.
+Dividing our large wealth into small portions so as to make each
+portion easily portable, we fled from fear of Jarasandha, with our
+cousins and relatives. Reflecting upon everything, we fled towards the
+west. There is a delightful town towards the west called Kusasthali,
+adorned by the mountains of Raivata. In that city, O monarch, we took
+up our abode. We rebuilt its fort and made it so strong that it has
+become impregnable even to the Gods. And from within it even the women
+might fight the foe, what to speak of the Yadava heroes without fear of
+any kind? O slayer of all foes, we are now living in that city. And, O
+tiger of the Kuru race, considering the inaccessibility of that first
+of mountains and regarding themselves as having already crossed the
+fear of Jarasandha, the descendants of Madhu have become exceedingly
+glad. Thus, O king, though possessed of strength and energy, yet from
+the oppressions of Jarasandha we have been obliged to repair to the
+mountains of Gomanta, measuring three Yojanas in length. Within each
+yojana have been established one and twenty posts of armed men. And at
+intervals of each yojana are hundred gates with arches which are
+defended by valourous heroes engaged in guarding them. And innumerable
+Kshatriyas invincible in war, belonging to the eighteen younger
+branches of the Yadavas, are employed in defending these works. In our
+race, O king, there are full eighteen thousand brothers and cousins.
+Ahuka hath had a hundred sons, each of whom is almost like a god (in
+prowess), Charudeshna with his brother Chakradeva, Satyaki, myself,
+Valadeva the son of Rohini, and my son Samva who is equal unto me in
+battle--these seven, O king are Atirathas. Besides these, there are
+others, O king, whom I shall presently name. They are Kritavarman,
+Anadhrishti, Samika, Samitinjaya, Kanka, Sanku and Kunti. These seven
+are Maharathas. There are also two sons of Andhakabhoja, and the old
+king himself. Endued with great energy these are all heroes, each
+mighty as the thunderbolt. These Maharathas, choosing the middle
+country, are now living amongst the Vrishnis. O thou best of the
+Bharata line, thou alone art worthy of being an emperor. It behoveth
+thee, O Bharata, to establish thy empire over all the Kshatriyas. But
+this is my judgment, O king, that thou wilt not be able to celebrate
+the Rajasuya sacrifice as long as the mighty Jarasandha liveth. By him
+have been immured in his hillfort numerous monarchs, like a lion that
+hath deposited the slain bodies of mighty elephants within a cave of
+the king of mountains. O slayer of all enemies, king Jarasandha,
+desirous of offering in sacrifice hundred monarchs, adored for his
+fierce ascetic penances the illustrious god of gods, the lord of Uma.
+It is by this means that the kings of the earth have been vanquished by
+Jarasandha. And, O best of monarchs, he hath by that means been able to
+fulfil the vow he had made relative to his sacrifice. By defeating the
+kings with their troops and bringing all of them as captives into this
+city, he had swelled its crowds enormously. We also, O king, from fear
+of Jarasandha, at one time had to leave Mathura and fly to the city of
+Dwaravati. If, O great king, thou desirest to perform this sacrifice,
+strive to release the kings confined by Jarasandha, as also to compass
+his death, O son of the Kuru race, otherwise this undertaking of thine
+can never be completed. O thou foremost of intelligent men if the
+Rajasuya is to be performed by thee, you must do this in this way and
+not otherwise. This, O king, is my view (on the matter). Do, O sinless
+one, as thou thinkest. Under these circumstances, O king, having
+reflected upon everything, taking note of causes, tell us what thou
+thyself thinkest proper."
+
+
+SECTION XV
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Intelligent as thou art, thou hast said what none
+else is capable of saying. There is none else on earth who is settler
+of all doubts. Behold, there are kings in every province employed in
+benefiting their respective selves. But no one amongst them hath been
+able to achieve the imperial dignity. Indeed, the title emperor is
+difficult of acquisition. He that knoweth the valour and strength of
+others never applaudeth himself. He, indeed, is really worthy of
+applause (worship) who, engaged in encounters with his enemies, beareth
+himself commendably. O thou supporter of the dignity of the Vrishni
+race, man's desires and propensities, like the wide earth itself
+adorned with many jewels, are varied and extensive. As experience can
+seldom be gained but by travelling in regions remote from one's home,
+so salvation can never be attained except by acting according to
+principles that are very high, compared with the ordinary level of our
+desire and propensities. I regard peace of mind as the highest object
+here, for from that quality may proceed my prosperity. In my judgment,
+if I undertake to celebrate this sacrifice, I shall never win the
+highest reward. O Janardana, endued with energy and intelligence, these
+that have been born in our race think that some one amongst them will
+at one time become the foremost amongst all Kshatriyas. But, O exalted
+one, we also were all frightened by the fear of Jarasandha and, O
+sinless one, by the wickedness of that monarch. O thou invincible in
+battle, the might of thy arm is my refuge. When, therefore, thou taken
+fright at Jarasandha's might, how should I regard myself strong in
+comparison with him? Madhava, O thou of the Vrishni race, I am
+repeatedly depressed by the thought whether Jarasandha is capable or
+not of being slain by thee, by Rama, by Bhimasena, or by Arjuna. But
+what shall I say, O Keshava? Thou art my highest authority on
+everything.'
+
+"On hearing these words, Bhima well-skilled in speech said,--'That king
+who is without exertion, or who being weak and without resources
+entereth into hostility with one that is strong, perisheth like an
+ant-hill. It may be generally seen, however, that even a king that is
+weak may vanquish an enemy that is strong and obtain the fruition of
+all his wishes, by wakefulness and by the application of policy. In
+Krishna is policy, in myself strength, in Arjuna triumphs. So like the
+three (sacrificial) fires that accomplish a sacrifice, we shall
+accomplish the death of the king of Magadha.'
+
+"Krishna then said,--'One that is immature in understanding seeketh the
+fruition of his desire without an eye to what may happen to him in
+future. It is seen that no one forgiveth for that reason a foe that is
+of immature understanding and inclined to serve his own interests. It
+hath been heard by us that in the krita age, having brought every one
+under their subjection, Yauvanaswin by the abolition of all taxes,
+Bhagiratha by his kind treatment to his subjects, Kartavirya by the
+energy of his asceticism, the lord Bharata by his strength and valour,
+and Maruta by his prosperity, all these five became emperors. But, O
+Yudhishthira, thou who covetest the imperial dignity deserves it, not
+by one but by all these qualities, viz., victory, protection afforded
+to thy people, virtue, prosperity, and policy. Know, O bull of the Kuru
+race, that Jarasandha, the son of Vrihadratha, is even such (i.e., a
+candidate for the imperial dignity). A hundred dynasties of kings have
+become unable to oppose Jarasandha. He, therefore, may be regarded to
+be an emperor for his strength. Kings that are wearers of jewels
+worship Jarasandha (with presents of jewels). But, wicked from his
+childhood, he is scarcely satisfied with such worship. Having become
+the foremost among all, he attacketh yet with violence kings with
+crowns on their heads. Nor is there seen any king from whom he taketh
+not tribute. Thus hath he brought under his sway nearly a hundred
+kings. How can, O son of Pritha, any weak monarch approach him with
+hostile intentions? Confined in the temple of Shiva and offered as
+sacrifice unto him like so many animals, do not these monarchs
+dedicated unto that god feel the most poignant misery, O bull of the
+Bharata race? A Kshatriya that dieth in battle is ever regarded with
+respect. Why shall we not, therefore, meet together and oppose
+Jarsandha in battle? He hath already brought eighty-six kings; fourteen
+only are wanting to complete one hundred. As soon as he obtaineth those
+fourteen, he will begin his cruel act. He that shall be to obstruct
+that act will surely win blazing renown. And he that will vanquish
+Jarasandha will surely become the emperor of all the Kshatriyas.'
+
+
+SECTION XVI
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting from
+selfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can I
+despatch ye (unto Jarasandha)? Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as my
+eyes, and thee, O Janardana as my mind. How shall I live, deprived of
+my eyes and mind. Yama himself cannot vanquish in battle the mighty
+host of Jarasandha that is endued, besides, with terrible valour. What
+valour can ye exhibit against it. This affair that promises to
+terminate otherwise may lead to great mischief. It is my opinion,
+therefore, that the proposed task should not be undertaken. Listen, O
+Krishna, to what I for one think. O Janardana, desisting from this act
+seemeth to me to be beneficial. My heart to-day is afflicted. The
+Rajasuya appeareth to me difficult of accomplishment.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Arjuna who had obtained that excellent of bows and
+that couple of inexhaustible quivers, and that car with that banner, as
+also that assembly room, now addressed Yudhishthira and said,--'I have
+obtained, O king, a bow and weapons and arrows and energy and allies
+and dominions and fame and strength. Those are always difficult of
+acquisition, however much they may be desired. Learned men of repute
+always praise in good society nobleness of descent. But nothing is
+equal to might. Indeed, O monarch, there is nothing I like more than
+prowess. Born in a race noted for its valour, one that is without
+valour is scarcely worthy of regard. One, however, possessed of valour,
+that is born in a race not noted for it, is much superior to the
+former. He, O king, is a Kshatriya in every thing who increaseth his
+fame and possessions by the subjugation of his enemies. And he that is
+possessed of valour, though destitute of all (other) merits, will
+vanquish his foes. One, however, that is destitute of valour, though
+possessed of every (other) merit, can scarcely accomplish anything.
+Every merit exists by the side of valour in an incipient state.
+Concentration of attention, exertion and destiny exist as the three
+causes of victory. One, however, that is possessed of valour doth not
+yet deserve success if he acts carelessly. It is for this that an enemy
+endued with strength sometimes suffers death at the hands of his foes.
+As meanness overtakes the weak, so folly sometimes overtakes the
+strong. A king, therefore, that is desirous of victory, should avoid
+both these causes of destruction. If, for the purpose of our sacrifice,
+we endeavour to slay Jarasandha and rescue the kings kept by him for a
+cruel purpose, there is no higher act which we could employ ourselves
+in. If, however, we do not undertake the task, the world will always
+think us incompetent. We have certainly the competence, O king! Why
+should you, therefore, regard us as incompetent? Those that have become
+Munis desirous of achieving tranquillity of souls, obtain yellow robes
+with ease. So if we vanquish the foe, the imperial dignity will easily
+be ours. We shall, therefore fight the foe.'
+
+
+SECTION XVII
+
+"Vasudeva said,--'Arjuna hath indicated what the inclination should be
+of one that is born in the Bharata race, especially of one who is the
+son of Kunti. We know not when death will overtake us, in the night or
+in the day. Nor have we ever heard that immortality hath been achieved
+by desisting from fight. This, therefore, is the duty of men, viz., to
+attack all enemies in accordance with the principles laid down in the
+ordinance. This always gives satisfaction to the heart. Aided by good
+policy, if not frustrated by Destiny, an undertaking becomes crowned
+with success. If both parties aided by such means encounter each other,
+one must obtain ascendency over the other, for both cannot win or lose.
+A battle however, if directed by bad policy which again is destitute of
+the well-known arts, ends in defeat or destruction. If, again, both
+parties are equally circumstanced, the result becomes doubtful. Both,
+however, cannot win. When such is the case, why should we not, aided by
+good policy, directly approach the foe; and destroy him, like the
+current of the river uprooting a tree? If, disguising our own faults,
+we attack the enemy taking advantage of his loopholes, why should we
+not succeed? Indeed, the policy of intelligent men, is that one should
+not fight openly with foes that are exceedingly powerful and are at the
+head of their well-arrayed forces. This too is my opinion. If, however,
+we accomplish our purpose secretly entering the abode of our foe and
+attacking his person, we shall never earn obloquy. That bull among
+men--Jarasandha--alone enjoyeth unfaded glory, like unto him who is the
+self in the heart of every created being. But I see his destruction
+before me. Desirous of protecting our relatives we will either slay him
+in battle or shall ascend to heaven being ourselves slain in the end by
+him.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said--'O Krishna, who is this Jarasandha? What is his
+energy and what is his prowess, that having touched thee he hath not
+been burnt like an insect at the touch of fire?'
+
+"Krishna said,--'Hear, O monarch, who Jarasandha is; what his energy;
+and what is his prowess; and why also he hath been spared by us, even
+though he hath repeatedly offended us. There was a mighty king of the
+name of Vrihadratha, the lord of the Magadhas. Proud in battle, he had
+three Akshauhinis of troops. Handsome and endued with energy, possessed
+of affluence and prowess beyond measure, and always bearing on his
+person marks indicating installation at sacrifices. He was like a
+second Indra. In glory he was like unto Suryya, in forgiveness like
+unto the Earth, in wrath like unto the destroyer Yama and in wealth
+like unto Vaisravana. And O thou foremost of the Bharata race, the
+whole earth was covered by his qualities that descended upon him from a
+long line of ancestors, like the rays emerging from the sun. And, O
+bull of the Bharata race, endued with great energy that monarch married
+two twin daughters of the king of Kasi, both endued with the wealth of
+beauty. And that bull among men made an engagement in secret with his
+wives that he would love them equally and would never show a preference
+for either. And the lord of the earth in the company of his two dearly
+loved wives, both of whom suited him well, passed his days in joy like
+a mighty elephant in the company of two cow-elephants, or like the
+ocean in his personified form between Ganga and Yamuna (also in their
+personified forms). The monarch's youth however, passed away in the
+enjoyment of his possessions, without any son being born unto him to
+perpetuate his line. The best of monarch failed to obtain a son to
+perpetuate his race, even by means of various auspicious rites, and
+homas, and sacrifices performed with the desire for having an
+offspring. One day the king heard that the high-souled Chanda-kausika,
+the son of Kakshivat of the illustrious Gautama race, having desisted
+from ascetic penances had come in course of his wanderings to his
+capital and had taken his seat under the shade of a mango tree. The
+king went unto that Muni accompanied by his two wives, and worshipping
+him with jewels and valuable presents gratified him highly. That best
+of Rishis truthful in speech and firmly attached to truth, then told
+the king,--"O king of kings, I have been pleased with thee. O thou of
+excellent vows, solicit thou a boon." King Vrihadratha then, with his
+wives, bending low unto that Rishi, spoke these words choked with tears
+in consequence of his despair of obtaining a child.--"O holy one
+forsaking my kingdom I am about to go into the woods to practise
+ascetic penances. I am very unfortunate for I have no son. What shall I
+do, therefore, with my kingdom or with a boon?"'
+
+"Krishna continued,--'Hearing these words (of the king), the Muni
+controlling his outer senses entered into meditation, sitting in the
+shade of that very mango tree where he was. And there fell upon the lap
+of the seated Muni a mango that was juicy and untouched by the beak of
+a parrot or any other bird. That best of Munis, taking up the fruit and
+mentally pronouncing certain mantras over it, gave it unto the king as
+the means of his obtaining an incomparable offspring. And the great
+Muni, possessed also of extraordinary wisdom, addressing the monarch,
+said,--"Return, O king, thy wish is fulfilled. Desist, O king, from
+going (into the woods)".--Hearing these words of the Muni and
+worshipping his feet, the monarch possessed of great wisdom, returned
+to his own abode. And recollecting his former promise (unto them) the
+king gave, O bull of the Bharata race, unto his two wives that one
+fruit. His beautiful queens, dividing that single fruit into two parts,
+ate it up. In consequence of the certainty of the realisation of the
+Muni's words and his truthfulness, both of them conceived, as an effect
+of their having eaten that fruit. And the king beholding them in that
+state became filled with great joy. Then, O wise monarch, some time
+after, when the time came, each of the queens brought forth a
+fragmentary body. And each fragment had one eye, one arm, one leg, half
+a stomach, half a face, and half an anus. Beholding the fragmentary
+bodies, both the mothers trembled much. The helpless sisters then
+anxiously consulted each other, and sorrowfully abandoned those
+fragments endued with life. The two midwives (that waited upon the
+queens) then carefully wrapping up the still-born (?) fragments went
+out of the inner apartments (of the palace) by the back door and
+throwing away the bodies, returned in haste. A little while after, O
+tiger among men, a Rakshasa woman of the name of Jara living upon flesh
+and blood, took up the fragments that lay on a crossing. And impelled
+by force of fate, the female cannibal united the fragments for facility
+of carrying them away. And, O bull among men, as soon as the fragments
+were united they formed a sturdy child of one body (endued with life).
+Then, O king, the female cannibal, with eyes expanded in wonder, found
+herself unable to carry away that child having a body as hard and
+strong as the thunder-bolt. That infant then closing his fists red as
+copper and inserting them into its mouth, began to roar terribly as
+rain-charged clouds. Alarmed at the sound, the inmates of the palace, O
+tiger among men, suddenly came out with the king, O slayer of all foes.
+The helpless and disappointed and sad queens also, with breasts full of
+milk, also came out suddenly to recover their child. The female
+cannibal beholding the queens in that condition and the king too so
+desirous of an offspring, and the child was possessed of such strength
+thought within herself--I live within dominions of the king who is so
+desirous of an offspring. It behoveth not me, therefore, to kill the
+infant child of such an illustrious and virtuous monarch. The Rakshasa
+woman then, holding the child in her arms like the clouds enveloping
+the sun, and assuming a human form, told the king these words,--"O
+Vrihadratha, this is thy child. Given to thee by me, O, take it. It
+hath been born of both thy wives by virtue of the command of the great
+Brahmana. Cast away by the midwives, it hath been protected by me!"'
+
+"Krishna continued,--'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, the handsome
+daughters of the king of Kasi, having obtained the child, soon drenched
+it with their lacteal streams. The king ascertaining everything, was
+filled with joy, and addressing that female cannibal disguised as a
+human being possessing the complexion of gold, asked,--O thou of the
+complexion of the filament of the lotus, who art thou that givest me
+this child? O auspicious one, thou seemest to me as a goddess roaming
+at thy pleasure!'
+
+
+SECTION XVIII
+
+"Krishna continued,--'Hearing these words of the king, the Rakshasa
+woman answered--"Blessed be thou, O king of kings. Capable of assuming
+any form at will, I am a Rakshasa woman called Jara. I am living, O
+king, happily in thy house, worshipped by all. Every day I wander from
+house to house of men. Indeed, I was created of old by the Self-create
+and was named Grihadevi (the household goddess). Of celestial beauty I
+was placed (in the world) for the destruction of the Danavas. He that
+with devotion painteth on the walls (of his house) a likeness of myself
+endued with youth and in the midst of children, must have prosperity in
+his abode; otherwise a household must sustain decay and destruction. O
+lord, painted on the walls of thy house is a likeness of myself
+surrounded by numerous children. Stationed there I am daily worshipped
+with scents and flowers, with incense and edibles and various objects
+of enjoyment. Thus worshipped in thy house, I daily think of doing thee
+some good in return. It chanced, O virtuous king, that I beheld the
+fragmentary bodies of thy son. When these happened to be united by me,
+a living child was formed of them. O great king, it hath been so owing
+to thy good fortune alone. I have been only the instrument, I am
+capable of swallowing the mountain of Meru itself, what shall I say of
+the child? I have, however, been gratified with thee in consequence of
+the worship I receive in thy house. It is, therefore, O king, that I
+have bestowed this child on thee."'
+
+"Krishna continued,--'Having spoken these words, O king, Jara
+disappeared there and then. The king having obtained the child then
+entered the palace. And the king then caused all the rites of infancy
+to be performed on that child, and ordered a festival to be observed by
+his people in honour of that Rakshasa woman. And the monarch equal unto
+Brahma himself then bestowed a name on his child. And he said that
+because the child had been united by Jara, he should be called
+(Jarasandha i.e., united by Jara). And the son of the king of Magadha
+endued with great energy, began to grow up in bulk and strength like a
+fire into which hath been poured libation of clarified butter. And
+increasing day by day like the moon in the bright fortnight, the child
+began to enhance the joy of his parents.'
+
+
+SECTION XIX
+
+"Krishna said,--'some time after this, the great ascetic, the exalted
+Chandakausika, again came into the country of the Magadhas. Filled with
+joy at the advent of the Rishi, king Vrihadratha, accompanied by his
+ministers and priest and wives and son, went out to receive him. And, O
+Bharata, worshipping the Rishi with water to wash his feet and face,
+and with the offerings of Arghya the king then offered his whole
+kingdom along with his son for the acceptance of the Rishi. The
+adorable Rishi accepting that worship offered by the king, addressing
+the ruler of Magadha, O monarch, said with well-pleased heart,--"O
+king, I knew all this by spiritual insight. But hear, O king of kings,
+what this son of thine will be in future, as also what his beauty,
+excellence, strength, and valour will be. Without doubt this son of
+thine, growing in prosperity and endued with prowess, will obtain all
+these. Like other birds that can never imitate the speed of Vinata's
+son (Garuda), the other monarchs of the earth will not be able to equal
+in energy this thy son, who will be endued with great valour. And all
+those that will stand in his way will certainly be destroyed. Like the
+force of the current that can never make the slightest impression upon
+the rocky breast of a mountain, weapons hurled at him even by the
+celestials will fail to produce the least pain in him. He will blaze
+forth above the heads of all that wear crowns on their brows. Like the
+sun that dims the lustre of all luminous bodies, this son of thine will
+rob all monarchs of their splendour. Even kings that are powerful and
+own large armies and numberless vehicles and animals, upon approaching
+this son of thine, will all perish as insects upon fire. This child
+will seize the growing prosperity of all kings like the ocean receiving
+the rivers swollen with the water of the rainy season. Like the huge
+earth that bears all kinds of produce, supporting things that are both
+good and evil, this child endued with great strength will support all
+the four orders of men. And all the kings of the earth will live in
+obedience to the commands of this child just as every creature endued
+with body live in dependence upon Vayu that is dear as self unto
+beings. This prince of Magadha--the mightiest of all men in the
+world--will behold with his physical eyes the god of gods called Rudra
+or Hara, the slayer of Tripura." O thou slayer of all foes, saying
+this, the Rishi, thinking of his own business, dismissed king
+Vrihadratha. The lord of the Magadhas then, re-entering his capital,
+and calling together his friends and relations, installed Jarasandha,
+on the throne. King Vrihadratha then came to feel a great distaste for
+worldly pleasures. And after the installation of Jarasandha king
+Vrihadratha followed by his two wives became an inmate of an ascetic
+asylum in the woods. And, O king, after his father and mothers had
+retired into the woods, Jarasandha by his valour brought numerous kings
+under his sway.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"King Vrihadratha, having lived for some time
+in the woods and practised ascetic penances, ascended to heaven at last
+with his wives. King Jarasandha, also, as uttered by Kausika, having
+received those numerous boons ruled his kingdom like a father. Some
+time after when king Kansa was slain by Vasudeva, an enmity arose
+between him and Krishna. Then, O Bharata, the mighty king of Magadha
+from his city of Girivraja, whirling a mace ninety-nine times, hurled
+it towards Mathura. At that time Krishna of wonderful deeds was
+residing at Mathura. The handsome mace hurled by Jarasandha fell near
+Mathura at a distance of ninety-nine yojanas from Gririvraja. The
+citizens beholding the circumstance well, went unto Krishna and
+informed him of the fall of the mace. The place where the mace fell is
+adjacent to Mathura and is called Gadavasan. Jarasandha had two
+supporters called Hansa and Dimvaka, both of whom were incapable of
+being slain by weapons. Well-conversant with the science of politics
+and morality, in counsel they were the foremost of all intelligent men.
+I have already told thee everything about that mighty pair. They two
+and Jarasandha, I believe, are more than a match for three worlds. O
+brave king, it was for this reason that the powerful Kukkura, Andhaka
+and Vrishni tribes, acting from motives of policy, did not deem it
+proper to fight with him.
+
+
+SECTION XX
+
+(Jarasandhta-badha Parva)
+
+"Krishna said,--'both Hansa and Dimvaka have fallen; Kansa also with
+all his followers has been slain. The time hath, therefore come for the
+destruction of Jarasandha. He is incapable of being vanquished in
+battle even by all the celestials and the Asuras (fighting together).
+We think, however, that he should be vanquished in a personal struggle
+with bare arms. In me is policy, in Bhima is strength and in Arjuna is
+triumph; and therefore, as prelude to performing the Rajasuya, we will
+certainly achieve the destruction of the ruler of Magadha. When we
+three approach that monarch in secret, and he will, without doubt, be
+engaged in an encounter with one of us. From fear of disgrace, from
+covetousness, and from pride of strength he will certainly summon Bhima
+to the encounter. Like death himself that slays a person however
+swollen with pride, the long-armed and mighty Bhimasena will effect the
+destruction of the king. If thou knowest my heart, if thou hast any
+faith in me, then make over to me, as a pledge, Bhima and Arjuna
+without loss of time!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus addressed by the exalted one,
+Yudhishthira, beholding both Bhima and Arjuna standing with cheerful
+faces, replied, saying--'O Achyuta, O Achyuta, thou slayer of all
+enemies, say not so. Thou art the lord of the Pandavas! We are
+dependent on thee. What thou sayest, O Govinda, is consistent with wise
+counsels. Thou never leadest those upon whom Prosperity hath turned her
+back. I who stay under thy command regard that Jarasandha is already
+slain, that the monarchs confined by him have already been set free,
+that the Rajasuya hath already been accomplished by me. O lord of the
+universe, O thou best of persons, watchfully act thou so that this task
+may be accomplished. Without ye then I dare not live, like a sorrowful
+man afflicted with disease, and bereft of the three attributes of
+morality, pleasure and wealth. Partha cannot live without Sauri
+(Krishna), nor can Sauri live without Partha. Nor is there anything in
+the world that is unconquerable by these two, viz., Krishna and Arjuna.
+This handsome Bhima also is the foremost of all persons endued with
+might. Of great renown, what can he not achieve when with ye two?
+Troops, when properly led, always do excellent service. A force without
+a leader hath been called inert by the wise. Forces, therefore, should
+always be led by experienced commanders. Into places that are low, the
+wise always conduct the water. Even fishermen cause the water (of tank)
+to run out through holes. (Experienced leaders always lead their forces
+noting the loopholes and assailable points of the foe). We shall,
+therefore, strive to accomplish our purpose following the leadership of
+Govinda conversant with the science of politics, that personage whose
+fame hath spread all over the world. For the successful accomplishment
+of one's purposes one should ever place Krishna in the van, that
+foremost of personages whose strength consists in wisdom and policy and
+who possesseth a knowledge of both method and means. For the
+accomplishment of one's purpose let, therefore, Arjuna, the son of
+Pritha, follow Krishna the foremost of the Yadavas and let Bhima follow
+Arjuna. Policy and good fortune and might will (then) bring about
+success in a matter requiring valour.'" Vaisampayana said,--"Thus
+addressed by Yudhishthira, the trio Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima, all
+possessed of great energy, set out for Magadha attired in the garb of
+Snataka Brahmanas of resplendent bodies, and blessed by the agreeable
+speeches of friends and relatives. Possessed of superior energy and of
+bodies already like the Sun, the Moon, and the Fire, inflamed with
+wrath at the sad lot of their relative kings, those bodies of theirs
+became much more blazing. And the people, beholding Krishna and Arjuna,
+both of whom had never before been vanquished in battle, with Bhima in
+the van, all ready to achieve the same task, regarded Jarasandha as
+already slain. For the illustrious pair (Krishna and Arjuna) were
+masters that directed every operation (in the universe), as also all
+acts relating to the morality, wealth, and pleasure of every being.
+Having set out from the country of the Kurus, they passed through
+Kuru-jangala and arrived at the charming lake of lotuses. Passing over
+the hills of Kalakuta, they then went on crossing the Gandaki, the
+Sadanira (Karatoya), and the Sarkaravarta and the other rivers taking
+their rise in the same mountains. They then crossed the delightful
+Sarayu and saw the country of Eastern Kosala. Passing over that country
+they went to Mithila and then crossing the Mala and Charamanwati, the
+three heroes crossed the Ganges and the Sone and went on towards the
+east. At last those heroes of unfaded glory arrived at Magadha in the
+heart of (the country of) Kushamva. Reaching then the hills of Goratha,
+they saw the city of Magadha that was always filled with kine and
+wealth and water and rendered handsome with the innumerable trees
+standing there.
+
+
+SECTION XXI
+
+"Vasudeva said,--'behold, O Partha, the great capital of Magadha,
+standing in all its beauty. Filled with flocks and herds and its stock
+of water never exhausted, and adorned also with fine mansions standing
+in excellent array, it is free from every kind of calamity. The five
+large hills of Vaihara, Varaha, Vrishava, Rishigiri, and the delightful
+Chaitya, all of high peaks and overgrown with tall trees of cool shade
+and connected with one another, seem to be jointly protecting the city
+of Girivraja. The breasts of the hills are concealed by forests of
+delightful and fragrant Lodhras having the ends of their branches
+covered with flowers. It was here that the illustrious Gautama of rigid
+vows begat on the Sudra woman Ausinari (the daughter of Usinara)
+Kakshivat and other celebrated sons. That the race sprung from Gautama
+doth yet live under the sway of an ordinary human race (of monarchs) is
+only evidence of Gautama's kindness to kings. And, O Arjuna, it was
+here that in olden times the mighty monarchs of Anga, and Vanga and
+other countries, came to the abode of Gautama, and passed their days in
+joy and happiness. Behold, O Partha, those forests of delightful
+Pippalas and beautiful Lodhras standing near the side of Gautama's
+abode. There dwelt in old days those Nagas, Arvuda and Sakravapin,
+those persecutors of all enemies, as also the Naga Swastika and that
+other excellent Naga called Manu. Manu himself had ordered the country
+of the Magadhas to be never afflicted with drought, and Kaushika and
+Manimat also have favoured the country. Owning such a delightful and
+impregnable city, Jarasandha is ever bent on seeking the fruition of
+his purposes unlike other monarchs. We shall, however, by slaying him
+to-day humble his pride.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Thus saying those brothers of abundant energy,
+viz., he of the Vrishni race and the two Pandavas entered the city of
+Magadha. They then approached towards the impregnable city of Girivraja
+that was full of cheerful and well-fed inhabitants belonging to all the
+four orders, and where festivities were perennial. On arriving then at
+the gate of the city, the brothers (instead of passing through it)
+began to pierce (with their shafts) the heart of the high Chaityaka
+peak that was worshipped by the race of Vrihadratha, as also by the
+citizens and which delighted the hearts of all the Magadhas. There
+Vrihadratha had slain a cannibal called Rishava and having slain the
+monster made of his hide three drums which he placed in his own city.
+And those drums were such that once beaten their sound lasted one full
+month. And the brothers broke down the Chaityaka peak that was
+delightful to all the Magadhas, at that point where those drums covered
+with celestial flowers used to yield their continuous sound. And
+desirous of slaying Jarasandha they seemed by that act of theirs to
+place their feet upon the head of their foe. And attacking with their
+mighty arms that immovable and huge and high and old and celebrated
+peak always worshipped with perfumes and floral wreaths, those heroes
+broke it down. And with joyful hearts they then entered the city. And
+it so happened that the learned Brahmanas residing within the city saw
+many evil omens which they reported to Jarasandha. And the priest
+making the king mount an elephant whirled lighted brands about him. And
+king Jarasandha also, possessed of great prowess, with a view to
+warding of those evils, entered upon the celebration of a sacrifice,
+with proper vows and fasts. Meanwhile, O Bharata, the brothers unarmed,
+or rather with their bare arms as their only weapons, desirous of
+fighting with Jarasandha, entered the capital in the guise of
+Brahmanas. They beheld the extraordinary beauty of the shops full of
+various edibles and floral wreaths, and supplied with articles of every
+variety of various qualities that man can desire. Those best of men,
+Krishna, Bhima, and Dhananjaya, beholding in those shops their
+affluence, passed along the public road. And endued with great strength
+they snatched forcibly from the flower-vendors the garlands they had
+exposed for sale. And attired in robes of various colours and decked in
+garlands and ear-rings the heroes entered the abode of Jarasandha
+possessed of great intelligence, like Himalayan lions eyeing
+cattle-folds. And the arms of those warriors, O king, besmeared with
+sandal paste, looked like the trunks of sala trees. The people of
+Magadha, beholding those heroes looking like elephants, with necks
+broad like those of trees and wide chests, began to wonder much. Those
+bull among men, passing through three gates that were crowded with men,
+proudly and cheerfully approached the king. And Jarasandha rising up in
+haste received them with water to wash their feet with, and honey and
+the other ingredients of the Arghya--with gifts of kine, and with other
+forms of respect. The great king addressing them said,--'Ye are
+welcome'! And, O Janamejaya, both Partha and Bhima remained silent at
+this. And addressing the monarch Krishna said,--'O king of kings these
+two are now in the observance of a vow. Therefore they will not speak.
+Silent they will remain till midnight. After that hour they will speak
+with thee!' The king then quartering his guests in the sacrificial
+apartments retired into his private chambers. And when midnight
+arrived, the monarch arrived at the place where his guests attired as
+Brahmanas were. For, O King, that ever victorious monarch observed this
+vow which was known throughout the Worlds that as soon as he should
+hear of the arrival of Snataka Brahmanas at his place, should it be
+even at midnight, he would immediately, O Bharata, come out and grant
+them an audience. Beholding the strange attire of his guests that best
+of kings wondered much. For all that, however, he waited on them
+respectfully. Those bulls among men, those slayers of all foes, on the
+other hand, O thou best of the Bharata race, beholding king Jarasandha,
+said,--'Let salvation be attained by thee, O king, without difficulty.'
+And, O tiger among kings, having said this unto the monarch, they stood
+looking at each other. And, O king of kings, Jarasandha then said unto
+those sons of Pandu and him of the Yadu race, all disguised as
+Brahmanas--'Take your seats.' And those bulls among men sat themselves
+down, and like the three priests of a great sacrifice blazed forth in
+their beauty. And king Jarasandha, O thou of the Kuru race, firmly
+devoted to truth, censuring the disguised guests, said unto them,--'It
+is well known to me that in the whole world Brahmanas in the observance
+of Snataka vow never deck their persons with garlands and fragrant
+paste unseasonably. Who are ye, therefore, thus decked with flowers,
+and with hands bearing the marks of the bow-string? Attired in coloured
+robes and decked unseasonably with flowers and paste, ye give me to
+understand that ye are Brahmanas, although ye bear Kshatriya energy.
+Tell me truly who ye are. Truth decks even kings. Breaking down the
+peak of the Chaityaka hill, why have ye, in disguise, entered (the
+city) by an improper gate without fear of the royal wrath? The energy
+of a Brahmana dwelleth in his speech, (not in act). This your feat is
+not suited to the order to which ye profess to belong. Tell us
+therefore, the end ye have in view. Arrived here by such an improper
+way, why accept ye not the worship I offer? What is your motive for
+coming to me?' Thus addressed by the king, the high-souled Krishna,
+well-skilled in speech, thus replied unto the monarch in a calm and
+grave voice.
+
+"Krishna said,--'O king, know us for Snataka Brahmanas. Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are all, O monarch, competent to observe the
+vow of Snataka. This vow, besides, hath (many) especial and general
+rules. A Kshatriya observing this vow with especial rules always
+achieve prosperity. Therefore, have we decked ourselves with flowers.
+Kshatriyas again, O king, exhibit their energy by their arms and not in
+speech. It is, therefore, O son of Vrihadratha, that the speeches
+uttered by a Kshatriya are never audacious. O monarch, the creator hath
+planted his own energy in the aim of the Kshatriya. If thou wishest to
+behold it, thou shalt certainly behold it today. These are the rules of
+the ordinance, viz., that an enemy's abode should be entered through a
+wrong gate and a friend's abode through the right one. And know, O
+monarch, that this also is our eternal vow that having entered the
+foe's abode for the accomplishment of our purpose, we accept not the
+worship offered to us!'
+
+
+SECTION XXII
+
+"Jarasandha said,--'I do not recollect if I ever acted injuriously
+towards ye! Even upon a careful mental scrutiny I fail to see the
+injury I did unto ye. When I have never done ye an injury, why, ye
+Brahmanas do ye regard me, who am innocent, as your foe? O, answer me
+truly, for this, indeed, is the rule followed by the honest. The mind
+is pained at the injury to one's pleasure and morality. That Kshatriya
+who injures an innocent man's (sources of) pleasure and morality even
+if he be otherwise a great warrior and well-versed in all rules of
+morality, obtains, without any doubt the fate of sinners (hereafter)
+and falls off from prosperity. The practices of the Kshatriyas are the
+best of those that are honest in the three worlds. Indeed, those that
+are acquainted with morality applaud the Kshatriya practices. Adhering
+to those practices of my order with steady soul, I never injure those
+that are under me. In bringing this charge, therefore, against me, it
+appears that ye speak erroneously!'
+
+"Krishna said,--'O thou of mighty arms, there is a certain person of
+the head of a (royal) line who upholdeth the dignity of his race. At
+his command have we come against thee. Thou hast brought, O king, many
+of the Kshatriyas of the world as captives (to thy city.) Having
+perpetrated that wicked wrong how dost thou regard thyself as innocent?
+O best of monarchs, how can a king act wrongfully towards other
+virtuous kings? But thou, O king, treating other kings with cruelty,
+seekest to offer them as sacrifice unto the god Rudra! O son of
+Vrihadratha, this sin committed by thee may touch even us, for as we
+are virtuous in our practices, we are capable of protecting virtue. The
+slaughter of human being as sacrifice unto the gods is never seen. Why
+dost thou, therefore, seek to perform a sacrifice unto god Sankara by
+slaughtering human beings? Thou art addressing persons belonging to thy
+own order as animals (fit for sacrifice)! Fool as thou art, who else, O
+Jarasandha, is capable of behaving in this way? One always obtaineth
+the fruits of whatever acts one performeth under whatever
+circumstances. Therefore, desirous as we are of helping all distressed
+people, we have, for the prosperity of our race, come hither to slay
+thee, the slaughterer of our relatives. Thou thinkest that there is no
+man among the Kshatriyas (equal to thee). This, O king, is a great
+error of judgment on thy part. What Kshatriya is there, O king, who
+endued with greatness of soul and recollecting the dignity of his own
+parentage, would not ascend to eternal heaven that hath not its like
+anywhere, falling in open fight? Know O bull among men, that Kshatriyas
+engage themselves in battle, as persons installed in sacrifices, with
+heaven in view, and vanquish the whole world! Study of the Vedas, great
+fame, ascetic penances, and death in battle, are all acts that lead to
+heaven. The attainment of heaven by the three other acts may be
+uncertain, but death in battle hath that for its certain consequence.
+Death in battle is the sure cause of triumph like Indra's. It is graced
+by numerous merits. It is for this reason that he of a hundred
+sacrifices (Indra) hath become what he is, and by vanquishing the
+Asuras he ruleth the universe. Hostility with whom else than thee is so
+sure of leading to heaven, proud as thou art of the excessive strength
+of thy vast Magadha host? Don't disregard others, O king. Valour
+dwelleth in every man. O king of men, there are many men whose valour
+may be equal or superior to thine. As long as these are not known, so
+long only art thou noted for thy valour. Thy prowess, O king, can be
+borne by us. It is, therefore, that I say so. O king of Magadha, cast
+off thy superiority and pride in the presence of those that are thy
+equals. Go not, O king, with thy children and ministers and army, into
+the regions of Yama. Damvodhava, Kartavirya, Uttara, and Vrihadratha,
+were kings that met with destruction, along with all their forces, for
+having disregarded their superiors. Desirous of liberating the captive
+monarchs from thee, know that we are certainly not Brahmanas. I am
+Hrishesha otherwise called Sauri, and these two heroes among men are
+the sons of Pandu. O king of Magadha, we challenge thee. Fight standing
+before us. Either set free all the monarchs, or go thou to the abode of
+Yama.'
+
+"Jarasandha said,--'I never make a captive of a king without first
+vanquishing him. Who hath been kept here that hath not been defeated in
+war? This, O Krishna, it hath been said, is the duty that should be
+followed by the Kshatriyas, viz., to bring others under sway by the
+exhibition of prowess and then to treat them as slaves. Having gathered
+these monarchs with the intention of offering them as sacrifices unto
+the god, how shall I, O Krishna, from fear liberate them to-day, when I
+recollect also the duty I have recited of a Kshatriya? With troops
+against troops arrayed in order of battle, or alone against one, or
+against two, or against three, at the same time or separately, I am
+ready to fight.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Having spoken thus, and desiring to fight with
+those heroes of terrible achievements, king Jarasandha ordered (his
+son) Sahadeva to be installed on the throne. Then, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the king, on the eve of battle, thought of his two
+generals Kausika and Chitrasena. These two, O king, were formerly
+called by everybody in the world of men by the respectful appellations
+of Hansa and Dimvaka. And, O monarch, that tiger among men, the lord
+Sauri ever devoted to truth, the slayer of Madhu, the younger brother
+of Haladhara, the foremost of all persons having their senses under
+complete control, keeping in view the command of Brahma and remembering
+that the ruler of Magadha was destined to be slain in battle by Bhima
+and not by the descendant of Madhu (Yadavas), desired not to slay
+himself king Jarasandha, that foremost of all men endued with strength,
+that hero possessed of the prowess of a tiger, that warrior of terrible
+valour."
+
+
+SECTION XXIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"then that foremost of all speakers, Krishna of the
+Yadava race, addressing king Jarasandha who was resolved upon fighting,
+said,--'O king, with whom amongst us three dost thou desire to fight?
+Who amongst us shall prepare himself for battle (with thee)?' Thus
+addressed, the ruler of Magadha, king Jarasandha of great splendour,
+expressed his desire for fighting with Bhima. The priest then, bringing
+with him the yellow pigment obtained from the cow and garlands of
+flowers and other auspicious articles, as also various excellent
+medicines for restoring lost consciousness and alleviating pain,
+approached Jarasandha, panting for battle. The king Jarasandha, on
+whose behalf propitiatory ceremonies with benedictions were performed
+by a renowned Brahmana, remembering the duty of a Kshatriya dressed
+himself for battle. Taking off his crown and binding his hair properly,
+Jarasandha stood up like an ocean bursting its continents. Then the
+monarch possessed of terrible prowess, addressing Bhima, said, 'I will
+fight with thee. It is better to be vanquished by a superior person.'
+And saying this, Jarasandha, that represser of all foes endued, rushed
+with great energy at Bhimasena like the Asura Vala of old who rushed at
+the chief of the celestials. And the mighty Bhimasena, on whose behalf
+the gods had been invoked by Krishna, that cousin of his, having
+consulted with advanced towards Jarasandha, impelled by the desire of
+fight. Then those tigers among men, those heroes of great prowess, with
+their bare arms as their only weapons, cheerfully engaged themselves in
+the encounter, each desirous of vanquishing the other. And seizing each
+other's arms and twining each other's legs, (at times) they slapped
+their arm-pits, causing the enclosure to tremble at the sound. And
+frequently seizing each other's necks with their hands and dragging and
+pushing it with violence, and each pressing every limb of his body
+against every limb of the other, they continued, O exalted one, to slap
+their arm-pits (at time). And sometimes stretching their arms and
+sometimes drawing them close, and now raising them up and now dropping
+them down, they began to seize each other. And striking neck against
+neck and forehead against forehead, they caused fiery sparks to come
+out like flashes of lightning. And grasping each other in various ways
+by means of their arms, and kicking each other with such violence as to
+affect the innermost nerves, they struck at each other's breasts with
+clenched fists. With bare arms as their only weapons roaring like
+clouds they grasped and struck each other like two mad elephants
+encountering each other with their trunks. Incensed at each other's
+blow, they fought on dragging and pushing each other and fiercely
+looking at each other like two wrathful lions. And each striking every
+limb of the other with his own and using his arms also against the
+other, and catching hold of each other's waist, they hurled each other
+to a distance. Accomplished in wrestling, the two heroes clasping each
+other with their arms and each dragging the other unto himself, began
+to press each other with great violence. The heroes then performed
+those grandest of all feats in wrestling called Prishtabhanga, which
+consisted in throwing each other down with face towards the earth and
+maintaining the one knocked down in that position as long as possible.
+And employing his arms, each also performed the feats called
+Sampurna-murchcha and Purna-kumbha. At times they twisted each other's
+arms and other limbs as if these were vegetable fibres that were to be
+twisted into chords. And with clenched fists they struck each other at
+times, pretending to aim at particular limbs while the blows descended
+upon other parts of the body. It was thus that those heroes fought with
+each other. The citizens consisting of thousands, of Brahmanas,
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, and even women and the aged, O tiger
+among men, came out and gathered there to behold the fight. And the
+crowd became so great that it was one solid mass of humanity with no
+space between body and body. The sound the wrestlers made by the
+slapping of their arms, the seizing of each other's necks for bringing
+each other down, and the grasping of each other's legs for dashing each
+other to the ground, became so loud that it resembled the roar of
+thunder or of falling cliffs. Both of them were foremost of mighty men,
+and both took great delight in such encounter. Desirous of vanquishing
+the other, each was on the alert for taking advantage of the slightest
+lapse of the other. And, O monarch, the mighty Bhima and Jarasandha
+fought terribly on in those lists, driving the crowd at times by the
+motions of their hands like Vritra and Vasava of old. Thus two heroes,
+dragging each other forward and pressing each other backward and with
+sudden jerks throwing each other face downward and sideways, mangled
+each other dreadfully. And at times they struck each other with their
+knee-joints. And addressing each other loudly in stinging speeches,
+they struck each other with clenched fists, the blows descending like a
+mass of stone upon each other. With broad shoulders and long arms and
+both well-skilled in wrestling encounters, they struck each other with
+those long arms of theirs that were like maces of iron. That encounter
+of the heroes commenced on the first (lunar) day of the month of Kartic
+(October) and the illustrious heroes fought on without intermission and
+food, day and night, till the thirteenth lunar day. It was on the night
+of the fourteenth of the lunar fortnight that the monarch of Magadha
+desisted from fatigue. And O king, Janardana beholding the monarch
+tired, addressed Bhima of terrible deeds, and as if to stimulate him
+said,--'O son of Kunti, a foe that is fatigued cannot be pressed for if
+pressed at such a time he may even die. Therefore, O son of Kunti, this
+king should not be oppressed by thee. On the other hand, O bull of the
+Bharata race, fight with him with thy arms, putting forth as much
+strength only as thy antagonist hath now left!' Then that slayer of
+hostile heroes, the son of Pandu, thus addressed by Krishna, understood
+the plight of Jarasandha and forthwith resolved upon taking his life.
+And that foremost of all men endued with strength, that prince of the
+Kuru race, desirous of vanquishing the hitherto unvanquished
+Jarasandha, mustered all his strength and courage."
+
+
+SECTION XXIV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"thus addressed, Bhima firmly resolved upon slaying
+Jarasandha, replied unto Krishna of the Yadu race, saying,--'O tiger of
+the Yadu race, O Krishna, this wretch that yet stayeth before me with
+sufficient strength and bent upon fight, should not be forgiven by me.'
+Hearing these words of Vrikodara (Bhima), that tiger among men,
+Krishna, desiring to encourage that hero to accomplish the death of
+Jarasandha without any delay, answered,--'O Bhima, exhibit today upon
+Jarasandha the strength thou hast luckily derived, the might thou hast
+obtained from (thy father), the god Maruta.' Thus addressed by Krishna,
+Bhima, that slayer of foes, holding up in the air the powerful
+Jarasandha, began to whirl him on high. And, O bull of the Bharata
+race, having so whirled him in the air full hundred times, Bhima
+pressed his knee against Jarasandha's backbone and broke his body in
+twain. And having killed him thus, the mighty Vrikodara uttered a
+terrible roar. And the roar of the Pandava mingling with that death
+knell of Jarasandha, while he was being broken on Bhima's knee, caused
+a loud uproar that struck fear into the heart of every creature. And
+all the citizens of Magadha became dumb with terror and many women were
+even prematurely delivered. And hearing those roars, the people of
+Magadha thought that either the Himavat was tumbling down or the earth
+itself was being rent asunder. And those oppressors of all foes then,
+leaving the lifeless body of the king at the palace gate where he lay
+as one asleep, went out of the town. And Krishna, causing Jarasandha's
+car furnished with an excellent flagstaff to be made ready and making
+the brothers (Bhima and Arjuna) ride in it, went in and released his
+(imprisoned) relatives. And those kings rescued from terrible fate,
+rich in the possession of jewels, approaching Krishna made presents
+unto him of jewels and gems. And having vanquished his foe, Krishna
+furnished with weapons and unwounded and accompanied by the kings (he
+had released), came out of Girivraja riding in that celestial car (of
+Jarasandha). And he also who could wield the bow with both hands
+(Arjuna), who was incapable of being vanquished by any of the monarchs
+on earth, who was exceedingly handsome in person and well-skilled in
+the destruction of the foe, accompanied by the possessor of great
+strength (Bhima), came out of that fort with Krishna driving the car
+whereon he rode. And that best of cars, incapable of being vanquished
+by any king, ridden in by those warriors Bhima and Arjuna, and driven
+by Krishna, looked exceedingly handsome. Indeed, it was upon that car
+that Indra and Vishnu had fought of old in the battle (with the Asuras)
+in which Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati) had become the immediate cause
+of much slaughter. And riding upon that car Krishna now came out of the
+hill-fort. Possessed of the splendour of heated gold, and decked with
+rows of jingling bells and furnished with wheels whose clatter was like
+the roar of clouds, and ever victorious in battle, and always
+slaughtering the foe against whom it was driven, it was that very car
+riding upon which Indra had slain ninety-nine Asuras of old. And those
+bulls among men (the three cousins) having obtained that car became
+exceedingly glad. The people of Magadha, behold the long-armed Krishna
+along with the two brothers, seated in that car (of Jarasandha)
+wondered much. O Bharata, that car, whereunto were yoked celestial
+horses and which possessed the speed of the wind, thus ridden upon by
+Krishna, looked exceedingly beautiful. And upon that best of cars was a
+flag-staff without being visibly attached thereto, and which was the
+product of celestial skill. And the handsome flag-staff, possessed of
+the splendour of the rainbow, could be seen from the distance of a
+yojana. And Krishna while coming out, thought of Garuda. And Garuda,
+thought of by his master, came thither in no time, like a tree of vast
+proportions standing in a village worshipped by all. Garuda of immense
+weight of body and living upon snakes sat upon that excellent car along
+with the numberless open-mouthed and frightfully-roaring creatures on
+its flag-staff. And thereupon that best of cars became still more
+dazzling with its splendour and was as incapable of being looked at by
+created being as the midday sun surrounded by a thousand rays. And, O
+king, such was that best of flag-staffs of celestial make that it never
+struck against any tree nor could any weapon injure it at all even
+though visible to men's eyes. And Achyuta, that tiger among men, riding
+with the two sons of Pandu upon that celestial car, the clatter of
+whose wheels was like the roar of the clouds, came out of Girivraja.
+The car upon which Krishna rode had been obtained by king Vasu from
+Vasava, and from Vasu by Vrihadratha, and from the latter in due course
+by king Jarasandha. And he of long arms and eyes like lotus-petals and
+possessed of illustrious reputation, coming out of Girivraja, stopped
+(for some time) on a level plain outside the town. And, O king, all the
+citizens then, with the Brahmanas at their head, hastened thither to
+adore him with due religious rites. And the kings who had been released
+from confinement worshipped the slayer of Madhu with reverence, and
+addressing him with eulogies said,--'O thou of long arms, thou hast
+to-day rescued us, sunk in the deep mire of sorrow in the hand of
+Jarasandha. Such an act of virtue by thee, O son of Devaki, assisted by
+the might of Bhima and Arjuna, is most extraordinary. O Vishnu,
+languishing as we all were in the terrible hill-fort of Jarasandha, it
+was verily from sheer good fortune alone that thou hast rescued us, O
+son of the Yadu race, and achieved thereby a remarkable reputation. O
+tiger among men, we bow down to thee. O, command us what we shall do.
+However difficult of accomplishment, thy command being made known to
+us, O lord (Krishna), it will at once be accomplished by us.' Thus
+addressed by the monarchs, the high-souled Hrishikesa gave them every
+assurance and said,--'Yudhishthira is desirous of performing the
+sacrifice of Rajasuya. That monarch, ever guided by virtue, is
+solicitous of acquiring the imperial dignity. Having known this from me
+assist ye him in his endeavours.' Then, O king, all those monarchs with
+joyous hearts accepted the words of Krishna, saying,--'So be it!' And
+saying this, those lords of earth made presents of jewels unto him of
+the Dasarha race. And Govinda, moved by kindness towards them, took a
+portion of those presents.
+
+"Then the son of Jarasandha, the high-souled Sahadeva, accompanied by
+his relatives and the principal officers of state, and with his priest
+in front came thither. And the prince, bending himself low and making
+large presents of jewels and precious stones, worshipped Vasudeva, that
+god among men. Then that best of men, Krishna, giving every assurance
+unto the prince afflicted with fear, accepted those presents of his of
+great value. And Krishna joyfully installed the prince there and then
+in the sovereignty of Magadha. And the strong-armed and illustrious son
+of Jarasandha, thus installed on the throne by those most exalted of
+men and having obtained the friendship of Krishna and treated with
+respect and kindness by the two sons of Pritha, re-entered the city of
+his father. And that bull amongst men, Krishna, accompanied by the sons
+of Pritha and graced with great good fortune, left the city of Magadha,
+laden with numerous jewels. Accompanied by the two sons of Pandu,
+Achyuta (Krishna) arrived at Indraprastha, and approaching Yudhishthira
+joyfully addressing that monarch said,--'O best of kings, from good
+fortune, the mighty Jarasandha hath been slain by Bhima, and the kings
+confined (at Girivraja) have been all set free. From good fortune also,
+these two, Bhima and Dhananjaya, are well and arrived, O Bharata, at
+their own city unwounded.' Then Yudhishthira worshipped Krishna as he
+deserved and embraced Bhima and Arjuna in joy. And the monarch who had
+no enemy, having obtained victory through the agency of his brothers in
+consequence of the death of Jarasandha, gave himself up to pleasure and
+merriment with all his brothers. And the oldest son of Pandu
+(Yudhisthira) together with his brothers approached the kings who had
+come to Indraprastha and entertaining and worshipping them, each
+according to his age, dismissed them all. Commanded by Yudhishthira
+those kings with joyful hearts, set out for their respective countries
+without loss of time, riding upon excellent vehicles. Thus, O king, did
+that tiger among men, Janardana of great intelligence, caused his foe
+Jarasandha to be slain through the instrumentality of the Pandavas.
+And, O Bharata, that chastiser of all foes having thus caused
+Jarasandha to be slain, took leave of Yudhishthira and Pritha, and
+Draupadi and Subhadra, and Bhimasena and Arjuna and the twins Nakula
+and Sahadeva. After taking leave of Dhananjaya also, he set out for his
+own city (of Dwarka), riding upon that best of cars of celestial make,
+possessed of the speed of the mind and given unto him by Yudhishthira,
+filling the ten points of the horizon with the deep rattle of its
+wheels. And, O bull of the Bharata race, just as Krishna was on the
+point of setting out, the Pandavas with Yudhishthira at their head
+walked round that tiger among men who was never fatigued with exertion.
+
+"And after the illustrious Krishna, the son of Devaki, had departed
+(from Indraprastha) having acquired that great victory and having also
+dispelled the fears of the kings, that feat, O Bharata, swelled the
+fame of the Pandavas. And, O king, the Pandavas passed their days,
+continuing to gladden the heart of Draupadi. And at that time, whatever
+was proper and consistent with virtue, pleasure, and profit, continued
+to be properly executed by king Yudhishthira in the exercise of his
+duties of protecting his subjects."
+
+
+SECTION XXV
+
+(Digvijaya Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Arjuna, having obtained that best of bows and that
+couple of inexhaustible quivers and that car and flag-staff, as also
+that assembly-house, addressing Yudhisthira said,--'Bow, weapons, great
+energy, allies, territory, fame, army--those, O king, difficult of
+acquisition however desirable, have all been obtained by me. I think,
+therefore, that what should now be done is for the swelling up of our
+treasury. I desire, O best of monarchs, to make the kings (of the
+earth) pay tributes to us. I desire to set out, in an auspicious moment
+of a holy day of the moon under a favourable constellation for the
+conquest of the direction that is presided over by the Lord of
+treasures (viz. the North).'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"King Yudhisthira the just, hearing these
+words of Dhananjaya, replied unto him in a grave and collected tone,
+saying,--'O bull of the Bharata race, set thou out, having made holy
+Brahmanas utter benedictions on thee, to plunge thy enemies in sorrow
+and to fill thy friend with joy. Victory, O son of Pritha, will surely
+be thine, and thou wilt surely obtain thy desires fulfilled.'
+
+"Thus addressed, Arjuna, surrounded by a large host, set out in that
+celestial car of wonderful achievements he had obtained from Agni. And
+Bhimasena also, and those bull among men, the twins, dismissed with
+affection by Yudhishthira the just set out, each at the head of a large
+army. And Arjuna, the son of the chastiser of Paka then brought under
+subjugation that direction (the North) which was presided over by the
+Lord of treasures. And Bhimasena overcome by force the East and
+Sahadeva the South, and Nakula, O king, acquainted with all the
+weapons, conquered the West. Thus while his brothers were so employed,
+the exalted king Yudishthira the just stayed within Khandavaprastha in
+the enjoyment of great affluence in the midst of friends and relatives."
+
+"Bhagadatta, hearing this, said,--'O thou who hast Kunto for thy
+mother, as thou art to me, so is Yudhishthira also. I shall do all
+this. Tell me, what else I may do for thee.'"
+
+
+SECTION XXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"thus addressed, Dhananjaya replied unto
+Bhagadatta, saying,--'If thou wilt give thy promise to do this, thou
+hast done all I desire.' And having thus subjugated the king of
+Pragjyotisha, Dhananjaya of long arms, the son of Kunti, then marched
+towards the north--the direction presided over by the lord of
+treasures. That bull amongst men, that son of Kunti, then conquered the
+mountainous tracts and their outskirts, as also the hilly regions. And
+having conquered all the mountains and the kings that reigned there,
+and bringing them under his sway, he exacted tributes from all. And
+winning the affections of those kings and uniting himself with them, he
+next marched, O king, against Vrihanta, the king of Uluka, making this
+earth tremble with the sound of his drums, the clatter of his
+chariot-wheels, and the roar of the elephants in his train. Vrihanta,
+however, quickly coming out of his city followed by his army consisting
+of four kinds of troops, gave battle to Falguna (Arjuna). And the fight
+that took place between Vrihanta and Dhananjaya was terrible. It so
+happened that Vrihanta was unable to bear the prowess of the son of
+Pandu. Then that invincible king of the mountainous region regarding
+the son of Kunti irresistible, approached him with all his wealth.
+Arjuna snatched out the kingdom from Vrihanta, but having made peace
+with him marched, accompanied by that king, against Senavindu whom he
+soon expelled from his kingdom. After this he subjugated Modapura,
+Vamadeva, Sudaman, Susankula, the Northern Ulukas, and the kings of
+those countries and peoples. Hereafter at the command of Yudhishthira,
+O monarch, Arjuna did not move from the city of Senavindu but sent his
+troops only and brought under his sway those five countries and
+peoples. For Arjuna, having arrived at Devaprastha, the city of
+Senavindu, took up his quarters there with his army consisting of four
+kinds of forces. Thence, surrounded by the kings and the peoples he had
+subjugated, the hero marched against king Viswagaswa--that bull of
+Puru's race. Having vanquished in battle the brave mountaineers, who
+were all great warriors, the son of Pandu, O king, then occupied with
+the help of his troops, the town protected by the Puru king. Having
+vanquished in battle the Puru king, as also the robber tribes of the
+mountains, the son of Pandu brought under his sway the seven tribes
+called Utsava-sanketa. That bull of the Kshatriya race then defeated
+the brave Kshatriyas of Kashmira and also king Lohita along with ten
+minor chiefs. Then the Trigartas, the Daravas, the Kokonadas, and
+various other Kshatriyas, O king, advanced against the son of Pandu.
+That Prince of the Kuru race then took the delightful town of Avisari,
+and then brought under his sway Rochamana ruling in Uraga. Then the son
+of Indra (Arjuna), putting forth his might, pressed the delightful town
+of Singhapura that was well-protected with various weapons. Then
+Arjuna, that bull amongst the son of Pandu, at the head of all his
+troops, fiercely attacked the regions called Suhma and Sumala. Then the
+son of Indra, endued with great prowess, after pressing them with great
+force, brought the Valhikas always difficult of being vanquished, under
+his sway. Then Falguna, the son of Pandu, taking with him a select
+force, defeated the Daradas along with the Kambojas. Then the exalted
+son of Indra vanquished the robber tribes that dwelt in the
+north-eastern frontier and those also that dwelt in the woods. And, O
+great king, the son of Indra also subjugated the allied tribes of the
+Lohas, the eastern Kambojas, and northern Rishikas. And the battle with
+the Rishikas was fierce in the extreme. Indeed, the fight that took
+place between them and the son of Pritha was equal to that between the
+gods and the Asuras in which Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati) had become
+the cause of so much slaughter. And defeating, O king, the Rishikas in
+the field of battle, Arjuna took from them as tribute eight horses that
+were of the colour of the parrot's breast, as also other horses of the
+hues of the peacock, born in northern and other climes and endued with
+high speed. At last having conquered all the Himalayas and the Nishkuta
+mountains, that bull among men, arriving at the White mountains,
+encamped on its breast."
+
+
+SECTION XXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"that heroic and foremost of the Pandavas endued
+with great energy, crossing the White mountains, subjugated the country
+of the Limpurushas ruled by Durmaputra, after a collision involving a
+great slaughter of Kshatriyas, and brought the region under his
+complete sway. Having reduced that country, the son of Indra (Arjuna)
+with a collected mind marched at the head of his troops to the country
+called Harataka, ruled by the Guhakas. Subjugating them by a policy of
+conciliation, the Kuru prince beheld (in that region) that excellent of
+lakes called Manasa and various other lakes and tanks sacred to the
+Rishis. And the exalted prince having arrived at the lake Manasa
+conquered the regions ruled by the Gandharvas that lay around the
+Harataka territories. Here the conqueror took, as tribute from the
+country, numerous excellent horses called Tittiri, Kalmasha, Manduka.
+At last the son of the slayer of Paka, arriving in the country of North
+Harivarsha desired to conquer it. Thereupon certain frontier-guards of
+huge bodies and endued with great strength and energy, coming to him
+with gallant hearts, said, 'O son of Pritha, this country can be never
+conquered by thee. If thou seekest thy good, return hence. He that
+entereth this region, if human, is sure to perish. We have been
+gratified with thee; O hero, thy conquests have been enough. Nor is
+anything to be seen here, O Arjuna, that may be conquered by thee. The
+Northern Kurus live here. There cannot be war here. Even if thou
+enterest it, thou will not be able to behold anything, for with human
+eyes nothing can be seen here. If, however thou seekest anything else,
+O Bharata tell us, O tiger among men, so that we may do thy bidding.'
+Thus addressed by them, Arjuna smilingly addressing them, said,--'I
+desire the acquisition of the imperial dignity by Yudhishthira the
+just, of great intelligence. If your land is shut against human beings,
+I shall not enter it. Let something be paid unto Yudhishthira by ye as
+tribute.' Hearing these words of Arjuna, they gave him as tribute many
+cloths and ornaments of celestial make, silks of celestial texture and
+skins of celestial origin.
+
+"It was thus that tiger among men subjugated the countries that lay to
+the North, having fought numberless battles with both Kshatriya and
+robber tribes. And having vanquished the chiefs and brought them under
+his sway he exacted from them much wealth, various gems and jewels, the
+horses of the species called Tittiri and Kalmasha, as also those of the
+colour of the parrot's wings and those that were like the peacocks in
+hue and all endued with the speed of the wind. And surrounded, O king,
+by a large army consisting of the four kinds of forces, the hero came
+back to the excellent city of Sakraprastha. And Partha offered the
+whole of that wealth, together with the animals he had brought, unto
+Yudhishthira the just. And commanded by the monarch, the hero retired
+to a chamber of the palace for rest."
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"in the meantime, Bhimasena also endued with great
+energy, having obtained the assent of Yudhishthira the just marched
+towards the eastern direction. And the tiger among the Bharatas,
+possessed of great valour and ever increasing the sorrows of his foes,
+was accompanied by a mighty host with the full complement of elephants
+and horses and cars, well-armed and capable of crushing all hostile
+kingdoms. That tiger among men, the son of Pandu, going first into the
+great country of the Panchalas, began by various means to conciliate
+that tribe. Then that hero, that bull of the Bharata race, within a
+short time, vanquished the Gandakas and the Videhas. That exalted one
+then subjugated the Dasarnas. There in the country of the Dasarnas, the
+king called Sudharman with his bare arms fought a fierce battle with
+Bhimasena. And Bhimasena, beholding that feat of the illustrious king,
+appointed the mighty Sudharman as the first in command of his forces.
+Then Bhima of terrible prowess marched towards the east, causing the
+earth itself to tremble with the tread of the mighty host that followed
+him. Then that hero who in strength was the foremost of all strong men
+defeated in battle Rochamana, the king of Aswamedha, at the head of all
+his troops. And the son of Kunti, having vanquished that monarch by
+performing feats that excelled in fierceness, subjugated the eastern
+region. Then that prince of the Kuru race, endued with great prowess
+going into the country of Pulinda in the south, brought Sukumara and
+the king Sumitra under his sway. Then, O Janamejaya, that bull in the
+Bharata race, at the command of Yudhishthira the just marched against
+Sisupala of great energy. The king of Chedi, hearing of the intentions
+of the son of Pandu, came out of his city. And that chastiser of all
+foes then received the son of Pritha with respect. Then, O king, those
+bulls of the Chedi and the Kuru lines, thus met together, enquired
+after each other's welfare. Then, O monarch, the king of Chedi offered
+his kingdom unto Bhima and said smilingly,--'O sinless one, upon what
+art thou bent?' And Bhima thereupon represented unto him the intentions
+of king Yudhishthira. And Bhima dwelt there, O king, for thirty nights,
+duly entertained by Sisupala. And after this he set out from Chedi with
+his troops and vehicles."
+
+
+SECTION XXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"that chastiser of all foes then vanquished king
+Srenimat of the country of Kumara, and then Vrihadvala, the king of
+Kosala. Then the foremost of the sons of Pandu, by performing feats
+excelling in fierceness, defeated the virtuous and mighty king
+Dirghayaghna of Ayodhya. And the exalted one then subjugated the
+country of Gopalakaksha and the northern Kosalas and also the king of
+Mallas. And the mighty one, arriving then in the moist region at the
+foot of the Himalayas soon brought the whole country under his sway.
+And that bull of Bharata race brought under control in this way diverse
+countries. And endued with great energy and in strength the foremost of
+all strong men, the son of Pandu next conquered the country of
+Bhallata, as also the mountain of Suktimanta that was by the side of
+Bhallata. Then Bhima of terrible prowess and long arms, vanquishing in
+battle the unretreating Suvahu the king of Kasi, brought him under
+complete sway. Then that bull among the sons of Pandu overcame in
+battle, by sheer force, the great king Kratha reigning in the region
+lying about Suparsa. Then the hero of great energy vanquished the
+Matsya and the powerful Maladas and the country called Pasubhumi that
+was without fear or oppression of any kind. And the long-armed hero
+then, coming from that land, conquered Madahara, Mahidara, and the
+Somadheyas, and turned his steps towards the north. And the mighty son
+of Kunti then subjugated, by sheer force, the country called
+Vatsabhumi, and the king of the Bhargas, as also the ruler of the
+Nishadas and Manimat and numerous other kings. Then Bhima, with
+scarcely any degree of exertion and very soon, vanquished the southern
+Mallas and the Bhagauanta mountains. And the hero next vanquished, by
+policy alone, the Sarmakas and the Varmakas. And that tiger among men
+then defeated with comparative ease that lord of earth, Janaka the king
+of the Videhas. And the hero then subjugated strategically the Sakas
+and the barbarians living in that part of the country. And the son of
+Pandu, sending forth expeditions from Videha, conquered the seven kings
+of the Kiratas living about the Indra mountain. The mighty hero then,
+endued with abundant energy, vanquished in battle the Submas and the
+Prasuhmas. And winning them over to his side, the son of Kunti,
+possessed of great strength, marched against Magadha. On his way he
+subjugated the monarchs known by the names of Danda and Dandadhara. And
+accompanied by those monarchs, the son of Pandu marched against
+Girivraja. After bringing the son of Jarasandha under his sway by
+conciliation and making him pay tribute, the hero then accompanied by
+the monarchs he had vanquished, marched against Kansa. And making the
+earth tremble by means of his troops consisting of the four kinds of
+forces, the foremost of the Pandavas then encountered Karna that slayer
+of foes. And, O Bharata, having subjugated Karna and brought him under
+his sway, the mighty hero then vanquished the powerful king of the
+mountainous regions. And the son of Pandu then slew in a fierce
+encounter, by the strength of his arms, the mighty king who dwelt in
+Madagiri. And the Pandava then, O king, subjugated in battle those
+strong and brave heroes of fierce prowess, viz., the heroic and mighty
+Vasudeva, the king of Pundra and king Mahaujah who reigned in
+Kausika-kachchha, and then attacked the king of Vanga. And having
+vanquished Samudrasena and king Chandrasena and Tamralipta, and also
+the king of the Karvatas and the ruler of the Suhmas, as also the kings
+that dwelt on the sea-shore, that bull among the Bharatas then
+conquered all Mlechchha tribes. The mighty son of the wind-god having
+thus conquered various countries, and exacting tributes from them all
+advanced towards Lohity. And the son of Pandu then made all the
+Mlechchha kings dwelling in the marshy regions on the sea-coast, pay
+tributes and various kinds of wealth, and sandal wood and aloes, and
+clothes and gems, and pearls and blankets and gold and silver and
+valuable corals. The Mlechchha kings showered upon the illustrious son
+of Kunti a thick downpour of wealth consisting of coins and gems
+counted by hundreds of millions. Then returning to Indraprastha, Bhima
+of terrible prowess offered the whole of that wealth unto king
+Yudhisthira the just."
+
+
+SECTION XXX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"thus also Sahadeva, dismissed with affection by
+king Yudhisthira the just, marched towards the southern direction
+accompanied by a mighty host. Strong in strength, that mighty prince of
+the Kuru race, vanquishing completely at the outset the Surasenas,
+brought the king of Matsya under his sway. And the hero then, defeating
+Dantavakra, the mighty king of the Adhirajas and making him pay
+tribute, re-established him on his throne. The prince then brought
+under his sway Sukumara and then king Sumitra, and he next vanquished
+the other Matsyas and then the Patacharas. Endued with great
+intelligence, the Kuru warrior then conquered soon enough the country
+of the Nishadas and also the high hill called Gosringa, and that lord
+of earth called Srenimat. And subjugating next the country called
+Navarashtra, the hero marched against Kuntibhoja, who with great
+willingness accepted the sway of the conquering hero. And marching
+thence to the banks of the Charmanwati, the Kuru warrior met the son of
+king Jamvaka, who had, on account of old hostilities, been defeated
+before by Vasudeva. O Bharata, the son of Jamvaka gave battle to
+Sahadeva. And Sahadeva defeating the prince marched towards the south.
+The mighty warrior then vanquished the Sekas and others, and exacted
+tributes from them and also various kinds of gems and wealth. Allying
+himself with the vanquished tribes the prince then marched towards the
+countries that lay on the banks of the Narmada. And defeating there in
+battle the two heroic kings of Avanti, called Vinda and Anuvinda,
+supported by a mighty host, the mighty son of the twin gods exacted
+much wealth from them. After this the hero marched towards the town of
+Bhojakata, and there, O king of unfading glory, a fierce encounter took
+place between him and the king of that city for two whole days. But the
+son of Madri, vanquishing the invincible Bhismaka, then defeated in
+battle the king of Kosala and the ruler of the territories lying on the
+banks of the Venwa, as also the Kantarakas and the kings of the eastern
+Kosalas. The hero then defeating both the Natakeyas and the Heramvaks
+in battle, and subjugating the country of Marudha, reduced Munjagrama
+by sheer strength. And the son of Pandu then vanquished the mighty
+monarchs of the Nachinas and the Arvukas and the various forest king of
+that part of the country. Endued with great strength the hero then
+reduced to subjection king Vatadhipa. And defeating in battle the
+Pulindas, the hero then marched southward. And the younger brother of
+Nakula then fought for one whole day with the king of Pandrya. The
+long-armed hero having vanquished that monarch marched further to the
+south. And then he beheld the celebrated caves of Kishkindhya and in
+that region fought for seven days with the monkey-kings Mainda and
+Dwivida. Those illustrious kings however, without being tired in the
+encounter, were gratified with Sahadeva. And joyfully addressing the
+Kuru prince, they said,--'O tiger among the sons of Pandu, go hence,
+taking with the tribute from us all. Let the mission of the king
+Yudhishthira the just possessed of great intelligence, be accomplished
+without hindrance.' And taking jewels and gems from them all, the hero
+marched towards the city of Mahishmati, and there that bull of men did
+battle with king Nila. The battle that took place between king Nila and
+the mighty Sahadeva the son of Pandu, that slayer of hostile heroes,
+was fierce and terrible. And the encounter was an exceedingly bloody
+one, and the life of the hero himself was exposed to great risk, for
+the god Agni himself assisted king Nila in that fight. Then the cars,
+heroes, elephants, and the soldiers in their coats of mail of
+Sahadeva's army all appeared to be on fire. And beholding this the
+prince of the Kuru race became exceedingly anxious. And, O Janamejaya,
+at sight of this the hero could not resolve upon what he should do."
+
+Janamejaya said,--"O regenerate one, why was it that the god Agni
+become hostile in battle unto Sahadeva, who was fighting simply for the
+accomplishment of a sacrifice (and therefore, for the gratification of
+Agni himself)?"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"It is said, O Janamejaya, that the god Agni while
+residing in Mahishmati, earned the reputation of a lover. King Nila had
+a daughter who was exceedingly beautiful. She used always to stay near
+the sacred fire of her father, causing it to blaze up with vigour. And
+it so happened that king Nila's fire, even if fanned, would not blaze
+up till agitated by the gentle breath of that girl's fair lips. And it
+was said in King Nila's palace and in the house of all his subjects
+that the god Agni desired that beautiful girl for his bride. And it so
+happened that he was accepted by the girl herself. One day the deity
+assuming the form of a Brahmana, was happily enjoying the society of
+the fair one, when he was discovered by the king. And the virtuous king
+thereupon ordered the Brahmana to be punished according to law. At this
+the illustrious deity flamed up in wrath. And beholding this, the king
+wondered much and bent his head low on the ground. And after some time
+the king bowing low bestowed the daughter of his upon the god Agni,
+disguised as a Brahmana. And the god Vibhabasu (Agni) accepting that
+fair-browed daughter of king Nila, became gracious unto that monarch.
+And Agni, the illustrious gratifier of all desires also asked the
+monarch to beg a boon of him. And the king begged that his troops might
+never be struck with panic while engaged in battle. And from that time,
+O king, those monarchs who from ignorance of this, desire to subjugate
+king Nila's city, are consumed by Hutasana (Agni). And from that time,
+O perpetuator of the Kuru race, the girls of the city of Mahishmati
+became rather unacceptable to others (as wives). And Agni by his boon
+granted them sexual liberty, so that the women of that town always roam
+about at will, each unbound to a particular husband. And, O bull of the
+Bharata race, from that time the monarchs (of other countries) forsake
+this city for fear of Agni. And the virtuous Sahadeva, beholding his
+troops afflicted with fear and surrounded by flames of fire, himself
+stood there immovable as a mountain. And purifying himself and touching
+water, the hero (Sahadeva) then addressed Agni, the god that
+sanctifieth everything, in these words,--
+
+"'I bow unto thee, O thou whose track is always marked with smoke.
+These my exertions are all for thee. O thou sanctifier of all, thou art
+the mouth of the gods and thou art Sacrifice personified. Thou art
+called Pavaka because thou sanctifiest everything, and thou art
+Havyavahana, because thou carriest the clarified butter that is poured
+on thee. The Veda have sprung for ministering unto thee, and,
+therefore, thou art called Jataveda. Chief of the gods as thou art,
+thou art called Chitrabhanu, Anala, Vibhavasu, Hutasana, Jvalana,
+Sikhi, Vaiswanara, Pingesa, Plavanga, Bhuritejah. Thou art he from whom
+Kumara (Kartikeya) had his origin; thou art holy; thou art called
+Rudragarva and Hiranyakrit. Let thee, O Agni, grant me energy, let Vayu
+grant me life, let Earth grant me nourishment and strength, and let
+Water grant me prosperity. O Agni, thou who art the first cause of the
+waters, thou who art of great purity, thou for ministering unto whom
+the Vedas have sprung, thou who art the foremost of the deities, thou
+who art their mouth, O purify me by thy truth. Rishis and Brahmanas,
+Deities and Asuras pour clarified butter every day, according to the
+ordinance into thee during sacrifices. Let the rays of truth emanating
+from thee, while thou exhibitest thyself in those sacrifices, purify
+me. Smoke-bannered as thou art and possessed of flames, thou great
+purifier from all sins born of Vayu and ever present as thou art in all
+creatures, O purify me by the rays of thy truth. Having cleansed myself
+thus cheerfully, O exalted one, do I pray unto thee. O Agni, grant me
+now contentment and prosperity, and knowledge and gladness.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued.--"He that will pour clarified butter into Agni
+reciting these mantras, will ever be blessed with prosperity, and
+having his soul under complete control will also be cleansed from all
+his sins.
+
+"Sahadeva, addressing Agni again, said,--'O carrier of the sacrificial
+libations, it behoveth thee not to obstruct a sacrifice!' Having said
+this, that tiger among men--the son of Madri--spreading some kusa grass
+on earth sat down in expectation of the (approaching) fire and in front
+of those terrified and anxious troops of his. And Agni, too, like the
+ocean that never transgresseth its continents, did not pass over his
+head. On the other hand approaching Sahadeva quietly and addressing
+that prince of the Kuru race, Agni that god of men gave him every
+assurance and said,--'O thou of the Kuru race, rise up from this
+posture. O rise up, I was only trying thee. I know all thy purpose, as
+also those of the son of Dharma (Yudhisthira). But, O best of the
+Bharata race, as long as there is a descendant of king Nila's line, so
+long should this town be protected by me. I will, however O son of
+Pandu, gratify the desires of thy heart.' And at these words of Agni, O
+bull of the Bharata race, the son of Madri rose up with a cheerful
+heart, and joining his hands and bending his head worshipped that god
+of fire, sanctifier of all beings. And at last, after Agni had
+disappeared, king Nila came there, and at the command of that deity,
+worshipped with due rites Sahadeva, that tiger among men--that master
+of battle. And Sahadeva accepted that worship and made him pay tribute.
+And having brought king Nila under his sway thus, the victorious son of
+Madri then went further towards the south. The long-armed hero then
+brought the king of Tripura of immeasurable energy under his sway. And
+next turning his forces against the Paurava kingdom, he vanquished and
+reduced to subjection the monarch thereof. And the prince, after this,
+with great efforts brought Akriti, the king of Saurashtra and preceptor
+of the Kausikas under his sway. The virtuous prince, while staying in
+the kingdom of Saurashtra sent an ambassador unto king Rukmin of
+Bhishmaka within the territories of Bhojakata, who, rich in possessions
+and intelligence, was the friend of Indra himself. And the monarch
+along with his son, remembering their relationship with Krishna,
+cheerfully accepted, O king, the sway of the son of Pandu. And the
+master of battle then, having exacted jewels and wealth from king
+Rukmin, marched further to the south. And, endued with great energy and
+great strength, the hero then reduced to subjection, Surparaka and
+Talakata, and the Dandakas also. The Kuru warrior then vanquished and
+brought under his subjection numberless kings of the Mlechchha tribe
+living on the sea coast, and the Nishadas and the cannibals and even
+the Karnapravarnas, and those tribes also called the Kalamukhas who
+were a cross between human beings and Rakshasas, and the whole of the
+Cole mountains, and also Surabhipatna, and the island called the Copper
+island, and the mountain called Ramaka. The high-souled warrior, having
+brought under subjection king Timingila, conquered a wild tribe known
+by the name of the Kerakas who were men with one leg. The son of Pandu
+also conquered the town of Sanjayanti and the country of the Pashandas
+and the Karahatakas by means of his messengers alone, and made all of
+them pay tributes to him. The hero brought under his subjection and
+exacted tributes from the Paundrayas and the Dravidas along with the
+Udrakeralas and the Andhras and the Talavanas, the Kalingas and the
+Ushtrakarnikas, and also the delightful city of Atavi and that of the
+Yavanas. And, O king of kings, that slayer of all foes, the virtuous
+and intelligent son of Madri having arrived at the sea-shore, then
+despatched with great assurance messengers unto the illustrious
+Vibhishana, the grandson of Pulastya. And the monarch willingly
+accepted the sway of the son of Pandu, for that intelligent and exalted
+king regarded it all as the act of Time. And he sent unto the son of
+Pandu diverse kinds of jewels and gems, and sandal and also wood, and
+many celestial ornaments, and much costly apparel, and many valuable
+pearls. And the intelligent Sahadeva, accepting them all, returned to
+his own kingdom.
+
+"Thus it was, O king, that slayer of all foes, having vanquished by
+conciliation and war numerous kings and having also made them pay
+tribute, came back to his own city. The bull of the Bharata race,
+having presented the whole of that wealth unto king Yudhisthira the
+just regarded himself, O Janamejaya, as crowned with success and
+continued to live happily."
+
+
+SECTION XXXI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"I shall now recite to you the deeds and triumphs
+of Nakula, and how that exalted one conquered the direction that had
+once been subjugated by Vasudeva. The intelligent Nakula, surrounded by
+a large host, set out from Khandavaprastha for the west, making this
+earth tremble with the shouts and the leonine roars of the warriors and
+the deep rattle of chariot wheels. And the hero first assailed the
+mountainous country called Rohitaka that was dear unto (the celestial
+generalissimo) Kartikeya and which was delightful and prosperous and
+full of kine and every kind of wealth and produce. And the encounter
+the son of Pandu had with the Mattamyurakas of that country was fierce.
+And the illustrious Nakula after this, subjugated the whole of the
+desert country and the region known as Sairishaka full of plenty, as
+also that other one called Mahetta. And the hero had a fierce encounter
+with the royal sage Akrosa. And the son of Pandu left that part of the
+country having subjugated the Dasarnas, the Sivis, the Trigartas, the
+Amvashtas, the Malavas, the five tribes of the Karnatas, and those
+twice born classes that were called the Madhyamakeyas and Vattadhanas.
+And making circuitous journey that bull among men then conquered the
+(Mlechcha) tribes called the Utsava-sanketas. And the illustrious hero
+soon brought under subjection the mighty Gramaniya that dwelt on the
+shore of the sea, and the Sudras and the Abhiras that dwelt on the
+banks of the Saraswati, and all those tribes that lived upon fisheries,
+and those also that dwelt on the mountains, and the whole of the
+country called after the five rivers, and the mountains called Amara,
+and the country called Uttarayotisha and the city of Divyakutta and the
+tribe called Dwarapala. And the son of Pandu, by sheer force, reduced
+to subjection the Ramathas, the Harahunas, and various kings of the
+west. And while staying there Nakula sent, O Bharata, messengers unto
+Vasudeva. And Vasudeva with all the Yadavas accepted his sway. And the
+mighty hero, proceeding thence to Sakala, the city of the Madras, made
+his uncle Salya accept from affection the sway of the Pandavas. And, O
+monarch, the illustrious prince deserving the hospitality and
+entertainment at his uncle's hands, was well entertained by his uncle.
+And skilled in war, the prince, taking from Salya a large quantity of
+jewels and gems, left his kingdom. And the son of Pandu then reduced to
+subjection the fierce Mlechchas residing on the sea coast, as also the
+wild tribes of the Palhavas, the Kiratas, the Yavanas, and the Sakas.
+And having subjugated various monarchs, and making all of them pay
+tributes, Nakula that foremost of the Kurus, full of resources,
+retraced his way towards his own city. And, O king, so great was the
+treasure which Nakula brought that ten thousand camels could carry it
+with difficulty on their backs. And arriving at Indraprastha, the
+heroic and fortunate son of Madri presented the whole of that wealth
+unto Yudhishthira.
+
+"Thus, O king, did Nakula subjugate the countries that lay to the
+west--the direction that is presided over by the god Varuna, and that
+had once before been subjugated by Vasudeva himself!"
+
+
+SECTION XXXII
+
+(Rajasuyika Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"in consequence of the protection afforded by
+Yudhisthira the just, and of the truth which he ever cherished in his
+behaviour, as also of the check under which he kept all foes, the
+subjects of that virtuous monarch were all engaged in their respective
+avocations. And by reason of the equitable taxation and the virtuous
+rule of the monarch, clouds in his kingdom poured as much rain as the
+people desired, and the cities and the town became highly prosperous.
+Indeed as a consequence of the monarch's acts every affair of the
+kingdom, especially cattle breeding, agriculture and trade prospered
+highly. O king, during those days even robbers and cheats never spoke
+lies amongst themselves, nor they that were the favourites of the
+monarch. There were no droughts and floods and plagues and fires and
+premature deaths in those days of Yudhishthira devoted to virtue. And
+it was only for doing agreeable services, or for worshipping, or for
+offering tributes that would not impoverish, that other kings used to
+approach Yudhisthira (and not for hostility or battle.) The large
+treasure room of the king became so much filled with hoards of wealth
+virtuously obtained that it could not be emptied even in a hundred
+years. And the son of Kunti, ascertaining the state of his treasury and
+the extent of his possessions, fixed his heart upon the celebration of
+a sacrifice. His friends and officers, each separately and all
+together, approaching him said,--'The time hath come, O exalted one,
+for thy sacrifice. Let arrangements, therefore, be made without loss of
+time.' While they were thus talking, Hari (Krishna), that omniscient
+and ancient one, that soul of the Vedas, that invincible one as
+described by those that have knowledge, that foremost of all lasting
+existences in the universe, that origin of all things, as also that in
+which all things come to be dissolved, that lord of the past, the
+future, and the present Kesava--the slayer of Kesi, and the bulwark of
+all Vrishnis and the dispeller of all fear in times of distress and the
+smiter of all foes, having appointed Vasudeva to the command of the
+(Yadava) army, and bringing with him for the king Yudhishthira just a
+large mass of treasure; entered that excellent city of cities.
+Khandava, himself surrounded by a mighty host and filling the
+atmosphere with the rattle of his chariot-wheels. And Madhava, that
+tiger among men enhancing that limitless mass of wealth the Pandavas
+had by that inexhaustible ocean of gems he had brought, enhanced the
+sorrows of the enemies of the Pandavas. The capital of the Bharata was
+gladdened by Krishna's presence just as a dark region is rendered
+joyful by the sun or a region of still air by a gentle breeze.
+Approaching him joyfully and receiving him with due respect,
+Yudhishthira enquired of his welfare. And after Krishna had been seated
+at ease, that bull among men, the son of Pandu, with Dhaumya and
+Dwaipayana and the other sacrificial priests and with Bhima and Arjuna
+and the twins, addressed Krishna thus,--
+
+"'O Krishna it is for thee that the whole earth is under my sway. And,
+O thou of the Vrishni race, it is through thy grace that vast wealth
+had been got by me. And, O son of Devaki, O Madhava, I desire to devote
+that wealth according to the ordinance, unto superior Brahmanas and the
+carrier of sacrificial libations. And, O thou of the Dasarha race, it
+behoveth thee, O thou of mighty arms, to grant me permission to
+celebrate a sacrifice along with thee and my younger brothers.
+Therefore, O Govinda, O thou of long arms, install thyself at that
+sacrifice; for, O thou of the Dasarha race, if thou performed the
+sacrifice, I shall be cleansed of sin. Or, O exalted one, grant
+permission for myself being installed at the sacrifice along with these
+my younger brothers, for permitted by thee, O Krishna, I shall be able
+to enjoy the fruit of an excellent sacrifice.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Unto Yudhisthira after he had said this,
+Krishna, extolling his virtues, said.--'Thou, O tiger among kings,
+deservest imperial dignity. Let, therefore, the great sacrifice be
+performed by thee. And if thou performest that sacrifice and obtainest
+its fruit we all shall regard ourselves as crowned with success. I am
+always engaged in seeking good. Perform thou then the sacrifice thou
+desirest. Employ me also in some office for that purpose, for I should
+obey all thy commands. Yudhisthira replied--O Krishna, my resolve is
+already crowned with fruit, and success also is surely mine, when thou,
+O Harishikesa, hast arrived here agreeably to my wish!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Commanded by Krishna, the son of Pandu along
+with his brothers set himself upon collecting the materials for the
+performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. And that chastiser of all foes,
+the son of Pandu, then commanded Sahadeva that foremost of all warriors
+and all ministers also, saying,--'Let persons be appointed to collect
+without loss of time, all those articles which the Brahmanas have
+directed as necessary for the performance of this sacrifice, and all
+materials and auspicious necessaries that Dhaumya may order as required
+for it, each of the kind needed and one after another in due order. Let
+Indrasena and Visoka and Puru with Arjuna for his charioteer be engaged
+to collect food if they are to please me. Let these foremost of the
+Kurus also gather every article of agreeable taste and smell that may
+delight and attract the hearts of the Brahmanas.'
+
+"Simultaneously with these words of king Yudhisthira the just, Sahadeva
+that foremost of warriors, having accomplished everything, represented
+the matter to the king. And Dwaipayana, O king, then appointed as
+sacrificial priests exalted Brahmanas that were like the Vedas
+themselves in embodied forms. The son of Satyavati became himself the
+Brahma of that sacrifice. And that bull of the Dhananjaya race,
+Susaman, became the chanter of the Vedic (Sama) hymns. Yajnavalkya
+devoted to Brahma became the Adhyaryu, and Paila--the son of Vasu and
+Dhaumya became the Hotris. And O bull of the Bharata race, the
+disciples and the sons of these men, all well-acquainted with the Vedas
+and the branches of the Vedas, became Hotragis. And all of them, having
+uttered benedictions and recited the object of the sacrifice,
+worshipped, according to the ordinance the large sacrificial compound.
+Commanded by the Brahmanas, builders and artificers erected numerous
+edifices there that were spacious and well-perfumed like unto the
+temples of the gods. After these were finished, that best of kings and
+that bull among men Yudhishthira commanded his chief adviser Sahadeva,
+saying,--'Despatch thou, without loss of time, messengers endued with
+speed to invite all to the sacrifice. And Sahadeva, hearing these words
+of the king, despatched messengers telling them,--"Invite ye all the
+Brahmanas in the kingdom and all the owners of land (Kshatriyas) and
+all the Vaisyas and also all the respectable Sudras, and bring them
+hither!"'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Endued with speed, these messengers then,
+thus commanded, invited everybody according to the orders of the
+Pandava, without losing any time, and brought with them many persons,
+both friends and strangers. Then, O Bharata, the Brahmanas at the
+proper time installed Yudhishthira the son of Kunti at the Rajasuya
+sacrifice. And after the ceremony of installation was over, that
+foremost of men, the virtuous king Yudhishthira the just like the god
+Dharma himself in human frame, entered the sacrificial compound,
+surrounded by thousands of Brahmanas and his brothers and the relatives
+and friends and counsellors, and by a large number of Kshatriya kings
+who had come from various countries, and by the officers of State.
+Numerous Brahmanas, well-skilled in all branches of knowledge and
+versed in the Vedas and their several branches, began to pour in from
+various countries. Thousands of craftsmen, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just, erected for those Brahmanas with their
+attendants separate habitations well-provided with food and clothes and
+the fruits and flowers of every season. And, O king, duly worshipped by
+the monarch the Brahmanas continued to reside there passing their time
+in conversation on diverse topics and beholding the performances of
+actors and dancers. And the clamour of high-souled Brahmanas,
+cheerfully eating and talking, was heard there without intermission.
+'Give,' and 'Eat' were the words that were heard there incessantly and
+every day. And, O Bharata, king Yudhishthira the just gave unto each of
+those Brahmanas thousands of kine and beds and gold coins and damsels.
+
+"Thus commenced on earth the sacrifice of that unrivalled hero, the
+illustrious son of Pandu, like the sacrifice in heaven of Sakra
+himself. Then that bull among men, king Yudhishthira despatched Nakula
+the son of Pandu unto Hastinapura to bring Bhishma and Drona,
+Dhritarashtra and Vidura and Kripa and those amongst his cousins that
+were well-disposed towards him."
+
+
+SECTION XXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"the ever-victorious Nakula, the son of Pandu,
+having reached Hastinapura, formally invited Bhishma and Dhritarashtra.
+The elder of the Kuru race with the preceptor at their head, invited
+with due ceremonies, came with joyous hearts to that sacrifice, with
+Brahmanas walking before them. And, O bull of the Bharata race, having
+heard of king Yudhishthira's sacrifice, hundreds of other Kshatriyas
+acquainted with the nature of the sacrifice, with joyous hearts came
+there from various countries, desiring to behold king Yudhishthira the
+son of Pandu and his sacrificial mansion, and brought with them many
+costly jewels of various kinds. And Dhritarashtra and Bhishma and
+Vidura of high intelligence; and all Kaurava brothers with Duryyodhana
+at their head; and Suvala the king of Gandhara and Sakuni endued with
+great strength; and Achala, and Vrishaka, and Karna that foremost of
+all charioteers; and Salya endued with great might and the strong
+Valhika; and Somadatta, and Bhuri of the Kuru race, and Bhurisravas and
+Sala; and Aswatthama, Kripa, Drona, and Jayadratha, the ruler of
+Sindhu; and Yajnasena with his sons, and Salya that lord of earth and
+that great car warrior king Bhagadatta of Pragjyotisha accompanied by
+all Mlechcha tribes inhabiting the marshy regions on the sea-shore; and
+many mountain kings, and king Vrihadvala; and Vasudeva the king of the
+Paundrayas, and the kings of Vanga and Kalinga; and Akastha and Kuntala
+and the kings of the Malavas and the Andhrakas; and the Dravidas and
+the Singhalas and the king of Kashmira, and king Kuntibhoja of great
+energy and king Gauravahana, and all the other heroic kings of Valhika;
+and Virata with his two sons, and Mavella endued with great might; and
+various kings and princes ruling in various countries; and, O Bharata
+king Sisupala endued with great energy and invincible in battle
+accompanied by his son--all of them came to the sacrifice of the son of
+Pandu. And Rama and Aniruddha and Kanaka and Sarana; and Gada,
+Pradyumna, Shamva, and Charudeshna of great energy; and Ulmuka and
+Nishatha and the brave Angavaha; and innumerable other Vrishnis--all
+mighty car-warriors--came there.
+
+"These and many other kings from the middle country came, O monarch, to
+that great Rajasuya sacrifice of the son of Pandu. And, O king, at the
+command of king Yudhishthira the just, mansions were assigned to all
+those monarchs, that were full of various kinds of edibles and adorned
+with tanks and tall trees. And the son of Dharma worshipped all those
+illustrious monarchs as they deserved. Worshipped by the king they
+retired to mansions that were assigned to them. Those mansions were
+(white and high) like the cliffs of Kailasa, and delightful to behold,
+and furnished with every kind of furniture. They were enclosed on all
+sides with well-built and high white-washed walls; their windows were
+covered with net-works of gold and their interiors were furnished with
+rows of pearls. Their flights of stairs were easy of ascent and the
+floors were all laid over with costly carpets. They were all hung over
+with garlands of flowers and perfumed with excellent aloes. White as
+snow or the moon, they looked extremely handsome even from the distance
+of a yojana. Their doors and entrances were set uniformly and were wide
+enough to admit a crowd of persons. Adorned with various costly
+articles and built with various metals, they looked like peaks of the
+Himavat. Having rested a while in those mansions the monarchs beheld
+king Yudhishthira the just surrounded by numerous Sadasyas (sacrificial
+priests) and ever performing sacrifices distinguished by large gifts to
+Brahmanas. That sacrificial mansion wherein were present the kings and
+Brahmanas and great Rishis looked, O king, as handsome as heaven itself
+crowded with the gods!"
+
+Thus ends the thirty-fourth section in the Rajasuyika Parva of the
+Sabha Parva.
+
+
+SECTION XXXIV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"then, O king, Yudhishthira, having approached and
+worshipped his grandfather and his preceptor, addressed Bhishma and
+Drona and Kripa and the son of Drona and Duryyodhana and Vivingsati,
+and said,--'Help me ye all in the matter of this sacrifice. This large
+treasure that is here is yours. Consult ye with one another and guide
+me as ye desire.'
+
+"The eldest of the sons of Pandu, who had been installed at the
+sacrifice, having said this unto all, appointed every one of them to
+suitable offices. He appointed Dussasana to superintend the department
+of food and other enjoyable articles. Aswatthama was asked to attend on
+the Brahmanas. Sanjaya was appointed to offer return-worship unto the
+kings. Bhishma and Drona, both endued with great intelligence, were
+appointed to see what was done and what was left undone. And the king
+appointed Kripa to look after the diamonds and gold and the pearls and
+gems, as also after the distribution of gifts to Brahmanas. And so
+other tigers among men were appointed to similar offices. Valhika and
+Dhritarashtra and Somadatta and Jayadratha, brought thither by Nakula,
+went about, enjoying themselves as lords of the sacrifice. Vidura
+otherwise called Kshatta, conversant with every rule of morality,
+became the disburser. Duryyodhana became the receiver of the tributes
+that were brought by the kings. Krishna who was himself the centre of
+all worlds and round whom moved every creature, desirous of acquiring
+excellent fruits, was engaged at his own will in washing the feet of
+the Brahmanas.
+
+"And desirous of beholding that sacrificial mansion, as also king
+Yudhishthira the just, none came there with tribute less than a
+thousand (in number, weight or measure). Everyone honoured the king
+Yudhishthira the just with large presents of jewels. And each of the
+kings made a present of his wealth, flattering himself with the proud
+belief that the jewels he gave would enable the Kuru king Yudhisthira
+to complete his sacrifice. And, O monarch, the sacrificial compound of
+the illustrious son of Kunti looked extremely handsome--with the
+multitude of palaces built so as to last for ever and crowded with
+guards and warriors. These were so high that their tops touched the
+cars of the gods that came to behold that sacrifice; as also with the
+cars themselves of the celestials, and with the dwelling of the
+Brahmanas and the mansions made there for the kings resembling the cars
+of the celestials and adorned with gems and filled with every kind of
+wealth, and lastly with crowds of the kings that came there all endued
+with beauty and wealth. Yudhisthira, as though vying with Varuna
+himself in wealth, commenced the sacrifice (of Rajasuya) distinguished
+by six fires and large gifts to Brahmanas. The King gratified everybody
+with presents of great value and indeed with every kind of object that
+one could desire. With abundance of rice and of every kind of food, as
+also with a mass of jewels brought as tribute, that vast concourse
+consisted of persons every one of whom was fed to the full. The gods
+also were gratified at the sacrifice by the Ida, clarified butter, Homa
+and libations poured by the great Rishis versed in mantras and
+pronunciation. Like the gods, the Brahmanas also were gratified with
+the sacrificial gifts and food and great wealth. And all the other
+orders of men also were gratified at that sacrifice and filled with
+joy."
+
+
+SECTION XXXV
+
+(Arghyaharana Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"On the last day of the sacrifice when the king was
+to be sprinkled over with the sacred water, the great Brahmana Rishis
+ever deserving of respectful treatment, along with the invited kings,
+entered together the inner enclosure of the sacrificial compound. And
+those illustrious Rishis with Narada as their foremost, seated at their
+ease with those royal sages within that enclosure, looked like the gods
+seated in the mansion of Brahma in the company of the celestial Rishis.
+Endued with immeasurable energy those Rishis, having obtained leisure,
+started various topics of conversation. 'This is so,' 'This is not so,'
+'This is even so.' 'This cannot be otherwise,'--thus did many of them
+engage in discussions with one another. Some amongst the disputants, by
+well-chosen arguments made the weaker position appear the stronger and
+the stronger the weaker. Some disputants endued with great intelligence
+fell upon the position urged by others like hawks darting at meat
+thrown up into the air, while some amongst them versed in the
+interpretations of religious treatises and others of rigid vows, and
+well-acquainted with every commentary and gloss engaged themselves in
+pleasant converse. And, O king, that platform crowded with gods,
+Brahmanas and great Rishis looked extremely handsome like the wide
+expanse of the firmament studded with stars. O monarch, there was then
+no Sudra near that platform of Yudhisthira's mansion, nor anybody that
+was without vows.
+
+"And Narada, beholding the fortunate Yudhisthira's prosperity that was
+born of that sacrifice, became highly gratified. Beholding that vast
+concourse all the Kshatriyas, the Muni Narada, O king of men, became
+thoughtful. And, O bull amongst men, the Rishi began to recollect the
+words he had heard of old in the mansion of Brahma regarding the
+incarnation on earth of portions of every deity. And knowing, O son of
+the Kuru race, that that was a concourse (of incarnate) gods, Narada
+thought in his mind of Hari with eyes like lotus-petals. He knew that
+that creator himself of every object one, that exalted of all
+gods--Narayana--who had formerly commanded the celestials, saying,--'Be
+ye born on earth and slay one another and come back to heaven'--that
+slayer of all the enemies of the gods, that subjugator of all hostile
+towns, in order to fulfil his own promise, had been born in the
+Kshatriya order. And Narada knew that the exalted and holy Narayana,
+also called Sambhu the lord of the universe, having commanded all the
+celestials thus, had taken his birth in the race of Yadus and that
+foremost of all perpetuator of races, having sprung from the line of
+the Andhaka-Vrishnis on earth was graced with great good fortune and
+was shining like the moon herself among stars. Narada knew that Hari
+the grinder of foes, whose strength of arm was ever praised by all the
+celestials with Indra among them, was then living in the world in human
+form. Oh, the Self-Create will himself take away (from the earth) this
+vast concourse of Kshatriyas endued with so much strength. Such was the
+vision of Narada the omniscient who knew Hari or Narayana to be that
+Supreme Lord whom everybody worshipped with sacrifice. And Narada,
+gifted with great intelligence and the foremost of all persons and
+conversant with morality, thinking of all this, sat at that sacrifice
+of the wise king Yudhisthira the just with feelings of awe.
+
+"Then Bhishma, O king, addressing king Yudhisthira the just, said, 'O
+Bharata, let Arghya (an article of respect) be offered unto the kings
+as each of them deserveth. Listen, O Yudhishthira, the preceptor, the
+sacrificial priest, the relative, the Snataka, the friend, and the
+king, it hath been said are the six that deserve Arghya. The wise have
+said that when any of these dwell with one for full one year he
+deserveth to be worshipped with Arghya. These kings have been staying
+with us for some time. Therefore, O king, let Arghyas be procured to be
+offered unto each of them. And let an Arghya be presented first of all
+unto him among those present who is the foremost.'
+
+"Hearing these words of Bhishma, Yudhishthira said--'O Grandsire, O
+thou of the Kuru race, whom thou deemest the foremost amongst these and
+unto whom the Arghya should be presented by us, O tell me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then, O Bharata, Bhishma the son of Santanu,
+judged it by his intelligence that on earth Krishna was the foremost of
+all. And he said--'As is the sun among all luminous objects, so is the
+one (meaning Krishna) (who shines like the sun) among us all, in
+consequence of his energy, strength and prowess. And this our
+sacrificial mansion is illuminated and gladdened by him as a sunless
+region by the sun, or a region of still air by a gust of breeze. Thus
+commanded by Bhishma, Sahadeva endued with great prowess duly presented
+the first Arghya of excellent ingredients unto Krishna of the Vrishni
+race. Krishna also accepted it according to the forms of the ordinance.
+But Sisupala could not bear to see that worship offered unto Vasudeva.
+And this mighty king of Chedi, reproving in the midst of that assembly
+both Bhishma and. Yudhishthira, censured Vasudeva thereafter.'
+
+
+SECTION XXXVI
+
+"Sisupala said--'O thou of the Kuru race, this one of the Vrishni race
+doth not deserve royal worship as if he were a king, in the midst of
+all these illustrious monarchs. O son of Pandu, this conduct of thine
+in thus willingly worshipping him with eyes like lotus-petals is not
+worthy of the illustrious Pandavas. Ye sons of Pandu. Ye are children.
+Ye know not what morality is, for that is very subtle. Bhishma, this
+son also of Ganga is of little knowledge and hath transgressed the
+rules of morality (by giving ye such counsel). And, O Bhishma, if one
+like thee, possessed of virtue and morality acteth from motives of
+interest, he is deserving of censure among the honest and the wise. How
+doth he of the Dasarha race, who is not even a king, accept worship
+before these kings and how is it that he hath been worshipped by ye? O
+bull of the Kuru race, if thou regardest Krishna as the oldest in age,
+here is Vasudeva, and how can his son be said so in his presence? Or,
+if thou regardest Vasudeva as your well-wisher and supporter, here is
+Drupada; how then can Madhava deserve the (first) worship? Or, O son of
+Kuru, regardest thou Krishna as preceptor? When Drona is here, how hast
+thou worshipped him of the Vrishni race? Or, O son of Kuru, regardest
+thou Krishna as the Ritwija? When old Dwaipayana is here, how hath
+Krishna been worshipped by thee? Again when old Bhishma, the son of
+Santanu, that foremost of men who is not to die save at his own wish is
+here, why, O king, hath Krishna been worshipped by thee? When the brave
+Aswatthaman, versed in every branch of knowledge is here, why, O king,
+hath Krishna, O thou of the Kuru race, been worshipped by thee? When
+that King of kings, Duryyodhana, that foremost of men, is here, as also
+Kripa the preceptor of the Bharata princes, why hath Krishna been
+worshipped by thee? How, O son of Pandu, passing over Druma, the
+preceptor of the Kimpurusas, hast thou worshipped Krishna? When the
+invincible Bhishmaka and king Pandya possessed of every auspicious
+mark, and that foremost of kings--Rukmi and Ekalavya and Salya, the
+king of the Madras, are here, how, O son of Pandu, hast thou offered
+the first worship unto Krishna? Here also is Karna ever boasting of his
+strength amongst all kings, and (really) endued with great might, the
+favourite disciple of the Brahmana Jamadagnya, the hero who vanquished
+in battle all monarchs by his own strength alone. How, O Bharata, hast
+thou, passing him over, offered the first worship unto Krishna? The
+slayer of Madhu is neither a sacrificial priest nor a preceptor, nor a
+king. That thou hast notwithstanding all these worshipped him, O chief
+of the Kurus, could only have been from motives of gain. If, O Bharata,
+it was your wish to offer the first worship unto the slayer of Madhu,
+why were these monarchs brought here to be insulted thus? We have not
+paid tributes to the illustrious son of Kunti from fear, from desire of
+gain, or from having been won over by conciliation. On the other hand,
+we have paid him tribute simply because he hath been desirous of the
+imperial dignity from motives of virtue. And yet he it is that thus
+insulteth us. O king, from what else, save motives of insult, could it
+have been that thou hast worshipped Krishna, who possesseth not the
+insignia of royalty, with the Arghya in the midst of the assembled
+monarchs? Indeed, the reputation for virtue that the son of Dharma hath
+acquired, hath been acquired by him without cause, for who would offer
+such undue worship unto one that hath fallen off from virtue. This
+wretch born in the race of the Vrishnis unrighteously slew of old the
+illustrious king Jarasandha. Righteousness hath today been abandoned by
+Yudhishthira and meanness only hath been displayed by him in
+consequence of his having offered the Arghya to Krishna. If the
+helpless sons of Kunti were affrighted and disposed to meanness, thou,
+O Madhava, ought to have enlightened them as to thy claims to the first
+worship? Why also, O Janarddana, didst thou accept the worship of which
+thou art unworthy, although it was offered unto thee by those
+mean-minded princes? Thou thinkest much of the worship unworthily
+offered unto thee, like a dog that lappeth in solitude a quantity of
+clarified butter that it hath obtained. O Janarddana, this is really no
+insult offered unto the monarchs; on the other hand it is thou whom the
+Kurus have insulted. Indeed, O slayer of Madhu, as a wife is to one
+that is without virile power, as a fine show is to one that is blind,
+so is this royal worship to thee who art no king. What Yudhishthira is,
+hath been seen; what Bhishma is, hath been seen; and what this Vasudeva
+is hath been seen. Indeed, all these have been seen as they are!'
+
+"Having spoken these words, Sisupala rose from his excellent seat, and
+accompanied by the kings, went out of that assembly."
+
+
+SECTION XXXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then the king Yudhishthira hastily ran after
+Sisupala and spoke unto him sweetly and in a conciliating tone the
+following words,--'O lord of earth, what thou hast said is scarcely
+proper for thee. O king, it is highly sinful and needlessly cruel.
+Insult not Bhishma, O king, by saying that he doth not know what virtue
+is. Behold, these many kings, older than thou art, all approve of the
+worship offered unto Krishna. It behoveth thee to bear it patiently
+like them. O ruler of Chedi, Bhishma knoweth Krishna truly. Thou
+knowest him not so well as this one of the Kuru race.'
+
+"Bhishma also, after this, said,--'He that approveth not the worship
+offered unto Krishna, the oldest one in the universe, deserveth neither
+soft words nor conciliation. The chief of warriors of the Kshatriya
+race who having overcome a Kshatriya in battle and brought him under
+his power, setteth him free, becometh the guru (preceptor or master) of
+the vanquished one. I do not behold in this assembly of kings even one
+ruler of men who hath not been vanquished in battle by the energy of
+this son of the Satwata race. This one (meaning Krishna) here, of
+undefiled glory, deserveth to be worshipped not by ourselves alone, but
+being of mighty arms, he deserveth to be worshipped by the three worlds
+also. Innumerable warriors among Kshatriyas have been vanquished in
+battle by Krishna. The whole universe without limit is established in
+him of the Vrishni race. Therefore do we worship Krishna amongst the
+best and the oldest, and not others. It behoveth thee not to say so.
+Let thy understanding be never so. I have, O king, waited upon many
+persons that are old in knowledge. I have heard from all those wise
+men, while talking; of the numerous much-regarded attributes of the
+accomplished Sauri. I have also heard many times all the acts recited
+by people that Krishna of great intelligence hath performed since his
+birth. And, O king of Chedi, we do not from caprice, or keeping in view
+our relationship or the benefits he may confer on us, worship
+Janarddana who is worshipped by the good on earth and who is the source
+of the happiness of every creature. We have offered unto him the first
+worship because of his fame, his heroism, his success. There is none
+here of even tender years whom we have not taken into consideration.
+Passing over many persons that are foremost for their virtues, we have
+regarded Hari as deserving of the first worship. Amongst the Brahmanas
+one that is superior in knowledge, amongst the Kshatriyas one that is
+superior in strength, amongst the Vaisyas one that is superior in
+possessions and wealth, and amongst the Sudras one that is superior in
+years, deserveth to be worshipped. In the matter of the worship offered
+unto Govinda, there are two reasons, viz., knowledge of the Vedas and
+their branches, and also excess of strength. Who else is there in the
+world of men save Kesava that is so distinguished? Indeed, liberality,
+cleverness, knowledge of the Vedas, bravery, modesty, achievements,
+excellent intelligence, humility, beauty, firmness, contentment and
+prosperity--all dwell for ever in Achyuta. Therefore, ye kings, it
+behoveth ye to approve of the worship that hath been offered unto
+Krishna who is of great accomplishments, who as the preceptor, the
+father, the guru, is worthy of the Arghya and deserving of
+(everybody's) worship. Hrishikesa is the sacrificial priest, the guru,
+worthy of being solicited to accept one's daughter in marriage, the
+Snataka, the king, the friend: therefore hath Achyuta been worshipped
+by us. Krishna is the origin of the universe and that in which the
+universe is to dissolve. Indeed, this universe of mobile and immobile
+creatures hath sprung into existence from Krishna only. He is the
+unmanifest primal cause (Avyakta Prakriti), the creator, the eternal,
+and beyond the ken of all creatures. Therefore doth he of unfading
+glory deserve highest worship. The intellect, the seat of sensibility,
+the five elements, air, heat, water, ether, earth, and the four species
+of beings (oviparous, viviparous, born of filthy damp and vegetal) are
+all established in Krishna. The sun, the moon, the constellations, the
+planets, all the principal directions, the intermediate directions, are
+all established in Krishna. As the Agnihotra is the foremost among all
+Vedic sacrifices, as the Gayatri is the foremost among metres, as the
+king is the foremost among men, as the ocean is the foremost among all
+rivers, as the moon is the foremost among all constellations, as the
+sun is the foremost among all luminous bodies, as the Meru is the
+foremost among all mountains, as Garuda is the foremost among all
+birds, so as long as the upward, downward, and sideway course of the
+universe lasteth, Kesava is the foremost in all the worlds including
+the regions of the celestials. This Sisupala is a mere boy and hence he
+knoweth not Krishna, and ever and everywhere speaketh of Krishna thus.
+This ruler of Chedi will never see virtue in that light in which one
+that is desirous of acquiring high merit will see it. Who is there
+among the old and the young or among these illustrious lords of earth
+that doth not regard Krishna as deserving of worship or that doth not
+worship Krishna? If Sisupala regardeth this worship as undeserved, it
+behoveth him to do what is proper in this matter.'"
+
+
+SECTION XXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"The mighty Bhishma ceased, having said this.
+Sahadeva then answered (Sisupala) in words of grave import,
+saying,--'If amongst ye there be any king that cannot bear to see
+Kesava of dark hue, the slayer of Kesi, the possessor of immeasurable
+energy, worshipped by me, this my foot is placed on the heads of all
+mighty ones (like him). When I say this, let that one give me an
+adequate reply. And let those kings that possess intelligence approve
+the worship of Krishna who is the preceptor, the father, the guru, and
+deserveth the Arghya and the worship (already offered unto him).'
+
+"When Sahadeva thus showed his foot, no one among those intelligent and
+wise and proud and mighty monarchs said anything. And a shower of
+flowers fell on Sahadeva's head, and an incorporeal voice
+said--'Excellent, excellent.' Then Narada clad in black deer-skin,
+speaking of both the future and the past, that dispeller of all doubts,
+fully acquainted with all the worlds, said in the midst of innumerable
+creatures, these words of the clearest import,--'Those men that will
+not worship the lotus-eyed Krishna should be regarded as dead though
+moving, and should never be talked to on any occasion.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then that god among men, Sahadeva cognisant
+of the distinction between a Brahmana and a Kshatriya, having
+worshipped those that deserved worship, completed that ceremony. But
+upon Krishna having received the first worship, Sunitha (Sisupala) that
+mower of foes--with eyes red as copper from anger, addressed those
+rulers of men and said,--'When I am here to head ye all, what are ye
+thinking of now? Arrayed let us stand in battle against the assembled
+Vrishnis and the Pandavas?' And the bull of the Chedis, having thus
+stirred the kings up, began to consult with them how to obstruct the
+completion of the sacrifice. All the invited monarchs who had come to
+the sacrifice, with Sunitha as their chief, looked angry and their
+faces became pale. They all said, 'We must so act that the final
+sacrificial rite performed by Yudhishthira and the worship of Krishna
+may not be regarded as having been acquiesced in by us.' And impelled
+by a belief in their power and great assurance, the kings, deprived of
+reason through anger, began to say this. And being moved by
+self-confidence and smarting under the insult offered unto them, the
+monarchs repeatedly exclaimed thus. Though their friends sought to
+appease them, their faces glowed with anger like those of roaring lions
+driven away from their preys. Krishna then understood that the vast sea
+of monarchs with its countless waves of troops was preparing for a
+terrific rush."
+
+
+SECTION XXXIX
+
+(Sisupala-badha Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Beholding that vast assembly of kings agitated
+with wrath, even like the terrific sea agitated by the winds that blow
+at the time of the universal dissolution, Yudhishthira addressing the
+aged Bhishma, that chief of intelligent men and the grandsire of the
+Kurus, even like Puruhita (Indra) that slayer of foes, of abundant
+energy addressing Vrihaspati, said,--'This vast ocean of kings, hath
+been agitated by wrath. Tell me, O Grandsire, what I should do in view
+of this. O Grandsire, now what I should do that my sacrifice may not be
+obstructed and my subjects may not be injured.'
+
+"When king Yudhishthira the just, conversant with morality, said this,
+Bhishma the grandsire of the Kurus, spoke these words in reply,--'Fear
+not, O tiger of the Kurus. Can the dog slay the lion? I have before
+this found out a way that is both beneficial and comfortable to
+practise. As dogs in a pack approaching the lion that is asleep bark
+together, so are all these lords of earth. Indeed, O child, like dogs
+before the lion, these (monarchs) are barking in rage before the
+sleeping lion of the Vrishni race. Achyuta now is like a lion that is
+asleep. Until he waketh up, this chief of the Chedis--this lion among
+men--maketh these monarchs look like lions. O child, O thou foremost of
+all monarchs, this Sisupala possessed of little intelligence is
+desirous of taking along with him all these kings, through the agency
+of him who is the soul of the universe, to the regions of Yama.
+Assuredly, O Bharata Vishnu hath been desirous of taking back unto
+himself the energy that existeth in this Sisupala. O Chief of all
+intelligent men, O son of Kunti, the intelligence of this wicked-minded
+king of the Chedis, as also of all these monarchs, hath become
+perverse. Indeed, the intelligence of all those whom this tiger among
+men desireth to take unto himself, becometh perverse even like that of
+this king of the Chedis. O Yudhishthira, Madhava is the progenitor as
+also the destroyer of all created beings of the four species,
+(oviparous, etc.,) existing in the three worlds.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued--"Then the ruler of Chedis, having heard these
+words of Bhishma, addressed the latter, O Bharata, in words that were
+stern and rough.
+
+
+SECTION XL
+
+"Sisupala said,--'Old and infamous wretch of thy race, art thou not
+ashamed of affrighting all these monarchs with these numerous false
+terrors! Thou art the foremost of the Kurus, and living as thou dost in
+the third state (celibacy) it is but fit for thee that thou shouldst
+give such counsel that is so wide of morality. Like a boat tied to
+another boat or the blind following the blind, are the Kurus who have
+thee for their guide. Thou hast once more simply pained our hearts by
+reciting particularly the deeds of this one (Krishna), such as the
+slaying of Putana and others. Arrogant and ignorant as thou art, and
+desirous of praising Kesava, why doth not this tongue of thine split up
+into a hundred parts? How dost thou, superior as thou art in knowledge,
+desire to praise that cow-boy in respect of whom even men of little
+intelligence may address invectives? If Krishna in his infancy slew a
+vulture, what is there remarkable in that, or in that other feat of
+his, O Bhishma, viz., in his slaughter of Aswa and Vrishava, both of
+whom were unskilled in battle? If this one threw drown by a kick an
+inanimate piece of wood, viz., a car, what is there, O Bhishma,
+wonderful in that? O Bhishma, what is there remarkable in this one's
+having supported for a week the Govardhan mount which is like an
+anthill? "While sporting on the top of a mountain this one ate a large
+quantity of food,"--hearing these words of thine many have wondered
+exceedingly. But, O thou who art conversant with the rules of morality,
+is not this still more wrongful that that great person, viz., Kansa,
+whose food this one ate, hath been slain by him? Thou infamous one of
+the Kuru race, thou art ignorant of the rules of morality. Hast thou
+not ever heard, from wise men speaking unto thee, what I would now tell
+thee? The virtuous and the wise always instruct the honest that weapons
+must never be made to descend upon women and kine and Brahmanas and
+upon those whose food hath been taken, as also upon those whose shelter
+hath been enjoyed. It seemeth, O Bhishma, that all these teachings hath
+been thrown away by thee. O infamous one of the Kuru race, desiring to
+praise Kesava, thou describest him before me as great and superior in
+knowledge and in age, as if I knew nothing. If at thy word, O Bhishma,
+one that hath slain women (meaning Putana) and kine be worshipped, then
+what is to become of this great lesson? How can one who is such,
+deserve praise, O Bhishma? "This one is the foremost of all wise
+men,"--"This one is the lord of the universe"--hearing these words of
+thine, Janarddana believeth that these are all true. But surely, they
+are all false. The verses that a chanter sings, even if he sings them
+often, produce no impression on him. And every creature acts according
+to his disposition, even like the bird Bhulinga (that picks the
+particles of flesh from between the lion's teeth, though preaching
+against rashness). Assuredly thy disposition is very mean. There is not
+the least doubt about it. And so also, it seemeth, that the sons of
+Pandu who regard Krishna as deserving of worship and who have thee for
+their guide, are possessed of a sinful disposition. Possessing a
+knowledge of virtue, thou hast fallen off from the path of the wise.
+Therefore thou art sinful. Who, O Bhishma, knowing himself to be
+virtuous and superior in knowledge, will so act as thou hast done from
+motives of virtue? If thou knowest the ways of the morality, if thy
+mind is guided by wisdom, blessed be thou. Why then, O Bhishma, was
+that virtuous girl Amva, who had set her heart upon another, carried
+off by thee, so proud of wisdom and virtue? Thy brother Vichitravirya
+conformably to the ways of the honest and the virtuous, knowing that
+girl's condition, did not marry her though brought by thee. Boasting as
+thou dost of virtue, in thy very sight, upon the widow of thy brother
+were sons begotten by another according to the ways of the honest.
+Where is thy virtue, O Bhishma? This thy celibacy, which thou leadest
+either from ignorance or from impotence, is fruitless. O thou who art
+conversant with virtue, I do not behold thy well-being. Thou who
+expoundest morality in this way dost not seem to have ever waited upon
+the old. Worship, gift, study,--sacrifices distinguished by large gifts
+to the Brahmanas,--these all equal not in merit even one-sixteenth part
+of that which is obtainable by the possession of a son. The merit, O
+Bhishma, that is acquired by numberless vows and fasts assuredly
+becomes fruitless in the case of one that is childless. Thou art
+childless and old and the expounder of false morality. Like the swan in
+the story, thou shalt now die at the hands of thy relatives. Other men
+possessed of knowledge have said this of old. I will presently recite
+it fully in thy hearing.
+
+"'There lived of yore an old swan on the sea-coast. Ever speaking of
+morality, but otherwise in his conduct, he used to instruct the
+feathery tribe. "Practise ye virtue and forego sin,"--these were the
+words that other truthful birds, O Bhishma, constantly heard him utter.
+And the other oviparous creatures ranging the sea, it hath been heard
+by us, O Bhishma use for virtue's sake to bring him food. And, O
+Bhishma, all those other birds, keeping their eggs, with him, ranged
+and dived in the waters of the sea. And the sinful old swan, attentive
+to his own pursuits, used to eat up the eggs of all those birds that
+foolishly trusted in him. After a while when the eggs were decreasing
+in number, a bird of great wisdom had his suspicions roused and he even
+witnessed (the affair) one day. And having witnessed the sinful act of
+the old swan, that bird in great sorrow spoke unto all the other birds.
+Then, O thou best of the Kurus, all those birds witnessing with their
+own eyes the act of the old swan, approached that wretch of false
+conduct and slew him.
+
+"'Thy behaviour, O Bhishma, is even like that of the old swan. These
+lords of earth might slay thee in anger like those creatures of the
+feathery tribe slaying the old swan. Persons conversant with the
+Puranas recite a proverb, O Bhishma, as regards this occurrence, I
+shall, O Bharata, repeat it to thee fully. It is even this: O thou that
+supportest thyself on thy wings, though thy heart is affected (by the
+passions), thou preachest yet (of virtue); but this thy sinful act of
+eating up the eggs transgresseth thy speech!'
+
+
+SECTION XLI
+
+"Sisupala said,--'That mighty king Jarasandha who desired not to fight
+with Krishna, saying "He is a slave," was worthy of my greatest esteem.
+Who will regard as praiseworthy the act which was done by Kesava, as
+also by Bhima and Arjuna, in the matter of Jarasandha's death? Entering
+by an improper gate, disguised as a Brahmana, thus Krishna observed the
+strength of king Jarasandha. And when that monarch offered at first
+unto this wretch water to wash his feet, it was then that he denied his
+Brahmanahood from seeming motives of virtue. And when Jarasandha, O
+thou of the Kuru race, asked Krishna and Bhima and Dhananjaya to eat,
+it was this Krishna that refused that monarch's request. If this one is
+the lord of the universe, as this fool representeth him to be, why doth
+he not regard himself as a Brahmana? This, however, surpriseth me
+greatly that though thou leadest the Pandavas away from the path of the
+wise, they yet regard thee as honest. Or, perhaps, this is scarcely a
+matter of surprise in respect of those that have thee, O Bharata,
+womanish in disposition and bent down with age, for their counsellor in
+everything.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Sisupala, harsh both
+in import and sound, that foremost of mighty men, Bhimasena endued with
+energy became angry. And his eyes, naturally large and expanding and
+like unto lotus leaves became still more extended and red as copper
+under the influence of that rage. And the assembled monarchs beheld on
+his forehead three lines of wrinkles like the Ganga of treble currents
+on the treble-peaked mountain. When Bhimasena began to grind his teeth
+in rage, the monarchs beheld his face resembling that of Death himself,
+at the end of the Yuga, prepared to swallow every creature. And as the
+hero endued with great energy of mind was about to leap up impetuously,
+the mighty-armed Bhishma caught him like Mahadeva seizing Mahasena (the
+celestial generalissimo). And, O Bharata, Bhima's wrath was soon
+appeased by Bhishma, the grand-sire of the Kurus, with various kinds of
+counsel. And Bhima, that chastiser of foes, could not disobey Bhishma's
+words, like the ocean that never transgresseth (even when swollen with
+the waters of the rainy season) its continents. But, O king, even
+though Bhima was angry, the brave Sisupala depending on his own
+manhood, did not tremble in fear. And though Bhima was leaping up
+impetuously every moment, Sisupala bestowed not a single thought on
+him, like a lion that recks not a little animal in rage. The powerful
+king of Chedi, beholding Bhima of terrible prowess in such rage,
+laughingly said,--'Release him, O Bhishma! Let all the monarchs behold
+him scorched by my prowess like an insect in fire.' Hearing these words
+of the ruler of the Chedis, Bhishma, that foremost of the Kurus and
+chief of all intelligent men, spoke unto Bhima these words.
+
+
+SECTION XLII
+
+"Bhishma said,--'This Sisupala was born in the line of the king of
+Chedi with three eyes and four hands. As soon as he was born, he
+screamed and brayed like an ass. On that account, his father and mother
+along with their relatives, were struck with fear. And beholding these
+extraordinary omens, his parents resolved to abandon him. But an
+incorporeal voice, about this time, said unto the king and his wife
+with their ministers and priest, all with hearts paralysed by anxiety,
+those words,--"This thy son, O king, that hath been born will become
+both fortunate and superior in strength. Therefore thou hast no fear
+from him. Indeed cherish the child without anxiety. He will not die (in
+childhood). His time is not yet come. He that will slay him with
+weapons hath also been born." Hearing these words, the mother, rendered
+anxious by affection for her son, addressed the invisible Being and
+said,--"I bow with joined hands unto him that hath uttered these words
+respecting my son; whether he be an exalted divinity or any other
+being, let him tell me another word. I desire to hear who will be the
+slayer of this my son." The invisible Being then said,--"He upon whose
+lap this child being placed the superfluous arms of his will fall down
+upon the ground like a pair of five-headed snakes, and at the sight of
+whom his third eye on the forehead will disappear, will be his slayer?"
+Hearing of the child's three eyes and four arms as also of the words of
+the invisible Being, all the kings of the earth went to Chedi to behold
+him. The king of Chedi worshipping, as each deserved, the monarchs that
+came, gave his child upon their laps one after another. And though the
+child was placed upon the laps of a thousand kings, one after another,
+yet that which the incorporeal voice had said came not to pass. And
+having heard of all this at Dwaravati, the mighty Yadava heroes
+Sankarshana and Janarddana also went to the capital of the Chedis, to
+see their father's sister--that daughter of the Yadavas (the queen of
+Chedi). And saluting everybody according to his rank and the king and
+queen also, and enquiring after every body's welfare, both Rama and
+Kesava took their seats. And after those heroes had been worshipped,
+the queen with great pleasure herself placed the child on the lap of
+Damodara. As soon as the child was placed on his lap, those superfluous
+arms of his fell down and the eye on his forehead also disappeared. And
+beholding this, the queen in alarm and anxiety begged of Krishna a
+boon. And she said,--"O mighty-armed Krishna, I am afflicted with fear;
+grant me a boon. Thou art the assurer of all afflicted ones and that
+the dispeller of everybody's fear." Thus addressed by her, Krishna,
+that son of the Yadu race, said--"Fear not, O respected one. Thou art
+acquainted with morality. Thou needest have no fear from me. What boon
+shall I give thee? What shall I do, O aunt? Whether able or not, I
+shall do thy bidding."--Thus spoken to by Krishna, the queen said, "O
+thou of great strength, thou wilt have to pardon the offences of
+Sisupala for my sake. O tiger of the Yadu race. Know O lord, even this
+is the boon that I ask." Krishna then said, "O aunt, even when he will
+deserve to be slain, I will pardon an hundred offences of his. Grieve
+thou not."'
+
+"Bhishma continued,--'Even thus, O Bhima, is this wretch of a
+king--Sisupala of wicked heart, who, proud of the boon granted by
+Govinda, summons thee to battle!'
+
+
+SECTION XLIII
+
+"Bhishma said,--'The will under which the ruler of Chedi summoneth thee
+to fight though thou art of strength that knoweth no deterioration, is
+scarcely his own intention. Assuredly, this is the purpose of Krishna
+himself, the lord of the universe. O Bhima, what king is there on earth
+that would dare abuse me thus, as this wretch of his race, already
+possessed by Death, hath done to-day? This mighty-armed one is, without
+doubt, a portion of Hari's energy. And surely, the Lord desireth to
+take back unto himself that energy of his own.' In consequence of this,
+O tiger of the Kuru race, this tiger-like king of Chedi, so wicked of
+heart, roareth in such a way caring little for us all."
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Bhishma, the king of
+Chedi could bear no more. He then replied in rage unto Bhishma in these
+words.--
+
+"'Let our foes, O Bhishma, be endued with that prowess which this
+Kesava hath, whom thou like a professional chanter of hymns praisest,
+rising repeatedly from thy seat. If thy mind, O Bhishma, delighteth so
+in praising others, then praise thou these kings, leaving off Krishna.
+Praise thou this excellent of kings, Darada, the ruler of Valhika, who
+rent this earth as soon as he was born. Praise thou, O Bhishma, this
+Karna, the ruler of the territories of Anga and Vanga, who is equal in
+strength unto him of a thousand eyes, who draweth a large bow, who
+endued with mighty arms owneth celestial ear-rings of heavenly make
+with which he was born and this coat of mail possessing the splendour
+of the rising sun, who vanquished in a wrestling encounter the
+invincible Jarasandha equal unto Vasava himself, and who tore and
+mangled that monarch. O Bhishma, praise Drona and Aswatthaman, who both
+father and son, are mighty warriors, worthy of praise, and the best of
+Brahmanas, and either of whom, O Bhishma, if enraged could annihilate
+this earth with its mobile and immobile creatures, as I believe. I do
+not behold, O Bhishma, the king that is equal in battle unto Drona or
+Aswatthaman. Why wishest thou not to praise them? Passing over
+Duryyodhana, that mighty-armed king of kings, who is unequalled in
+whole earth girt with her seas and king Jayadratha accomplished in
+weapons and endued with great prowess, and Druma the preceptor of the
+Kimpurushas and celebrated over the world for prowess, and Saradwata's
+son, old Kripa, the preceptor of the Bharata princes and endued with
+great energy, why dost thou praise Kesava? Passing over that foremost
+of bowmen--that excellent of kings, Rukmin of great energy, why
+praisest thou Kesava? Passing over Bhishmaka of abundant energy, and
+king Dantavakra, and Bhagadatta known for his innumerable sacrificial
+stakes, and Jayatsena the king of the Magadha, and Virata and Drupada,
+and Sakuni and Vrihadvala, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avant Pandya,
+Sweta Uttama Sankhya of great prosperity, the proud Vrishasena, the
+powerful Ekalavya, and the great charioteer Kalinga of abundant energy,
+why dost thou praise Kesava? And, O Bhishma, if thy mind is always
+inclined to sing the praises of others, why dost thou not praise Salya
+and other rulers of the earth? O king, what can be done by me when (it
+seemeth) thou hast not heard anything before from virtuous old men
+giving lessons in morality? Hast thou never heard, O Bhishma, that
+reproach and glorification, both of self and others, are not practices
+of those that are respectable? There is no one that approveth thy
+conduct, O Bhishma, in unceasingly praising with devotion, from
+ignorance alone, Kesava so unworthy of praise. How dost thou, from thy
+wish alone, establish the whole universe in the servitor and cowherd of
+Bhoja (Kansa)? Perhaps, O Bharata, this thy inclination is not
+conformable to thy true nature, like to what may be in the bird
+Bhulinga, as hath already been said by me. There is a bird called
+Bhulinga living on the other side of the Himavat. O Bhishma, that bird
+ever uttereth words of adverse import. "Never do anything rash,"--this
+is what she always sayeth, but never understandeth that she herself
+always acteth very rashly. Possessed of little intelligence that bird
+picketh from the lion's mouth the pieces of flesh sticking between the
+teeth, and at a time when the lion is employed in eating. Assuredly, O
+Bhishma, that bird liveth at the pleasure of the lion. O sinful wretch,
+thou always speakest like that bird. And assuredly, O Bhishma, thou art
+alive at the pleasure only of these kings. Employed in acts contrary to
+the opinions of all, there is none else like thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these harsh words of the ruler of
+Chedi, Bhishma, O king, said in the hearing of the king of
+Chedi,--'Truly am I alive at the pleasure of these rulers of earth. But
+I do regard these kings as not equal to even a straw.' As soon as these
+words were spoken by Bhishma, the kings became inflamed with wrath. And
+the down of some amongst them stood erect and some began to reprove
+Bhishma. And hearing those words of Bhishma, some amongst them, that
+were wielders of large bows exclaimed, 'This wretched Bhishma, though
+old, is exceedingly boastful. He deserveth not our pardon. Therefore,
+ye kings, incensed with rage as this Bhishma is, it is well that this
+wretch were slain like an animal, or, mustering together, let us burn
+him in a fire of grass or straw.' Hearing these words of the monarchs,
+Bhishma the grand-sire of the Kurus, endued with great intelligence,
+addressing those lords of earth, said,--'I do not see the end of our
+speeches, for words may be answered with words. Therefore, ye lords of
+earth, listen ye all unto what I say. Whether I be slain like an animal
+or burnt in a fire of grass and straw, thus do I distinctly place my
+foot on the heads of ye all. Here is Govinda, that knoweth no
+deterioration. Him have we worshipped. Let him who wisheth for speedy
+death, summon to battle Madhava of dark hue and the wielder of the
+discus and the mace; and falling enter into and mingle with the body of
+this god!'"
+
+
+SECTION XLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing these words of Bhishma, the ruler of Chedi
+endued with exceeding prowess, desirous of combating with Vasudeva
+addressed him and said,--'O Janarddana, I challenge thee. Come, fight
+with me until I slay thee today with all the Pandavas. For, O Krishna,
+the sons of Pandu also, who disregarding the claims of all these kings,
+have worshipped thee who art no king, deserve to be slain by me along
+with thee. Even this is my opinion, O Krishna, that they who from
+childishness have worshipped thee, as if thou deservest it, although
+thou art unworthy of worship, being only a slave and a wretch and no
+king, deserve to be slain by me.' Having said this, that tiger among
+kings stood there roaring in anger. And after Sisupala had ceased,
+Krishna addressing all the kings in the presence of the Pandavas, spoke
+these words in a soft voice.--'Ye kings, this wicked-minded one, who is
+the son of a daughter of the Satwata race, is a great enemy of us of
+the Satwata race; and though we never seek to injure him, he ever
+seeketh our evil. This wretch of cruel deeds, ye kings, hearing that we
+had gone to the city of Pragjyotisha, came and burnt Dwaraka, although
+he is the son of my father's sister. While king Bhoja was sporting on
+the Raivataka hill, this one fell upon the attendants of that king and
+slew and led away many of them in chains to his own city. Sinful in all
+his purpose, this wretch, in order to obstruct the sacrifice of my
+father, stole the sacrificial horse of the horse-sacrifice that had
+been let loose under the guard of armed men. Prompted by sinful
+motives, this one ravished the reluctant wife of the innocent Vabhru
+(Akrura) on her way from Dwaraka to the country of the Sauviras. This
+injurer of his maternal uncle, disguising himself in the attire of the
+king of Karusha, ravished also the innocent Bhadra, the princess of
+Visala, the intended bride of king Karusha. I have patiently borne all
+these sorrows for the sake of my father's sister. It is, however, very
+fortunate that all this hath occurred today in the presence of all the
+kings. Behold ye all today the hostility this one beareth towards me.
+And know ye also all that he hath done me at my back. For the excess of
+that pride in which he hath indulged in the presence of all these
+monarchs, he deserveth to be slain by me. I am ill able to pardon today
+the injuries that he hath done me. Desirous of speedy death, this fool
+had desired Rukmini. But the fool obtained her not, like a Sudra
+failing to obtain the audition of the Vedas.'
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Vasudeva, all the
+assembled monarchs began to reprove the ruler of Chedi. But the
+powerful Sisupala, having heard these words, laughed aloud and spoke
+thus,--'O Krishna, art thou not ashamed in saying in this assembly,
+especially before all these kings that Rukmini (thy wife) had been
+coveted by me? O slayer of Madhu, who else is there than thee, who
+regarding himself a man would say in the midst of respectable men that
+his wife had been intended for some body else? O Krishna, pardon me if
+thou pleasest, or pardon me not. But angry or friendly, what canst thou
+do unto me?'
+
+"And while Sisupala was speaking thus, the exalted slayer of Madhu
+thought in his mind of the discus that humbleth the pride of the
+Asuras. And as soon as the discus came into his hands, skilled in
+speech the illustrious one loudly uttered these words,--'Listen ye
+lords of earth, why this one had hitherto been pardoned by me. As asked
+by his mother, a hundred offences (of his) were to be pardoned by me.
+Even this was the boon she had asked, and even this I granted her. That
+number, ye kings, hath become full. I shall now slay him in your
+presence, ye monarchs.' Having said this, the chief of the Yadus, that
+slayer of all foes, in anger, instantly cut off the head of the ruler
+of Chedi by means of his discus. And the mighty-armed one fell down
+like a cliff struck with thunder. And, O monarch, the assembled kings
+then beheld a fierce energy, like unto the sun in the sky, issue out of
+the body of the king of Chedi, and O king, that energy then adored
+Krishna, possessed of eyes like lotus leaves and worshipped by all the
+worlds, and entered his body. And all the kings beholding the energy
+which entered that mighty-armed chief of men regarded it as wonderful.
+And when Krishna had slain the king of Chedi, the sky, though
+cloudless, poured showers of rain, and blasting thunders were hurled,
+and the earth itself began to tremble. There were some among the kings
+who spoke not a word during those unspeakable moments but merely sat
+gazing at Janarddana. And some there were that rubbed in rage their
+palms with their forefingers. And there were others who deprived of
+reason by rage bit their lips with their teeth. And some amongst the
+kings applauded him of the Vrishni race in private. And some there were
+that became excited with anger; while others became mediators. The
+great Rishis with pleased hearts praised Kesava and went away. And all
+the high-souled Brahmanas and the mighty kings that were there,
+beholding Krishna's prowess, became glad at heart and praised him.
+
+"Yudhishthira then commanded his brothers to perform without delay the
+funeral rites of king Sisupala, the brave son of Damaghosha, with
+proper respect. The sons of Pandu obeyed the behest of their brother.
+And Yudhishthira then, with all the kings, installed the son of king
+Sisupala in the sovereignty of the Chedis.
+
+"Then that sacrifice, O monarch, of the king of the Kurus possessed of
+great energy, blessed with every kind of prosperity, became exceedingly
+handsome and pleasing unto all young men. And commenced auspiciously,
+and all impediments removed, and furnished with abundance of wealth and
+corn, as also with plenty of rice and every kind of food, it was
+properly watched by Kesava. And Yudhishthira in due time completed the
+great sacrifice. And the mighty-armed Janarddana, the exalted Sauri,
+with his bow called Saranga and his discus and mace, guarded that
+sacrifice till its completion. And all the Kshatriya monarchs, having
+approached the virtuous Yudhishthira who had bathed after the
+conclusion of the sacrifice, said these words: 'By good fortune thou
+hast come out successful. O virtuous one, thou hast obtained the
+imperial dignity. O thou of the Ajamida race, by thee hath been spread
+the fame of thy whole race. And, O king of kings, by this act of thine,
+thou hast also acquired great religious merit. We have been worshipped
+by thee to the full extent of our desires. We now tell thee that we are
+desirous of returning to our own kingdoms. It behoveth thee to grant us
+permission.'
+
+"Hearing these words of the monarchs, king Yudhishthira the just,
+worshipping each as he deserved, commanded his brothers, saying, 'These
+monarchs had all come to us at their own pleasure. These chastisers of
+foes are now desirous of returning to their own kingdoms, bidding me
+farewell. Blest be ye, follow ye these excellent kings to the confines
+of our own dominions.' Hearing these words of their brother, the
+virtuous Pandava princes followed the kings, one after another as each
+deserved. The powerful Dhrishtadyumna followed without loss of time
+king Virata: and Dhananjaya followed the illustrious and mighty
+charioteer Yajnasena; and the mighty Bhimasena followed Bhishma and
+Dhritarashtra: and Sahadeva, that master of battle, followed the brave
+Drona and his son; and Nakula, O king, followed Suvala with his son;
+and the sons of Draupadi with the son of Subhadra followed those mighty
+warriors--the kings of the mountainous countries. And other bulls among
+Kshatriyas followed other Kshatriyas. And the Brahmanas by thousands
+also went away, duly worshipped.
+
+"After all the Kings and the Brahmanas had gone away, the powerful
+Vasudeva addressing Yudhishthira said,--'O son of the Kuru race, with
+thy leave, I also desire to go to Dwaraka. By great good fortune, thou
+hast accomplished the foremost of sacrifices--Rajasuya!' Thus addressed
+by Janarddana, Yudhishthira replied, 'Owing to thy grace, O Govinda, I
+have accomplished the great sacrifice. And it is owing to thy grace
+that the whole Kshatriya world having accepted my sway, had come hither
+with valuable tribute. O hero, without thee, my heart never feeleth any
+delight. How can I, therefore, O hero, give thee, O sinless one, leave
+to go? But thou must have to go to the city of Dwaraka.' The virtuous
+Hari of worldwide fame, thus addressed by Yudhishthira, cheerfully went
+with his cousin to Pritha and said,--'O aunt, thy sons have now
+obtained the imperial dignity. They have obtained vast wealth and been
+also crowned with success. Be pleased with all this. Commanded by thee,
+O aunt, I desire to go to Dwaraka.' After this, Kesava bade farewell to
+Draupadi and Subhadra. Coming out then of the inner apartments
+accompanied by Yudhishthira, he performed his ablutions and went
+through the daily rites of worship, and then made the Brahmanas utter
+benedictions. Then the mighty armed Daruka came there with a car of
+excellent design and body resembling the clouds. And beholding that
+Garuda-bannered car arrived thither, the high-souled one, with eyes
+like lotus leaves, walked round it respectfully and ascending on it set
+out for Dwaravati. And king Yudhishthira the just, blessed with
+prosperity, accompanied by his brothers, followed on foot the mighty
+Vasudeva. Then Hari with eyes like lotus leaves, stopping that best of
+cars for a moment, addressing Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, said,--'O
+king of kings, cherishest thou thy subjects with ceaseless vigilance
+and patience. And as the clouds are unto all creatures, as the large
+tree of spreading bough is unto birds, as he of a thousand eyes is unto
+the immortals, be thou the refuge and support of thy relatives.' And
+Krishna and Yudhishthira having thus talked unto each other took each
+other's leave and returned to their respective homes. And, O king,
+after the chief of the Satwata race had gone to Dwaravati, king
+Duryodhana alone, with king Suvala's son, Sakuni,--these bulls among
+men,--continued to live in that celestial assembly house."
+
+
+SECTION XLV
+
+(Dyuta Parva)
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"when that foremost of sacrifices, the Rajasuya so
+difficult of accomplishment, was completed, Vyasa surrounded by his
+disciples presented himself before Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira, upon
+beholding him quickly rose from his seat, surrounded by his brothers,
+and worshipped the Rishi who was his grand-father, with water to wash
+his feet and the offer of a seat. The illustrious one having taken his
+seat on a costly carpet inlaid with gold, addressed king Yudhishthira
+the just and said.--'Take thy seat'. And after the king had taken his
+seat surrounded by his brothers, the illustrious Vyasa, truthful in
+speech said,--'O son of Kunti, thou growest from good fortune. Thou
+hast obtained imperial sway so difficult of acquisition. And O
+perpetuator of the Kuru race, all the Kauravas have prospered in
+consequence of thee. O Emperor, I have been duly worshipped. I desire
+now to go with thy leave!' King Yudhishthira the just, thus addressed
+by the Rishi of dark hue, saluted (him) his grandfather and touching
+his feet said,--'O chief of men, a doubt difficult of being dispelled,
+hath risen within me. O bull among regenerate ones, save thee there is
+none to remove it. The illustrious Rishi Narada said that (as a
+consequence of the Rajasuya sacrifice) three kinds of portents, viz.,
+celestial, atmospherical and terrestrial ones happen. O grandsire, have
+those portents been ended by the fall of the king of the Chedis?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of the king, the exalted
+son of Parasara, the island-born Vyasa of dark hue, spoke these
+words,--'For thirteen years, O king, those portents will bear mighty
+consequences ending in destruction, O king of kings, of all the
+Kshatriyas. In course of time, O bull of the Bharata race, making thee
+the sole cause, the assembled Kshatriyas of the world will be
+destroyed, O Bharata, for the sins of Duryodhana and through the might
+of Bhima and Arjuna. In thy dream, O king of kings thou wilt behold
+towards the end of this might the blue throated Bhava, the slayer of
+Tripura, ever absorbed in meditation, having the bull for his mark,
+drinking off the human skull, and fierce and terrible, that lord of all
+creatures, that god of gods, the husband of Uma, otherwise called Hara
+and Sarva, and Vrisha, armed with the trident and the bow called
+Pinaka, and attired in tiger skin. And thou wilt behold Siva, tall and
+white as the Kailasa cliff and seated on his bull, gazing unceasingly
+towards the direction (south) presided over by the king of the Pitris.
+Even this will be the dream thou wilt dream today, O king of kings. Do
+not grieve for dreaming such a dream. None can rise superior to the
+influence of Time. Blest be thou! I will now proceed towards the
+Kailasa mountain. Rule thou the earth with vigilance and steadiness,
+patiently bearing every privation!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having said this, the illustrious and
+island-born Vyasa of dark hue, accompanied by his disciples ever
+following the dictates of the Vedas, proceeded towards Kailasa. And
+after the grand-father had thus gone away, the king afflicted with
+anxiety and grief, began to think continuously upon what the Rishi hath
+said. And he said to himself, 'Indeed what the Rishi hath said must
+come to pass. We will succeed in warding off the fates by exertion
+alone?' Then Yudhishthira endued with great energy addressing all his
+brothers, said, 'Ye tigers among men, ye have heard what the
+island-born Rishi hath told me. Having heard the words of the Rishi, I
+have arrived at this firm resolution viz., that I should die, as I am
+ordained to be the cause of the destruction of all Kshatriyas. Ye my
+dear ones, if Time hath intended so what need is there for me to live?'
+Hearing these words of the king, Arjuna replied, 'O king, yield not
+thyself to this terrible depression that is destructive of reason.
+Mustering fortitude, O great king, do what would be beneficial.'
+Yudhishthira then, firm in truth, thinking all the while of
+Dwaipayana's words answered his brothers thus,--'Blest be ye. Listen to
+my vow from this day. For thirteen years, what ever purpose have I to
+live for, I shall not speak a hard word to my brothers or to any of the
+kings of the earth. Living under the command of my relatives, I shall
+practise virtue, exemplifying my vow. If I live in this way, making no
+distinction between my own children and others, there will be no
+disagreement (between me and others). It is disagreement that is the
+cause of war in the world. Keeping war at a distance, and ever doing
+what is agreeable to others, evil reputation will not be mine in the
+world, ye bulls among men.' Hearing these words of their eldest
+brother, the Pandavas, always engaged in doing what was agreeable to
+him, approved of them. And Yudhishthira the just, having pledged so,
+along with his brothers in the midst of that assembly, gratified his
+priests as also the gods with due ceremonies. And, O bull of the
+Bharata race, after all the monarchs had gone away, Yudhishthira along
+with his brothers, having performed the usual auspicious rites,
+accompanied by his ministers entered his own palace. And, O ruler of
+men, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, continued to dwell
+in that delightful assembly house."
+
+
+SECTION XLVI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"That bull among men, Duryodhana, continued to
+dwell in that assembly house (of the Pandavas). And with Sakuni, the
+Kuru prince slowly examined the whole of that mansion, and the Kuru
+prince beheld in it many celestial designs, which he had never seen
+before in the city called after the elephant (Hastinapore). And one day
+king Duryodhana in going round that mansion came upon a crystal
+surface. And the king, from ignorance, mistaking it for a pool of
+water, drew up his clothes. And afterwards finding out his mistake the
+king wandered about the mansion in great sorrow. And sometime after,
+the king, mistaking a lake of crystal water adorned with lotuses of
+crystal petals for land, fell into it with all his clothes on.
+Beholding Duryodhana fallen into the lake, the mighty Bhima laughed
+aloud as also the menials of the palace. And the servants, at the
+command of the king, soon brought him dry and handsome clothes.
+Beholding the plight of Duryodhana, the mighty Bhima and Arjuna and
+both the twins--all laughed aloud. Being unused to putting up with
+insults, Duryodhana could not bear that laugh of theirs. Concealing his
+emotions he even did not cast his looks on them. And beholding the
+monarch once more draw up his clothes to cross a piece of dry land
+which he had mistaken for water, they all laughed again. And the king
+sometime after mistook a closed door made of crystal as open. And as he
+was about to pass through it his head struck against it, and he stood
+with his brain reeling. And mistaking as closed another door made of
+crystal that was really open, the king in attempting to open it with
+stretched hands, tumbled down. And coming upon another door that was
+really open, the king thinking it as closed, went away from it. And, O
+monarch, king Duryodhana beholding that vast wealth in the Rajasuya
+sacrifice and having become the victim of those numerous errors within
+the assembly house at last returned, with the leave of the Pandavas, to
+Hastinapore."
+
+"And the heart of king Duryodhana, afflicted at sight of the prosperity
+of the Pandavas, became inclined to sin, as he proceeded towards his
+city reflecting on all he had seen and suffered. And beholding the
+Pandavas happy and all the kings of the earth paying homage to them, as
+also everybody, young and old, engaged in doing good unto them, and
+reflecting also on the splendour and prosperity of the illustrious sons
+of Pandu, Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, became pale. In
+proceeding (to his city) with an efflicted heart, the prince thought of
+nothing else but that assembly house and that unrivalled prosperity of
+the wise Yudhishthira. And Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, was so
+taken up with his thoughts then that he spoke not a word to Suvala's
+son even though the latter addressed him repeatedly. And Sakuni,
+beholding him absent-minded, said,--'O Duryodhana, why art thou
+proceeding thus'?
+
+"Duryodhana replied,--'O uncle, beholding this whole earth owning the
+sway of Yudhishthira in consequence of the might of the illustrious
+Arjuna's weapons and beholding also that sacrifice of the son of Pritha
+like unto the sacrifice of Sakra himself of great glory among the
+celestials, I, being filled with jealousy and burning day and night, am
+being dried up like a shallow tank in the summer season. Behold, when
+Sisupala was slain by the chief of the Satwatas, there was no man to
+take the side of Sisupala. Consumed by the fire of the Pandava, they
+all forgave that offence; otherwise who is there that could forgive it?
+That highly improper act of grave consequence done by Vasudeva
+succeeded in consequence of the power of the illustrious son of Pandu.
+And so many monarchs also brought with them various kinds of wealth for
+king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, like tribute-paying Vaisyas!
+Beholding Yudhishthira's prosperity of such splendour, my heart
+burneth, efflicted with jealously, although it behoveth me not to be
+jealous.'
+
+"Having reflected in this way, Duryodhana, as if burnt by fire,
+addressed the king of Gandhara again and said,--'I shall throw myself
+upon a flaming fire or swallow poison or drown myself in water. I
+cannot live. What man is there in the world possessed of vigour who can
+bear to see his foes in the enjoyment of prosperity and himself in
+destitution? Therefore I who bear to see that accession of prosperity
+and fortune (in my foes) am neither a woman nor one that is not a
+woman, neither also a man nor one that is not a man. Beholding their
+sovereignty over the world and vast affluence, as also that sacrifice,
+who is there like me that would not smart under all that? Alone I am
+incapable of acquiring such royal prosperity; nor do I behold allies
+that could help me in the matter. It is for this that I am thinking of
+self-destruction. Beholding that great and serene prosperity of the son
+of Kunti, I regard Fate as supreme and exertions fruitless. O son of
+Suvala, formerly I strove to compass his destruction. But baffling all
+my efforts he hath grown in prosperity even like the lotus from within
+a pool of water. It is for this that I regard Fate as supreme and
+exertions fruitless. Behold, the sons of Dhritarashtra are decaying and
+the sons of Pritha are growing day by day. Beholding that prosperity of
+the Pandavas, and that assembly house of theirs, and those menials
+laughing at me, my heart burneth as if it were on fire. Therefore, O
+uncle, know me now as deeply grieved and filled with jealousy, and
+speak of it to Dhritarashtra.'
+
+
+SECTION XLVII
+
+"Sakuni said.--'O Duryodhana, thou shouldst not be jealous of
+Yudhishthira. The sons of Pandu are enjoying what they deserve in
+consequence of their own good fortune. O slayer of foes, O great king,
+thou couldst not destroy them by repeatedly devising numberless plans,
+many of which thou hadst even put to practice. Those tigers among men
+out of sheer luck escaped all those machinations. They have obtained
+Draupadi for wife and Drupada with his sons as also Vasudeva of great
+prowess as allies, capable of helping them in subjugating the whole
+world. And O king, having inherited the paternal share of the kingdom
+without being deprived of it they have grown in consequence of their
+own energy. What is there to make thee sorry for this? Having gratified
+Hustasana, Dhananjaya hath obtained the bow Gandiva and the couple of
+inexhaustible quivers and many celestial weapons. With that unique bow
+and by the strength of his own arms also he hath brought all the kings
+of the world under his sway. What is there to make thee sorry for this?
+Having saved the Asura Maya from a conflagration, Arjuna, that slayer
+of foes, using both his hands with equal skill, caused him to build
+that assembly house. And it is for this also that commanded by Maya,
+those grim Rakshasas called Kinkaras supported that assembly house.
+What is there in this to make thee sorry? Thou hast said, O king, that
+thou art without allies. This, O Bharata, is not true. These thy
+brothers are obedient to thee. Drona of great prowess and wielding the
+large bow along with his son, Radha's son Karna, the great warrior
+Gautama (Kripa), myself with my brothers and king Saumadatti--these are
+thy allies. Uniting thyself with these, conquer thou the whole of the
+earth.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'O king, with thee, as also with these great
+warriors, I shall subjugate the Pandavas, if it pleases thee. If I can
+now subjugate them, the world will be mine and all the monarchs, and
+that assembly house so full of wealth.'
+
+"Sakuni replied,--'Dhananjaya and Vasudeva, Bhimasena and Yudhishthira,
+Nakula and Sahadeva and Drupada with his sons,--these cannot be
+vanquished in battle by even the celestials, for they are all great
+warriors wielding the largest bows, accomplished in weapons, and
+delighting in battle. But, O king, I know the means by which
+Yudhishthira himself may be vanquished. Listen to me and adopt it.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'without danger to our friends and other illustrious
+men, O uncle, tell me if there is any way by which I may vanquish him.'
+
+"Sakuni said,--'The son of Kunti is very fond of dice-play although he
+doth not know how to play. That king if asked to play, is ill able to
+refuse. I am skillful at dice. There is none equal to me in this
+respect on earth, no, not even in the three worlds, O son of Kuru.
+Therefore, ask him to play at dice. Skilled at dice, I will win his
+kingdom, and that splendid prosperity of his for thee, O bull among
+men. But, O Duryodhana, represent all this unto the king
+(Dhritarashtra). Commanded by thy father I will win without doubt the
+whole of Yudhishthira's possessions.'
+
+"Duryodhana said 'O son of Suvala, thou thyself represent properly all
+this to Dhritarashtra, the chief of the Kurus. I shall not be able to
+do so.'"
+
+
+SECTION XLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said--"O king, impressed with the great Rajasuya sacrifice
+of king Yudhishthira, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, having learnt before
+the intentions of Duryodhana, while accompanying him in the way from
+the assembly house, and desirous of saying what was agreeable to him,
+approached Dhritarashtra endued with great wisdom, and finding the
+monarch deprived of his eye seated (in his throne), told him these
+words,--'Know, O great king, O bull of the Bharata race, that
+Duryodhana, having lost colour, hath become pale and emaciated and
+depressed and a prey to anxiety. Why dost thou not, after due enquiry,
+ascertain the grief that is in the heart of thy eldest son, the grief
+that is caused by the foe?'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'Duryodhana, what is the reason of thy great
+affliction, O son of the Kuru race? If it is fit for me to hear it,
+then tell me the reason. This Sakuni here says that thou hast lost
+colour, become pale and emaciated, and a prey to anxiety. I do not know
+what can be the reason of the sorrow. This vast wealth of mine is at
+thy control. Thy brothers and all our relations never do anything that
+is disagreeable to thee. Thou wearest the best apparel and eatest the
+best food that is prepared with meat. The best of horse carries thee.
+What it is, therefore, that hath made thee pale and emaciated? Costly
+beds, beautiful damsels, mansions decked with excellent furniture, and
+sport of the delightful kind, without doubt these all wait but at thy
+command, as in the case of the gods themselves. Therefore, O proud one,
+why dost thou grieve, O son, as if thou wert destitute.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'I eat and dress myself like a wretch and pass my
+time all the while a prey to fierce jealousy. He indeed is a man, who
+incapable of bearing the pride of the foe, liveth having vanquished
+that foe with the desire of liberating his own subjects from the
+tyranny of the foe. Contentment, as also pride, O Bharata, are
+destructive of prosperity; and those other two qualities also, viz.,
+compassion and fear. One who acteth under the influence of these, never
+obtaineth anything high. Having beheld Yudhishthira's prosperity,
+whatever I enjoy brings me no gratification. The prosperity of Kunti's
+son that is possessed of such splendour maketh me pale. Knowing the
+affluence of the foe and my own destitution, even though that affluence
+is not before me, I yet see it before me. Therefore, have I lost colour
+and become melancholy, pale and emaciated. Yudhishthira supporteth
+eighty-eight thousand Snataka Brahmanas leading domestic lives, giving
+unto each of them thirty slave-girls. Beside this, thousand other
+Brahmanas daily eat at his palace the best of food on golden plates.
+The king of Kambhoja sent unto him (as tribute) innumerable skins,
+black, darkish, and red, of the deer Kadali, as also numberless
+blankets of excellent textures. And hundreds and thousands and
+thousands of she-elephants and thirty thousand she-camels wander within
+the palace, for the kings of the earth brought them all as tribute to
+the capital of the Pandavas. And, O lord of earth, the kings also
+brought unto this foremost of sacrifices heaps upon heaps of jewels and
+gems for the son of Kunti. Never before did I see or hear of such
+enormous wealth as was brought unto the sacrifice of the intelligent
+sons of Pandu. And, O king, beholding that enormous collection of
+wealth belonging to the foe, I can not enjoy peace of mind. Hundreds of
+Brahmanas supported by the grants that Yudhishthira hath given them and
+possessing wealth of kine, waited at the palace gate with three
+thousands of millions of tribute but were prevented by the keepers from
+entering the mansion. Bringing with them clarified butter in handsome
+Kamandalus made of gold, they did not obtain admission into the palace,
+and Ocean himself brought unto him in vessels of white copper the
+nectar that is generated within his waters and which is much superior
+to that which flowers and annual plants produce for Sakra. And Vasudeva
+(at the conclusion of the sacrifice) having brought an excellent conch
+bathed the Sun of Pritha with sea water brought in thousand jars of
+gold, all well adorned with numerous gems. Beholding all this I became
+feverish with jealousy. Those jars had been taken to the Eastern and
+the Southern oceans. And they had also been taken on the shoulders of
+men to the Western ocean, O bull among men. And, O father, although
+none but birds only can go to the Northern region Arjuna, having gone
+thither, exacted as tribute a vast quantity of wealth. There is another
+wonderful incident also which I will relate to thee. O listen to me.
+When a hundred thousand Brahmanas were fed, it had been arranged that
+to notify this act every day conches would be blown in a chorus. But, O
+Bharata, I continually heard conches blown there almost repeatedly. And
+hearing those notes my hair stood on end. And, O great king, that
+palatial compound, filled with innumerable monarchs that came there as
+spectators, looked exceedingly handsome like the cloudless firmament
+with stars. And, O king of men, the monarchs came into that sacrifice
+of the wise son of Pandu bringing with them every kind of wealth. And
+the kings that came there became like Vaisyas the distributors of food
+unto the Brahmanas that were fed. And O king, the prosperity that I
+beheld of Yudhishthira was such that neither the chief himself of the
+celestials, nor Yama or Varuna, nor the lord of the Guhyakas owneth the
+same. And beholding that great prosperity of the son of Pandu, my heart
+burneth and I cannot enjoy peace.'
+
+"Hearing these words of Duryodhana, Sakuni replied,--'Hear how thou
+mayest obtain this unrivalled prosperity that thou beholdest in the son
+of Pandu, O thou that hast truth for thy prowess. O Bharata, I am an
+adept at dice, superior to all in the world. I can ascertain the
+success or otherwise of every throw, and when to stake and when not. I
+have special knowledge of the game. The Son of Kunti also is fond of
+dice playing though he possesseth little skill in it. Summoned to play
+or battle, he is sure to come forward, and I will defeat him repeatedly
+at every throw by practising deception. I promise to win all that
+wealth of his, and thou, O Duryodhana, shalt then enjoy the same.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"King Duryodhana, thus addressed by Sakuni,
+without allowing a moment to elapse, said unto Dhritarashtra,--'This,
+Sakuni, an adept at dice, is ready to win at dice, O king, the wealth
+of the sons of Pandu. It behoveth thee to grant him permission to do
+so.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied,--'I always follow the counsels of Kshatta, my
+minister possessed of great wisdom. Having consulted with him, I will
+inform thee what my judgment is in respect of this affair. Endued with
+great foresight, he will, keeping morality before his eyes, tell us
+what is good and what is proper for both parties, and what should be
+done in this matter.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'If thou consultest with Kshatta he will make thee
+desist. And if thou desist, O king, I will certainly kill myself. And
+when I am dead, O king, thou wilt become happy with Vidura. Thou wilt
+then enjoy the whole earth; what need hast thou with me?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Dhritarashtra, hearing these words of
+affliction uttered by Duryodhana from mixed feeling, himself ready to
+what Duryodhana had dictated, commanded his servant, saying,--'Let
+artificers be employed to erect without delay a delightful and handsome
+and spacious palace with an hundred doors and a thousand columns. And
+having brought carpenters and joiners, set ye jewels and precious
+stones all over the walls. And making it handsome and easy of access,
+report to me when everything is complete.' And, O monarch, king
+Dhritarashtra having made this resolution for the pacification of
+Duryodhana, sent messengers unto Vidura for summoning him. For without
+taking counsel with Vidura never did the monarch form any resolution.
+But as regards the matter at hand, the king although he knew the evils
+of gambling, was yet attracted towards it. The intelligent Vidura,
+however, as soon as he heard of it, knew that the arrival of Kali was
+at hand. And seeing that the way to destruction was about to open, he
+quickly came to Dhritarashtra. And Vidura approaching his illustrious
+eldest brother and bowing down unto his feet, said these words:
+
+"'O exalted king, I do not approve of this resolution that thou hast
+formed. It behave thee, O king, to act in such a way that no dispute
+may arise between thy children on account of this gambling match.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied,--'O Kshatta, if the gods be merciful unto us,
+assuredly no dispute will ever arise amongst my sons. Therefore,
+auspicious or otherwise, beneficial or otherwise, let this friendly
+challenge at dice proceed. Even this without doubt is what fate hath
+ordained for us. And, O son of the Bharata race, when I am near, and
+Drona and Bhishma and thou too, nothing evil that even Fate might have
+ordained is likely to happen. Therefore, go thou on a car yoking
+thereto horses endued with the speed of the wind, so that thou mayest
+reach Khandavaprastha even today and bring thou Yudhishthira with thee.
+And, O Vidura, I tell that even this is my resolution. Tell me nothing.
+I regard Fate as supreme which bringeth all this.' Hearing these words
+of Dhritarashtra and concluding that his race was doomed, Vidura in
+great sorrow went unto Bhishma with great wisdom."
+
+
+SECTION XLIX
+
+Janamejaya said,--"O thou foremost of all conversant with the Vedas,
+how did that game at dice take place, fraught with such evil to the
+cousins and through which my grand-sires, the son of Pandu, were
+plunged into such sorrow? What kings also were present in that
+assembly, and who amongst them approved of the gambling match and who
+amongst them forbade it? O sinless one, O chief of regenerate ones, I
+desire thee to recite in detail all about this, which, indeed, was the
+cause of the destruction of the world."
+
+Santi said,--"Thus addressed by the king, the disciple of Vyasa, endued
+with great energy and conversant with the entire Vedas, narrated
+everything that had happened."
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"O best of the Bharatas, O great king, if thou
+desirest to hear, then listen to me as I narrate to thee everything
+again in detail.
+
+"Ascertaining the opinion of Vidura, Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika,
+calling Duryodhana told him again in private--'O son of Gandhari, have
+nothing to do with dice. Vidura doth not speak well of it. Possessed of
+great wisdom, he will never give me advice that is not for my good. I
+also regard what Vidura sayeth as exceedingly beneficial for me. Do
+that, O son, for I regard it all as for thy good also. Indeed, Vidura
+knoweth with all its mysteries the science (of political morality) that
+the illustrious and learned and wise Vrihaspati, the celestial Rishi
+who is the spiritual guide of Vasava--had unfolded unto the wise chief
+of the immortals. And O son, I always accept what Vidura adviseth. O
+king, as the wise Uddhava is ever regarded amongst the Vrishnis, so is
+Vidura possessed of great intelligence esteemed as the foremost of the
+Kurus. Therefore, O son, have nothing to do with dice. It is evident
+that dice soweth dissensions. And dissensions are the ruin of the
+kingdom. Therefore, O son, abandon this idea of gambling. O son, thou
+hast obtained from us what, it hath been ordained, a father and a
+mother should give unto their son, viz., ancestral rank and
+possessions. Thou art educated and clever in every branch of knowledge,
+and hast been brought up with affection in thy paternal dwelling. Born
+the eldest among all thy brothers, living within thy own kingdom, why
+regardest thou thyself as unhappy? O thou of mighty arms, thou
+obtainest food and attire of the very best kind and which is not
+obtainable by ordinary men. Why dost thou grieve yet. O son, O
+mighty-armed one, ruling thy large ancestral kingdom swelling with
+people and wealth, thou shinest as splendidly as the chief of the
+celestials in heaven. Thou art possessed of wisdom. It behoveth thee to
+tell me what can be the root of this grief that hath made thee so
+melancholy.'
+
+"Duryodhana replied,--'I am a sinful wretch, O king, because I eat and
+dress beholding (the prosperity of the foes). It hath been said that
+man is a wretch who is not filled with jealousy at the sight of his
+enemy's prosperity. O exalted one, this kind of prosperity of mine doth
+not gratify me. Beholding that blazing prosperity of the son of Kunti,
+I am very much pained. I tell thee strong must be my vitality, in as
+much as I am living even at the sight of the whole earth owning the
+sway of Yudhishthira. The Nipas, the Chitrakas, the Kukkuras, the
+Karaskaras, and the Lauha-janghas are living in the palace of
+Yudhishthira like bondsmen. The Himavat, the ocean, the regions on the
+sea-shore, and the numberless other regions that yield jewels and gems,
+have all acknowledged superiority of the mansion of Yudhishthira in
+respect of wealth it containeth. And, O Monarch, regarding me as the
+eldest and entitled to respect, Yudhishthira having received me
+respectfully, appointed me in receiving the jewels and gems (that were
+brought as tribute). O Bharata, the limit and the like of the excellent
+and invaluable jewels that were brought there have not been seen. And O
+king, my hands were fatigued in receiving that wealth. And when I was
+tired, they that brought those valuable articles from distant regions
+used to wait till I was able to resume my labour. Bringing jewels from
+the lake Vindu, the Asura architect Maya constructed (for the Pandavas)
+a lake-like surface made of crystal. Beholding the (artificial) lotuses
+with which it was filled, I mistook it, O king for water. And seeing me
+draw up my clothes (while about to cross it), Vrikodara (Bhima) laughed
+at me, regarding me as wanting in jewels and having lost my head at the
+sight of the affluence of my enemy. If I had the ability, I would, O
+king, without the loss of a moment, slay Vrikodara for that. But, O
+monarch, if we endeavour to slay Bhima now, without doubt, ours will be
+the fate of Sisupala. O Bharata, that insult by the foe burneth me.
+Once again, O king, beholding a similar lake that is really full of
+water but which I mistook for a crystal surface, I fell into it. At
+that, Bhima with Arjuna once more laughed derisively, and Draupadi also
+accompanied by other females joined in the laughter. That paineth my
+heart exceedingly. My apparel having been wet, the menials at the
+command of the king gave me other clothes. That also is my great
+sorrow. And O king, hear now of another mistake that I speak of. In
+attempting to pass through what is exactly of the shape of a door but
+through which there was really no passage, I struck my forehead against
+stone and injured myself. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva beholding from
+a distance that I was so hit at the head came and supported me in their
+arms, expressing great concern for me. And Sahadeva repeatedly told me,
+as if with a smile,--"This O king, is the door. Go this way!" And
+Bhimasena, laughing aloud, addressed me and said,--"O son of
+Dhritarashtra, this is the door." And, O king I had not even heard of
+the names of those gems that I saw in that mansion. And it is for these
+reasons that my heart so acheth.'
+
+
+SECTION L
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'Listen now, O Bharata, about all the most costly
+articles I saw, belonging unto the sons of Pandu, and brought one after
+another by the kings of the earth. Beholding that wealth of the foe, I
+lost my reason and scarcely knew myself. And, O Bharata, listen as I
+describe that wealth consisting of both manufactures and the produce of
+the land. The king of Kamboja gave innumerable skins of the best kind,
+and blankets made of wool, of the soft fur of rodents and other
+burroughers, and of the hair of cats,--all inlaid with threads of gold.
+And he also gave three hundred horses of the Titteti and the Kalmasha
+species possessing noses like parrots. And he also gave three hundred
+camels and an equal number of she-asses, all fattened with the olives
+and the Pilusha. And innumerable Brahmanas engaged in rearing cattle
+and occupied in low offices for the gratification of the illustrious
+king Yudhishthira the just waited at the gate with three hundred
+millions of tribute but they were denied admission into the palace. And
+hundred upon hundreds of Brahmanas possessing wealth of kine and living
+upon the lands that Yudhishthira had given them, came there with their
+handsome golden Kamandalus filled with clarified butter. And though
+they had brought such tribute, they were refused admission into the
+palace. And the Sudra kings that dwelt in the regions on the seacoast,
+brought with them, O king, hundred thousands of serving girls of the
+Karpasika country, all of beautiful features and slender waist and
+luxuriant hair and decked in golden ornaments; and also many skins of
+the Ranku deer worthy even of Brahmanas as tribute unto king
+Yudhishthira. And the tribes Vairamas, Paradas, Tungas, with the
+Kitavas who lived upon crops that depended on water from the sky or of
+the river and also they who were born in regions on the sea-shore, in
+woodlands, or countries on the other side of the ocean waited at the
+gate, being refused permission to enter, with goats and kine and asses
+and camels and vegetable, honey and blankets and jewels and gems of
+various kinds. And that great warrior king Bhagadatta, the brave ruler
+of Pragjyotisha and the mighty sovereign of the mlechchas, at the head
+of a large number of Yavanas waited at the gate unable to enter, with a
+considerable tribute comprising of horses of the best breed and
+possessing the speed of the wind. And king Bhagadatta (beholding the
+concourse) had to go away from the gate, making over a number of swords
+with handles made of the purest ivory and well-adorned with diamonds
+and every kind of gems. And many tribes coming from different regions,
+of whom some possess two eyes, some three and some had eyes on their
+foreheads, and those also called Aushmikas, and Nishadas, and Romakas,
+some cannibals and many possessing only one leg, I say, O king,
+standing at the gate, being refused permission to enter. And these
+diverse rulers brought as tribute ten thousand asses of diverse hues
+and black necks and huge bodies and great speed and much docility and
+celebrated all over the world. And these asses were all of goodly size
+and delightful colour. And they were all bred on the coast of Vankhu.
+And there were many kings that gave unto Yudhishthira much gold and
+silver. And having given much tribute they obtained admission into the
+palace of Yudhishthira. The people that came there possessing only one
+leg gave unto Yudhishthira many wild horses, some of which were as red
+as the cochineal, and some white, and some possessing the hues of the
+rainbow and some looking like evening clouds, and some that were of
+variegated colour. And they were all endued with the speed of the mind.
+And they also gave unto the king enough gold of superior quality. I
+also saw numberless Chins and Sakas and Uddras and many barbarous
+tribes living in the woods, and many Vrishnis and Harahunas, and dusky
+tribes of the Himavat, and many Nipas and people residing in regions on
+the sea-coast, waiting at the gate being refused permission to enter.
+And the people of Valhika gave unto him as tribute ten thousand asses,
+of goodly size and black necks and daily running two hundred miles, And
+those asses were of many shapes. And they were well-trained and
+celebrated all over the world. And possessed of symmetrical proportion
+and excellent colour, their skins were pleasant to the touch. And the
+Valhikas also presented numerous blankets of woollen texture
+manufactured in Chin and numerous skins of the Ranku deer, and clothes
+manufactured from jute, and others woven with the threads spun by
+insects. And they also gave thousands of other clothes not made of
+cotton, possessing the colour of the lotus. And these were all of
+smooth texture. And they also gave soft sheep-skins by thousands. And
+they also gave many sharp and long swords and scimitars, and hatchets
+and fine-edged battle-axes manufactured in the western countries. And
+having presented perfumes and jewels and gems of various kinds by
+thousands as tribute, they waited at the gate, being refused admission
+into the palace. And the Sakas and Tukhatas and Tukharas and Kankas and
+Romakas and men with horns bringing with them as tribute numerous large
+elephants and ten thousand horses, and hundreds and hundreds of
+millions of gold waited at the gate, being refused permission to enter.
+And the kings of the eastern countries having presented numerous
+valuable articles including many costly carpets and vehicles and beds,
+and armours of diverse hues decked with jewels and gold and ivory, and
+weapons of various kinds, and cars of various shapes and handsome make
+and adorned with gold, with well-trained horses trimmed with tiger
+skins, and rich and variegated blankets for caprisoning elephants, and
+various kinds of jewels and gems, arrows long and short and various
+other kinds of weapons, obtained permission to enter the sacrificial
+palace of the illustrious Pandava!'
+
+
+SECTION LI
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'O sinless one, listen to me as I describe that
+large mass of wealth consisting of various kinds of tribute presented
+unto Yudhishthira by the kings of the earth. They that dwell by the
+side of the river Sailoda flowing between the mountains of Mer and
+Mandara and enjoy the delicious shade of topes of the Kichaka bamboo,
+viz., the Khashas, Ekasanas, the Arhas, the Pradaras, the Dirghavenus,
+the Paradas, the Kulindas, the Tanganas, and the other Tanganas,
+brought as tribute heaps of gold measured in dronas (jars) and raised
+from underneath the earth by ants and therefore called after these
+creatures. The mountain tribes endued with great strength having
+brought as tribute numerous Chamaras (long brushes) soft and black and
+others white as moon-beam and sweet honey extracted from the flowers
+growing on the Himavat as also from the Mishali champaka and garlands
+of flowers brought from the region of the northern Kurus, and diverse
+kinds of plants from the north even from Kailasa, waited with their
+heads bent down at the gate of king Yudhishthira, being refused
+permission to enter. I also beheld there numberless chiefs of the
+Kiratas armed with cruel weapons and ever engaged in cruel deeds,
+eating of fruits and roots and attired in skins and living on the
+northern slopes of the Himavat and on the mountain from behind which
+the sun rises and in the region of Karusha on the sea-coast and on both
+sides of the Lohitya mountains. And, O king, having brought with them
+as tribute loads upon loads of sandal and aloe as also black aloe, and
+heaps upon heaps of valuable skins and gold and perfumes, and ten
+thousand serving-girls of their own race, and many beautiful animals
+and birds of remote countries, and much gold of great splendour
+procured from mountains, the Kiratas waited at the gate, being refused
+permission to enter. The Kairatas, the Daradas, the Darvas, the Suras,
+the Vaiamakas, the Audumvaras, the Durvibhagas, the Kumaras, the
+Paradas along with the Vahlikas, the Kashmiras, the Ghorakas, the
+Hansakayanas, the Sivis, the Trigartas, the Yauddheyas, the ruler of
+Madras and the Kaikeyas, the Amvashtas, the Kaukuras, the Tarkshyas,
+the Vastrapas along with the Palhavas, the Vashatayas, the Mauleyas
+along with the Kshudrakas, and the Malavas, the Paundrayas, the
+Kukkuras, the Sakas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Punras, the Sanavatyas,
+and the Gayas--these good and well-born Kshatriyas distributed into
+regular clans and trained to the use of arms, brought tribute unto king
+Yudhishthira by hundreds and thousands. And the Vangas, the Kalingas,
+the Magadhas, the Tamraliptas, the Supundrakas, the Dauvalikas, the
+Sagarakas, the Patrornas, the Saisavas, and innumerable
+Karnapravaranas, who presented themselves at the gate, were told by the
+gate-keepers at the command of the king, that if they could wait and
+bring good tribute they could obtain admission. Then the kings of those
+nations each gave a thousand elephants furnished with tusks like unto
+the shafts of ploughs and decked with girdles made of gold, and covered
+with fine blankets and therefore, resembling the lotus in hue. And they
+were all darkish as rocks and always musty, and procured from the sides
+of the Kamyaka lake, and covered with defensive armour. And they were
+also exceedingly patient and of the best breed. And having made these
+presents, those kings were permitted to enter. O king, these and many
+others, coming from various regions, and numberless other illustrious
+kings, brought jewels and gems unto this sacrifice. And Chitraratha,
+also the king of Gandharvas, the friend of Indra, gave four hundred
+horses gifted with the speed of the wind. And the Gandharva Tumvuru
+gladly gave a hundred horses of the colour of mango leaf and decked in
+gold. And, O thou of the Kuru race, the celebrated king of the Mlechcha
+tribe, called the Sukaras, gave many hundreds of excellent elephants.
+And Virata, the king of Matsya, gave as tribute two thousand elephants
+decked in gold. And king Vasudana from the kingdom of Pansu presented
+unto the son of Pandu six and twenty elephants and two thousand horses,
+O king, all decked in gold and endued with speed and strength and in
+full vigour of youth, and diverse other kinds of wealth. And Yajnasena
+presented unto the sons of Pandu for the sacrifice, fourteen thousand
+serving-girls and ten thousand serving-men with their wives, many
+hundreds of excellent elephants, six and twenty cars with elephants
+yoked unto them, and also his whole kingdom. And Vasudeva of the
+Vrishni race, in order to enhance the dignity of Arjuna, gave fourteen
+thousands of excellent elephants. Indeed, Krishna is the soul of Arjuna
+and Arjuna is the soul of Krishna, and whatever Arjuna may say Krishna
+is certain to accomplish. And Krishna is capable of abandoning heaven
+itself for the sake of Arjuna, and Arjuna also is capable of
+sacrificing his life for the sake of Krishna. And the Kings of Chola
+and Pandya, though they brought numberless jars of gold filled with
+fragrant sandal juice from the hills of Malaya, and loads of sandal and
+aloe wood from the Dardduras hills, and many gems of great brilliancy
+and fine cloths inlaid with gold, did not obtain permission (to enter).
+And the king of the Singhalas gave those best of sea-born gems called
+the lapis lazuli, and heaps of pearls also, and hundreds of coverlets
+for elephants. And numberless dark-coloured men with the ends of their
+eyes red as copper, attired in clothes decked with gems, waited at the
+gate with those presents. And numberless Brahmanas and Kshatriyas who
+had been vanquished, and Vaisyas and serving Sudras, from love of
+Yudhishthira, brought tribute unto the son of Pandu. And even all the
+Mlechchas, from love and respect, came unto Yudhishthira. And all
+orders of men, good, indifferent and low, belonging to numberless
+races, coming from diverse lands made Yudhishthira's habitation the
+epitome of the world.'
+
+"'And beholding the kings of the earth to present unto the foes such
+excellent and valuable presents, I wished for death out of grief. And O
+king, I will now tell thee of the servants of the Pandavas, people for
+whom Yudhishthira supplieth food, both cooked and uncooked. There are a
+hundred thousand billions of mounted elephants and cavalry and a
+hundred millions of cars and countless foot soldiers. At one place raw
+provisions are being measured out; at another they are being cooked;
+and at another place the foods are being distributed. And the notes of
+festivity are being heard everywhere. And amongst men of all orders I
+beheld not a single one in the mansion of Yudhishthira that had not
+food and drink and ornaments. And eighty-eight thousands of Snataka
+Brahmanas leading domestic lives, all supported by Yudhishthira, with
+thirty serving-girls given unto each, gratified by the king, always
+pray with complacent hearts for the destruction of his foes. And ten
+thousands of other ascetics with vital seed drawn up, daily eat of
+golden plates in Yudhishthira's palace. And, O king, Yajnaseni, without
+having eaten herself, daily seeth whether everybody, including even the
+deformed and the dwarfs, hath eaten or not. And, O Bharata, only two do
+not pay tribute unto the son of Kunti, viz., the Panchalas in
+consequence of their relationship by marriage, and the Andhakas and
+Vrishnis in consequence of their friendship.'
+
+
+SECTION LII
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'Those kings that are revered over all the world,
+who are devoted to truth and who are pledged to the observance of rigid
+vows, who are possessed of great learning and eloquence, who are fully
+conversant with the Vedas and their branches as also with sacrifices,
+who have piety and modesty, whose souls are devoted to virtue, who
+possess fame, and who have enjoyed the grand rites of coronation, all
+wait upon and worship Yudhishthira. And, O king, I beheld there many
+thousands of wild kine with as many vessels of white copper for milking
+them, brought thither by the kings of the earth as sacrificial presents
+to be given away by Yudhishthira unto the Brahmana. And, O Bharata, for
+bathing Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice, many kings
+with the greatest alacrity, themselves brought there in a state of
+purity many excellent jars (containing water). And king Vahlika brought
+there a car decked with pure gold. And king Sudakshina himself yoked
+thereto four white horses of Kamboja breed, and Sunitha of great might
+fitted the lower pole and the ruler of Chedi with his own hands took up
+and fitted the flag-staff. And the king of the Southern country stood
+ready with the coat of mail; the ruler of Magadha, with garlands of
+flowers and the head-gear; the great warrior Vasudana with a sixty
+years old elephant, the king of Matsya, with the side-fittings of the
+car, all encased in gold; king Ekalavya, with the shoes; the king of
+Avanti, with diverse kinds of water for the final bath; king Chekitana,
+with the quiver; the king of Kasi, with the bow; and Salya, with a
+sword whose hilt and straps were adorned with gold. Then Dhaumya and
+Vyasa, of great ascetic merit, with Narada and Asita's son Devala,
+standing before performed the ceremony of sprinkling the sacred water
+over the king. And the great Rishis with cheerful hearts sat where the
+sprinkling ceremony was performed. And other illustrious Rishis
+conversant with the Vedas, with Jamadagni's son among them, approached
+Yudhishthira, the giver of large sacrificial presents, uttering mantras
+all the while, like the seven Rishis, approaching the great Indra in
+heaven. And Satyaki of unbaffled prowess held the umbrella (over the
+king's head). And Dhananjaya and Bhima were engaged in tanning the
+king; while the twins held a couple of chamaras in their hands. And the
+Ocean himself brought in a sling that big conch of Varuna which the
+celestial artificer Viswakarman had constructed with a thousand Nishkas
+of gold, and which Prajapati had in a former Kalpa, presented unto
+Indra. It was with that conch that Krishna bathed Yudhishthira after
+the conclusion of the sacrifice, and beholding it, I swooned away.
+People go to the Eastern or the Western seas and also to the Southern
+one. But, O father, none except birds can ever go to the Northern sea.
+But the Pandavas have spread their dominion even there, for I heard
+hundreds of conches that had been brought thence blown (in the
+sacrificial mansion) indicative of auspicious rejoicing. And while
+those conches blew simultaneously, my hair stood on end. And those
+among the kings, who were weak in strength fell down. And
+Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki and the sons of Pandu and Kesava,--those
+eight, endued with strength and prowess and handsome in person,
+beholding the kings deprived of consciousness and myself in that
+plight, laughed outright. Then Vibhatsu (Arjuna) with a cheerful heart
+gave, O Bharata, unto the principal Brahmanas five hundred bullocks
+with horns plated with gold. And king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti,
+having completed the Rajasuya sacrifice, obtained like the exalted
+Harishchandra such prosperity that neither Rantideva nor Nabhaga, nor
+Jauvanaswa, nor Manu, nor king Prithu the son of Vena, nor Bhagiratha,
+Yayati, nor Nahusha, had obtained its like. And beholding, O exalted
+one, such prosperity, in the son of Pritha which is even like that
+which Harishchandra had, I do not see the least good in continuing to
+live, O Bharata! O ruler of men, a yoke that is tied (to the bullock's
+shoulders) by a blind man becomes loosened. Even such is the case with
+us. The younger ones are growing while the elder ones are decaying. And
+beholding all this, O chief of the Kurus, I cannot enjoy peace even
+with the aid of reflection. And it is for this, O king, that I am
+plunged into grief and becoming pale and emaciated.'
+
+
+SECTION LIII
+
+"Dhritrashtra said,--'Thou art my eldest son and born also of my eldest
+wife. Therefore, O son, be not jealous of the Pandavas. He that is
+jealous is always unhappy and suffereth the pangs of death. O bull of
+the Bharata race, Yudhishthira knoweth not deception, possesseth wealth
+equal unto thine, hath thy friends for his, and is not jealous of thee.
+Why shouldst thou, therefore, be jealous of him? O king, in respect of
+friends and allies thou art equal unto Yudhishthira. Why shouldst thou,
+therefore, covet, from folly, the property of thy brother? Be not so.
+Cease to be jealous. Do not grieve. O bull of the Bharata race, if thou
+covetest the dignity attaching to the performance of a sacrifice, let
+the priests arrange for thee the great sacrifice, called the
+Saptatantu. The kings of the earth will then, cheerfully and with great
+respect, bring for thee also much wealth and gems and ornaments. O
+child, coveting other's possessions is exceedingly mean. He, on the
+other hand, enjoyeth happiness, who is content with his own being
+engaged in the practices of his own order. Never striving to obtain the
+wealth of others, persevering in one's own affairs, and protecting what
+hath been earned,--these are the indications of true greatness. He that
+is unmoved in calamity, skilled in his own business, ever exerting
+vigilance and humble, always beholdeth prosperity. The sons of Pandu
+are as thy arms. Do not lop off those arms of thine. Plunge not into
+internal dissensions for the sake of that wealth of thy brothers. O
+king, be not jealous of the sons of Pandu. Thy wealth is equal unto
+that of thy brothers in his entirety. There is great sin in quarrelling
+with friends. They that are thy grandsires are theirs also. Give away
+in charity on occasions of sacrifices, gratify every dear object of thy
+desire, disport in the company of women freely, and enjoy thou peace.'
+
+
+SECTION LIV
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'He that is devoid of intellect but hath merely
+heard of many things, can scarcely understand the real import of the
+scriptures, like the spoon that hath no perception of the taste of the
+soup it toucheth. Thou knowest everything, but yet confoundest me. Like
+a boat fastened to another, thou and I are tied to each other. Art thou
+unmindful of thy own interests? Or, dost thou entertain hostile feeling
+towards me? These thy sons and allies are doomed to destruction,
+inasmuch as they have thee for their ruler, for thou describest as
+attainable in the future what is to be done at the present moment. He
+often trippeth whose guide acts under the instructions of others. How
+then can his followers expect to come across a right path? O king, thou
+art of mature wisdom; thou hast the opportunity to listen to the words
+of old, and thy senses also are under thy control. It behoveth thee not
+to confound us who are ready to seek our own interests. Vrihaspati hath
+said that the usage of kings are different from those of common people.
+Therefore kings should always attend to their own interests with
+vigilance. The attainment of success is the sole criterion that should
+guide the conduct of a Kshatriya. Whether, therefore, the means is
+virtuous or sinful, what scruples can there be in the duties of one's
+own order? He that is desirous of snatching the blazing prosperity of
+his foe, should, O bull of the Bharata race, bring every direction
+under his subjection like the charioteer taming the steeds with his
+whip. Those used to handling weapons say that, a weapon is not simply
+an instrument that cuts but is a means, whether covert or overt, that
+can defeat a foe. Who is to be reckoned a foe and who a friend, doth
+not depend on one's figure or dimensions. He that paineth another is, O
+king, to be regarded a foe by him that is pained. Discontent is the
+root of prosperity. Therefore, O king, I desire to be discontented. He
+that striveth after the acquisition of prosperity is, O king, a truly
+politic person. Nobody should be attached to wealth and affluence, for
+the wealth that hath been earned and hoarded may be plundered. The
+usages of kings are even such. It was during a period of peace that
+Sakra cut off the head of Namuchi after having given a pledge to the
+contrary, and it was because he approved of this eternal usage towards
+the enemy that he did so. Like a snake that swalloweth up frogs and
+other creatures living in holes, the earth swalloweth up a king that is
+peaceful and a Brahmana that stirreth not out of home. O king, none can
+by nature be any person's foe. He is one's foe, and not anybody else,
+who hath common pursuits with one. He that from folly neglecteth a
+growing foe, hath his vitals cut off as by a disease that he cherished
+without treatment. A foe, however insignificant, if suffered to grow in
+prowess, swalloweth one like the white ants at the root of a tree
+eating off the tree itself. O Bharata, O Ajamida, let not the
+prosperity of the foe be acceptable to thee. This policy (of neglecting
+the foe) should always be borne on their heads by the wise even like a
+load. He that always wisheth for the increase of his wealth, ever
+groweth in the midst of his relatives even like the body naturally
+growing from the moment of birth. Prowess conferreth speedy growth.
+Coveting as I do the prosperity of the Pandavas, I have not yet made it
+my own. At present I am a prey to doubts in respect of my ability. I am
+determined to resolve those doubts of mine. I will either obtain that
+prosperity of theirs, or lie down having perished in battle. O king
+when the state of my mind is such, what do I care now for life, for the
+Pandavas are daily growing while our possessions know no increase?'
+
+
+SECTION LV
+
+"Sakuni said,--'O thou foremost of victorious persons, I will snatch
+(for thee) this prosperity of Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, at the
+sight of which thou grievest so. Therefore, O king, let Yudhishthira
+the son of Kunti be summoned. By throwing dice a skilful man, himself
+uninjured, may vanquish one that hath no skill. Know, O Bharata, that
+betting is my bow, the dice are my arrows, the marks on them my
+bow-string, and the dice-board my car.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'This Sukuni skilled at dice, is ready, O king, to
+snatch the prosperity of the son of Pandu by means of dice. It behoveth
+thee to give him permission.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'I am obedient to the counsels of my brother, the
+illustrious Vidura. Consulting with him, I shall tell what should be
+done in this matter.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'Vidura is always engaged in doing good to the sons
+of Pandu. O Kaurava, his feelings towards us are otherwise. He will,
+therefore, without doubt, withdraw thy heart from the proposed act. No
+man should set himself to any task depending upon the counsels of
+another, for, O son of Kuru's race, the minds of two persons seldom
+agree in any particular act. The fool that liveth shunning all causes
+of fear wasteth himself like an insect in the rainy season. Neither
+sickness nor Yama waiteth till one is in prosperity. So long,
+therefore, as there is life and health, one should (without waiting for
+prosperity) accomplish his purpose.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'O son, hostility with those that are strong, is
+what never recommendeth itself to me. Hostility bringeth about a change
+of feelings, and that itself is a weapon though not made of steel. Thou
+regardest, O Prince, as a great blessing what will bring in its train
+the terrible consequences of war. What is really fraught with mischief.
+If once it beginneth, it will create sharp swords and pointed arrows.'
+
+"Duryodhana replied,--'Men of the most ancient times invented the use
+of dice. There is no destruction in it, nor is there any striking with
+weapons. Let the words of Sakuni, therefore, be acceptable to thee, and
+let thy command be issued for the speedy construction of the assembly
+house. The door of heaven, leading us to such happiness, will be opened
+to us by gambling. Indeed, they that betake to gambling (with such aid)
+deserve such good fortune. The Pandavas then will become thy equals
+(instead of, as now, superiors); therefore, gamble thou with the
+Pandavas.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said.--'The words uttered by thee do not recommend
+themselves to me. Do what may be agreeable to thee, O ruler of men. But
+thou shall have to repent for acting according to these words; for,
+words that are fraught with such immorality can never bring prosperity
+in the future. Even this was foreseen by the learned Vidura ever
+treading the path of truth and wisdom. Even the great calamity,
+destructive of the lives of the Kshatriyas, cometh as destined by
+fate.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued--"Having said this, the weak-minded
+Dhritarashtra regarded fate as supreme and unavoidable. And the king
+deprived of reason by Fate, and obedient to the counsels of his son,
+commanded his men in loud voice, saying--'Carefully construct, without
+loss of time, an assembly house of the most beautiful description, to
+be called the crystal-arched palace with a thousand columns, decked
+with gold and lapis lazuli, furnished with a hundred gates, and full
+two miles in length and in breadth the same.' Hearing those words of
+his, thousands of artificers endued with intelligence and skill soon
+erected the palace with the greatest alacrity, and having erected it
+brought thither every kind of article. And soon after they cheerfully
+represented unto the king that the palace had been finished, and that
+it as delightful and handsome and furnished with every kind of gems and
+covered with many-coloured carpets inlaid with gold. Then king
+Dhritarashtra, possessed of learning, summoning Vidura the chief of his
+ministers, said:--'Repairing, (to Khandavaprastha), bring prince
+Yudhishthira here without loss of time. Let him come hither with his
+brothers, and behold this handsome assembly house of mine, furnished
+with countless jewels and gems, and costly beds and carpets, and let a
+friendly match at dice commence here.'"
+
+
+SECTION LVI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"King Dhritarashtra, ascertaining the inclinations
+of his son and knowing that Fate is inevitable, did what I have said.
+Vidura, however, that foremost of intelligent men, approved not his
+brother's words and spoke thus, 'I approve not, O king, of this command
+of thine. Do not act so. I fear, this will bring about the destruction
+of our race. When thy sons lose their unity, dissension will certainly
+ensue amongst them. This I apprehend, O king, from this match at dice.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'If Fate be not hostile, this quarrel will not
+certainly grieve me. The whole universe moveth at the will of its
+Creator, under the controlling influence of Fate. It is not free.
+Therefore, O Vidura, going unto king Yudhishthira at my command, bring
+thou soon that invincible son of Kunti.'"
+
+
+SECTION LVII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Vidura then, thus commanded against his will by
+king Dhritarashtra, set out, with the help of horses of high mettle and
+endued with great speed and strength, and quiet and patient, for the
+abode of the wise sons of Pandu. Possessed of great intelligence,
+Vidura proceeded by the way leading to the capital of the Pandavas. And
+having arrived at the city of king Yudhishthira, he entered it and
+proceeded towards the palace, worshipped by numberless Brahmanas. And
+coming to the palace which was even like unto the mansion of Kuvera
+himself, the virtuous Vidura approached Yudhishthira, the son of
+Dharma. Then the illustrious Ajamida devoted to truth and having no
+enemy on earth, reverentially saluted Vidura, and asked him about
+Dhritarashtra and his sons. And Yudhishthira said, 'O Kshatta, thy mind
+seemeth to be cheerless. Dost thou come here in happiness and peace?
+The sons of Dhritarashtra, I hope, are obedient to their old father.
+The people also, I hope, are obedient to Dhritarashtra's rule.'
+
+"Vidura said,--'The illustrious king, with his sons, is well and happy,
+and surrounded by his relatives he reigneth even like Indra himself.
+The king is happy with his sons who are all obedient to him and hath no
+grief. The illustrious monarch is bent on his own aggrandisement. The
+king of the Kurus hath commanded me to enquire after thy peace and
+prosperity, and to ask thee to repair to Hastinapore with thy brothers
+and to say, after beholding king Dhritarashtra's newly erected palace,
+whether that one is equal to thy own. Repairing thither, O son of
+Pritha, with thy brothers, enjoy ye in that mansion and sit to a
+friendly match at dice. We shall be glad if thou goest, as the Kurus
+have already arrived there. And thou wilt see there those gamblers and
+cheats that the illustrious king Dhritarashtra hath already brought
+thither. It is for this, O king, that I have come hither. Let the
+king's command be approved by thee.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O Kshatta, if we sit to a match at dice, we may
+quarrel. What man is there, who knowing all this, will consent to
+gamble? What dost thou think fit for us? We all are obedient to thy
+counsels.'
+
+"Vidura said,--'I know that gambling is the root of misery, and I
+strove to dissuade the king from it. The king, however, hath sent me to
+thee. Having known all this, O learned one, do what is beneficial.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Besides the sons of Dhritarashtra what other
+dishonest gamblers are there ready for play? Tell us, O Vidura, who
+they are and with whom we shall have to play, staking hundreds upon
+hundreds of our possessions.'
+
+"Vidura said,--'O monarch, Sakuni, the king of Gandhara, an adept at
+dice, having great skill of hand and desperate in stakes, Vivingati,
+king Chitrasena, Satyavrata, Purumitra and Jaya, these, O king, are
+there.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'It would seem then that some of the most
+desperate and terrible gamblers always depending upon deceit are there.
+This whole universe, however, is at the will of its Maker, under the
+control of fate. It is not free. O learned one, I do not desire, at the
+command of king Dhritarashtra to engage myself in gambling. The father
+always wisheth to benefit his son. Thou art our master, O Vidura. Tell
+me what is proper for us. Unwilling as I am to gamble, I will not do
+so, if the wicked Sakuni doth not summon me to it in the Sabha? If,
+however, he challengeth me, I will never refuse. For that, as settled,
+is my eternal vow.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"King Yudhishthira the just having said this
+unto Vidura, commanded that preparations for his journey might be made
+without loss of time. And the next day, the king accompanied by his
+relatives and attendants and taking with him also the women of the
+household with Draupadi in their midst, set out for the capital of the
+Kurus. 'Like some brilliant body falling before the eyes, Fate
+depriveth us of reason, and man, tied as it were with a cord,
+submitteth to the sway of Providence,' saying this, king Yudhishthira,
+that chastiser of the foe, set out with Kshatta, without deliberating
+upon that summons from Dhritarashtra. And that slayer of hostile
+heroes, the son of Pandu and Pritha, riding upon the car that had been
+given him by the king of Valhika, and attired also in royal robes, set
+out with his brothers. And the king, blazing as it were with royal
+splendour, with Brahmanas walking before him, set out from his city,
+summoned by Dhritarashtra and impelled by what hath been ordained by
+Kala (Time). And arriving at Hastinapore he went to the palace of
+Dhritarashtra. And going there, the son of Pandu approached the king.
+And the exalted one then approached Bhishma and Drona and Karna, and
+Kripa, and the son of Drona, and embraced and was embraced by them all.
+And the mighty-armed one, endued with great prowess, then approached
+Somadatta, and then Duryodhana and Salya, and the son of Suvala, and
+those other kings also that had arrived there before him. The king then
+went to the brave Dusshasana and then to all his (other) brothers and
+then to Jayadratha and next to all the Kurus one after another. And the
+mighty-armed one, then surrounded by all his brothers, entered the
+apartment of the wise king Dhritarashtra. And then Yudhishthira beheld
+the reverend Gandhari, ever obedient to her lord, and surrounded by her
+daughters-in-law like Rohini by the stars. And saluting Gandhari and
+blessed by her in return, the king then beheld his old uncle, that
+illustrious monarch whose wisdom was his eye. King Dhritarashtra then,
+O monarch, smelt his head as also the heads of those four other princes
+of the Kuru race, viz., the sons of Pandu with Bhimasena as their
+eldest. And, O king, beholding the handsome Pandava those tigers among
+men, all the Kurus became exceedingly glad. And commanded by the king,
+the Pandavas then retired to the chambers allotted to them and which
+were all furnished with jewels and gems. And when they had retired into
+the chambers, the women of Dhritarashtra's household with Dussala
+taking the lead visited them. And the daughters-in-law of Dhritarashtra
+beholding the blazing and splendid beauty and prosperity of Yajnaseni,
+became cheerless and filled with jealousy. And those tigers among men,
+having conversed with the ladies went through their daily physical
+exercises and then performed the religious rites of the day. And having
+finished their daily devotions, they decked their persons with sandal
+paste of the most fragrant kind. And desiring to secure good luck and
+prosperity they caused (by gifts) the Brahmanas to utter benedictions.
+And then eating food that was of the best taste they retired to their
+chambers for the night. And those bulls among the Kurus then were put
+to sleep with music by handsome females. And obtaining from them what
+came in due succession, those subjugators of hostile towns passed with
+cheerful hearts that delightful night in pleasure and sport. And waked
+by the bards with sweet music, they rose from their beds, and having
+passed the night thus in happiness, they rose at dawn and having gone
+through the usual rites, they entered into the assembly house and were
+saluted by those that were ready there for gambling."
+
+
+SECTION LVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"The sons of Pritha with Yudhishthira at their
+head, having entered that assembly house, approached all the kings that
+were present there. And worshipping all those that deserved to be
+worshipped, and saluting others as each deserved according to age, they
+seated themselves on seats that were clean and furnished with costly
+carpets. After they had taken their seats, as also all the kings,
+Sakuni the son of Suvala addressed Yudhishthira and said, 'O king, the
+assembly is full. All had been waiting for thee. Let, therefore, the
+dice be cast and the rules of play be fixed, O Yudhishthira.'
+
+"Yudhishthira replied, 'Deceitful gambling is sinful. There is no
+Kshatriya prowess in it. There is certainly no morality in it. Why,
+then, O king, dost thou praise gambling so? The wise applaud not the
+pride that gamesters feel in deceitful play. O Sakuni, vanquish us, not
+like a wretch, by deceitful means.'
+
+"Sakuni said,--'That high-souled player who knoweth the secrets of
+winning and losing, who is skilled in baffling the deceitful arts of
+his confrere, who is united in all the diverse operations of which
+gambling consisteth, truly knoweth the play, and he suffereth all in
+course of it. O son of Pritha, it is the staking at dice, which may be
+lost or won that may injure us. And it is for that reason that gambling
+is regarded as a fault. Let us, therefore, O king, begin the play. Fear
+not. Let the stakes be fixed. Delay not!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'That best of Munis, Devala, the son of Asita, who
+always instructeth us about all those acts that may lead to heaven,
+hell, or the other regions, hath said, that it is sinful to play
+deceitfully with a gamester. To obtain victory in battle without
+cunning or stratagem is the best sport. Gambling, however, as a sport,
+is not so. Those that are respectable never use the language of the
+Mlechchas, nor do they adopt deceitfulness in their behaviour. War
+carried on without crookedness and cunning, this is the act of men that
+are honest. Do not, O Sakuni, playing desperately, win of us that
+wealth with which according to our abilities, we strive to learn how to
+benefit the Brahmanas. Even enemies should not be vanquished by
+desperate stakes in deceitful play. I do not desire either happiness or
+wealth by means of cunning. The conduct of one that is a gamester, even
+if it be without deceitfulness, should not be applauded.'
+
+"Sakuni said,--'O Yudhishthira, it is from a desire of winning, which
+is not a very honest motive, that one high-born person approacheth
+another (in a contest of race superiority). So also it is from a desire
+of defeating, which is not a very honest motive, that one learned
+person approacheth another (in a contest of learning). Such motives,
+however, are scarcely regarded as really dishonest. So also, O
+Yudhishthira, a person skilled at dice approacheth one that is not so
+skilled from a desire of vanquishing him. One also who is conversant
+with the truths of science approacheth another that is not from desire
+of victory, which is scarcely an honest motive. But (as I have already
+said) such a motive is not really dishonest. And, O Yudhishthira, so
+also one that is skilled in weapons approacheth one that is not so
+skilled; the strong approacheth the weak. This is the practice in every
+contest. The motive is victory, O Yudhishthira. If, therefore, thou, in
+approaching me, regardest me to be actuated by motives that are
+dishonest, if thou art under any fear, desist then from play.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Summoned, I do not withdraw. This is my
+established vow. And, O king, Fate is all powerful. We all are under
+the control of Destiny. With whom in this assembly am I to play? Who is
+there that can stake equally with me? Let the play begin.'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'O monarch, I shall supply jewels and gems and every
+kind of wealth. And it is for me that this Sakuni, my uncle, will play.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Gambling for one's sake by the agency of another
+seemeth to me to be contrary to rule. Thou also, O learned one, will
+admit this. If, however, thou art still bent on it, let the play
+begin.'"
+
+
+SECTION LIX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"When the play commenced, all those kings with
+Dhritarashtra at their head took their seats in that assembly. And, O
+Bharata, Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and the high-souled Vidura with
+cheerless hearts sat behind. And those kings with leonine necks and
+endued with great energy took their seats separately and in pairs upon
+many elevated seats of beautiful make and colour. And, O king, that
+mansion looked resplendent with those assembled kings like heaven
+itself with a conclave of the celestials of great good fortune. And
+they were all conversant with the Vedas and brave and of resplendent
+countenances. And, O great king, the friendly match at dice then
+commenced.
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O king, this excellent wealth of pearls of great
+value, procured from the ocean by churning it (of old), so beautiful
+and decked with pure gold, this, O king, is my stake. What is thy
+counter stake, O great king,--the wealth with which thou wishest to
+play with me?'
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'I have many jewels and much wealth. But I am not
+vain of them. Win thou this stake.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then Sakuni, well-skilled at dice, took up
+the dice and (casting them) said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+
+SECTION LX
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Thou hast won this stake of me by unfair means.
+But be not so proud, O Sakuni. Let us play staking thousands upon
+thousands. I have many beautiful jars each full of a thousand Nishkas
+in my treasury, inexhaustible gold, and much silver and other minerals.
+This, O king, is the wealth with which I will stake with thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus addressed, Sakuni said unto the chief of
+the perpetuators of the Kuru race, the eldest of the sons of Pandu,
+king Yudhishthira, of glory incapable of sustaining any diminution.
+'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'This my sacred and victorious and royal car which
+gladdeneth the heart and hath carried us hither, which is equal unto a
+thousand cars, which is of symmetrical proportions and covered with
+tiger-skin, and furnished with excellent wheels and flag-staffs which
+is handsome, and decked with strings of little bells, whose clatter is
+even like the roar of the clouds or of the ocean, and which is drawn by
+eight noble steeds known all over the kingdom and which are white as
+the moon-beam and from whose hoofs no terrestrial creature can
+escape--this, O king, is my wealth with which I will stake with thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words, Sakuni ready with the
+dice, and adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have
+won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have a hundred thousand serving-girls, all
+young, and decked with golden bracelets on their wrists and upper arms,
+and with nishkas round their necks and other ornaments, adorned with
+costly garlands and attired in rich robes, daubed with the sandal
+paste, wearing jewels and gold, and well-skilled in the four and sixty
+elegant arts, especially versed in dancing and singing, and who wait
+upon and serve at my command the celestials, the Snataka Brahmanas, and
+kings. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words, Sakuni ready with the
+dice, adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira. 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have thousands of serving-men, skilled in
+waiting upon guests, always attired in silken robes, endued with wisdom
+and intelligence, their senses under control though young, and decked
+with ear-rings, and who serve all guests night and day with plates and
+dishes in hand. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words, Sakuni, ready with the
+dice, adopting unfair means said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have, O son of Suvala, one thousand musty
+elephants with golden girdles, decked with ornaments, with the mark of
+the lotus on their temples and necks and other parts, adorned with
+golden garlands, with fine white tusks long and thick as plough-shafts,
+worthy of carrying kings on their backs, capable of bearing every kind
+of noise on the field of battle, with huge bodies, capable of battering
+down the walls of hostile towns, of the colour of new-formed clouds,
+and each possessing eight she-elephants. With this wealth, O king, I
+will stake with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Unto Yudhishthira who had said so, Sakuni,
+the son of Suvala, laughingly said, 'Lo, I have won it!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have as many cars as elephants, all furnished
+with golden poles and flag-staffs and well-trained horses and warriors
+that fight wonderfully and each of whom receiveth a thousand coins as
+his monthly pay whether he fighteth or not. With this wealth, O king, I
+will stake with thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"When these words had been spoken, the wretch
+Sakuni, pledged to enmity, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won it.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said.--'The steeds of the Tittiri, Kalmasha, and
+Gandharva breeds, decked with ornaments, which Chitraratha having been
+vanquished in battle and subdued cheerfully gave unto Arjuna, the
+wielder of the Gandiva. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with
+thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing this, Sakuni, ready at dice, adopting
+unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira: 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have ten thousand cars and vehicles unto which
+are yoked draught animals of the foremost breed. And I have also sixty
+thousand warriors picked from each order by thousands, who are all
+brave and endued with prowess like heroes, who drink milk and eat good
+rice, and all of whom have broad chests. With this wealth, O king, I
+will stake with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing this, Sakuni ready at dice, adopting
+unfair means said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have four hundred Nidis (jewels of great value)
+encased in sheets of copper and iron. Each one of them is equal to five
+draunikas of the costliest and purest leaf gold of the Jatarupa kind.
+With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing this, Sakuni ready at dice, adopting
+foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won it!'"
+
+
+SECTION LXI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"During the course of this gambling, certain to
+bring about utter ruin (on Yudhishthira), Vidura, that dispeller of all
+doubts, (addressing Dhritarashtra) said, 'O great king, O thou of the
+Bharata race, attend to what I say, although my words may not be
+agreeable to thee, like medicine to one that is ill and about to
+breathe his last. When this Duryodhana of sinful mind had, immediately
+after his birth, cried discordantly like a jackal, it was well known
+that he had been ordained to bring about the destruction of the Bharata
+race. Know, O king, that he will be the cause of death of ye all. A
+jackal is living in thy house, O king, in the form of Duryodhana. Thou
+knowest it not in consequence of thy folly. Listen now to the words of
+the Poet (Sukra) which I will quote. They that collect honey (in
+mountains), having received what they seek, do not notice that they are
+about to fall. Ascending dangerous heights, abstracted in the pursuit
+of what they seek, they fall down and meet with destruction. This
+Duryodhana also, maddened with the play at dice, like the collector of
+honey, abstracted in what he seeketh, marketh not the consequences.
+Making enemies of these great warriors, he beholdeth not the fall that
+is before him. It is known to thee, O thou of great wisdom, that
+amongst the Bhojas, they abandoned, for the good of the citizens a son
+that was unworthy of their race. The Andhakas, the Yadavas, and the
+Bhojas uniting together, abandoned Kansa. And afterwards, when at the
+command of the whole tribe, the same Kansa had been slain by Krishna
+that slayer of foes, all the men of the tribe became exceedingly happy
+for a hundred years. So at thy command, let Arjuna slay this Suyodhana.
+And in consequence of the slaying of this wretch, let the Kurus be glad
+and pass their days in happiness. In exchange of a crow, O great king,
+buy these peacocks--the Pandavas; and in exchange of a jackal, buy
+these tigers. For the sake of a family a member may be sacrificed; for
+the sake of a village a family may be sacrificed, for the sake of a
+province a village may be sacrificed and for the sake of one's own soul
+the whole earth may be sacrificed. Even this was what the omniscient
+Kavya himself, acquainted with the thoughts of every creature, and a
+source of terror unto all foes, said unto the great Asuras to induce
+them to abandon Jambha at the moment of his birth. It is said that a
+certain king, having caused a number of wild birds that vomited gold to
+take up their quarters in his own house, afterwards killed them from
+temptation. O slayer of foes, blinded by temptation and the desire of
+enjoyment, for the sake of gold, the king destroyed at the same time
+both his present and future gains. Therefore, O king, prosecute not the
+Pandavas from desire of profit, even like the king in story. For then,
+blinded by folly thou wilt have to repent afterwards, even like the
+person that killed the birds. Like a flower-seller that plucketh (many
+flowers) in the garden from trees that he cherisheth with affection
+from day to day, continue, O Bharata, to pluck flowers day by day from
+the Pandavas. Do not scorch them to their roots like a fire-producing
+breeze that reduceth everything to black charcoal. Go not, O king, unto
+the region of Yama, with thy sons and troops, for who is there that is
+capable of fighting with the sons of Pritha, together? Not to speak of
+others, is the chief of the celestials at the head of the celestials
+themselves, capable of doing so?'
+
+
+SECTION LXII
+
+"Vidura said,--'Gambling is the root of dissensions. It bringeth about
+disunion. Its consequences are frightful. Yet having recourse to this,
+Dhritarashtra's son Duryodhana createth for himself fierce enmity. The
+descendants of Pratipa and Santanu, with their fierce troops and their
+allies the Vahlikas, will, for the sins of Duryodhana meet with
+destruction. Duryodhana, in consequence of this intoxication, forcibly
+driveth away luck and prosperity from his kingdom, even like an
+infuriate bull breaking his own horns himself. That brave and learned
+person who disregarding his own foresight, followeth, O king, (the bent
+of) another man's heart, sinketh in terrible affliction even like one
+that goeth into the sea in a boat guided by a child. Duryodhana is
+gambling with the son of Pandu, and thou art in raptures that he is
+winning. And it is such success that begeteth war, which endeth in the
+destruction of men. This fascination (of gambling) that thou has
+well-devised only leadeth to dire results. Thus hast thou simply
+brought on by these counsels great affliction to thy heart. And this
+thy quarrel with Yudhishthira, who is so closely related to thee, even
+if thou hadst not foreseen it, is still approved by thee. Listen, ye
+sons of Santanu, ye descendants of Pratipa, who are now in this
+assembly of the Kauravas, to these words of wisdom. Enter ye not into
+the terrible fire that hath blazed forth following the wretch. When
+Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, intoxicated with dice, giveth way to his
+wrath, and Vrikodara and Arjuna and the twins (do the same), who, in
+that hour of confusion, will prove your refuge? O great king, thou art
+thyself a mine of wealth. Thou canst earn (by other means) as much
+wealth as thou seekest to earn by gambling. What dost thou gain by
+winning from the Pandavas their vast wealth? Win the Pandavas
+themselves, who will be to thee more than all the wealth they have. We
+all know the skill of Suvala in play. This hill-king knoweth many
+nefarious methods in gambling. Let Sakuni return whence he came. War
+not, O Bharata, with the sons of Pandu!'
+
+
+SECTION LXIII
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'O Kshatta, thou art always boasting of the fame of
+our enemies, deprecating the sons of Dhritarashtra. We know, O Vidura,
+of whom thou art really fond. Thou always disregardest us as children.
+That man standeth contest, who wisheth for success unto those that are
+near to him and defeat unto those that are not his favourites. His
+praise and blame are applied accordingly. Thy tongue and mind betray
+thy heart. But the hostility thou showeth in speech is even greater
+than what is in thy heart. Thou hast been cherished by us like a
+serpent on our lap. Like a cat thou wishest evil unto him that
+cherisheth thee. The wise have said that there is no sin graver than
+that of injuring one's master. How is it, O Kshatta, that thou dost not
+fear this sin? Having vanquished our enemies we have obtained great
+advantages. Use not harsh words in respect of us. Thou art always
+willing to make peace with the foes. And it is for this reason that
+thou hatest us always. A man becometh a foe by speaking words that are
+unpardonable. Then again in praising the enemy, the secrets of one's
+own party should not be divulged. (Thou however, transgressest this
+rule). Therefore, O thou parasite, why dost thou obstruct us so? Thou
+sayest whatever thou wishest. Insult us not. We know thy mind. Go and
+learn sitting at the feet of the old. Keen up the reputation that thou
+hast won. Meddle not with the affairs of other men. Do not imagine that
+thou art our chief. Tell us not harsh words always, O Vidura. We do not
+ask thee what is for our good. Cease, irritate not those that have
+already borne too much at thy hands. There is only one Controller, no
+second. He controlleth even the child that is in the mother's womb. I
+am controlled by Him. Like water that always floweth in a downward
+course, I am acting precisely in the way in which He is directing me.
+He that breaketh his head against a stone-wall, and he that feedeth a
+serpent, are guided in those acts of theirs by their own intellect.
+(Therefore, in this matter I am guided by my own intelligence). He
+becometh a foe who seeketh to control others by force. When advice,
+however, is offered in a friendly spirit, the learned bear with it. He
+again that hath set fire to such a highly inflammable object as
+camphor, beholdeth not its ashes, if he runneth immediately to
+extinguish it. One should not give shelter to another who is the friend
+of his foes, or to another who is ever jealous of his protector or to
+another who is evil-minded. Therefore, O Vidura, go whither-so-ever
+thou pleasest. A wife that is unchaste, however well-treated, forsaketh
+her husband yet.'
+
+"Vidura addressing Dhritarashtra, said, 'O monarch, tell us
+(impartially) like a witness what thou thinkest of the conduct of those
+who abandon their serving-men thus for giving instruction to them. The
+hearts of kings are, indeed, very fickle. Granting protection at first,
+they strike with clubs at last. O prince (Duryodhana), thou regardest
+thyself as mature in intellect, and, O thou of bad heart, thou
+regardest me as a child. But consider that he is a child who having
+first accepted one for a friend, subsequently findeth fault with him.
+An evil-hearted man can never be brought to the path of rectitude, like
+an unchaste wife in the house of a well-born person. Assuredly,
+instruction is not agreeable to this bull of the Bharata race like a
+husband of sixty years to a damsel that is young. After this, O king,
+if thou wishest to hear words that are agreeable to thee, in respect of
+all acts good or bad, ask thou women and idiots and cripples or persons
+of that description. A sinful man speaking words that are agreeable may
+be had in this world. But a speaker of words that are disagreeable
+though sound as regimen, or a hearer of the same, is very rare. He
+indeed, is a king's true ally who disregarding what is agreeable or
+disagreeable to his master beareth himself virtuously and uttereth what
+may be disagreeable but necessary as regimen. O great king, drink thou
+that which the honest drink and the dishonest shun, even humility,
+which is like a medicine that is bitter, pungent, burning,
+unintoxicating, disagreeable, and revolting. And drinking it, O king,
+regain thou thy sobriety. I always wish Dhritarashtra and his sons
+affluence and fame. Happen what may unto thee, here I bow to thee (and
+take my leave). Let the Brahmanas wish me well. O son of Kuru, this is
+the lesson I carefully inculcate, that the wise should never enrage
+such as adders as have venom in their very glances!'
+
+
+SECTION LXIV
+
+"Sakuni said,--'Thou hast, O Yudhishthira, lost much wealth of the
+Pandavas. If thou hast still anything that thou hast not yet lost to
+us, O son of Kunti, tell us what it is!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O son of Suvala, I know that I have untold
+wealth. But why is it, O Sakuni, that thou askest me of my wealth? Let
+tens of thousands and millions and millions and tens of millions and
+hundreds of millions and tens of billions and hundreds of billions and
+trillions and tens of trillions and hundreds of trillions and tens of
+quadrillions and hundreds of quadrillions and even more wealth be
+staked by thee. I have as much. With that wealth, O king, I will play
+with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice,
+adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have, O son of Suvala, immeasurable kine and
+horses and milch cows with calves and goats and sheep in the country
+extending from the Parnasa to the eastern bank of the Sindu. With this
+wealth, O king, I will play with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this Sakuni, ready with the dice, adopting
+unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo, I have won!'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I have my city, the country, land, the wealth of
+all dwelling therein except of the Brahmanas, and all those persons
+themselves except Brahmanas still remaining to me. With this wealth, O
+king, I will play with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice,
+adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo! I have won.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'These princes here, O king, who look resplendent
+in their ornaments and their ear-rings and Nishkas and all the royal
+ornaments on their persons are now my wealth. With this wealth, O king,
+I play with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with his dice,
+adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo! I have won them.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'This Nakula here, of mighty arms and leonine
+neck, of red eyes and endued with youth, is now my one stake. Know that
+he is my wealth.'
+
+"Sakuni said,--'O king Yudhishthira, prince Nakula is dear to thee. He
+is already under our subjection. With whom (as stake) wilt thou now
+play?'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Saying this, Sakuni cast those dice, and said unto
+Yudhishthira, 'Lo! He hath been won by us.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'This Sahadeva administereth justice. He hath also
+acquired a reputation for learning in this world. However undeserving
+he may be to be staked in play, with him as stake I will play, with
+such a dear object as it, indeed, he were not so!'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice,
+adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo! I have won.'
+
+"Sakuni continued,--'O king, the sons of Madri, dear unto thee, have
+both been won by me. It would seem, however, that Bhimasena and
+Dhananjaya are regarded very much by thee.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Wretch! thou actest sinfully in thus seeking to
+create disunion amongst us who are all of one heart, disregarding
+morality.'
+
+"Sakuni said,--'One that is intoxicated falleth into a pit (hell) and
+stayeth there deprived of the power of motion. Thou art, O king, senior
+to us in age, and possessed of the highest accomplishments. O bull of
+the Bharata race, I (beg my pardon and) bow to thee. Thou knowest, O
+Yudhishthira, that gamesters, while excited with play, utter such
+ravings that they never indulge in the like of them in their waking
+moments nor even in dream.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'He that taketh us like a boat to the other shore
+of the sea of battle, he that is ever victorious over foes, the prince
+who is endued with great activity, he who is the one hero in this
+world, (is here). With that Falguna as stake, however, undeserving of
+being made so, I will now play with thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice,
+adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo! I have won.'
+
+"Sakuni continued,--'This foremost of all wielders of the bow, this son
+of Pandu capable of using both his hands with equal activity hath now
+been won by me. O play now with the wealth that is still left unto
+thee, even with Bhima thy dear brother, as thy stake, O son of Pandu.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O king, however undeserving he may be of being
+made a stake, I will now play with thee by staking Bhimasena, that
+prince who is our leader, who is the foremost in fight,--even like the
+wielder of the thunder-bolt--the one enemy of the Danavas,--the
+high-souled one with leonine neck and arched eye-brows and eyes looking
+askance, who is incapable of putting up with an insult, who hath no
+equal in might in the world, who is the foremost of all wielders of the
+mace, and who grindeth all foes,'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice adopting
+foul means, said unto Yudhishthira. 'Lo! I have won.'
+
+"Sakuni continued,--'Thou hast, O son of Kunti, lost much wealth,
+horses and elephants and thy brothers as well. Say, if thou hast
+anything which thou hast not lost.'
+
+"Yudhishthira, said--'I alone, the eldest of all my brothers and dear
+unto them, am still unwon. Won by thee, I will do what he that is won
+will have to do.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Hearing this Sakuni, ready with the dice, adopting
+foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, 'Lo! I have won.'
+
+"Sakuni continued,--'Thou hast permitted thyself to be won. This is
+very sinful. There is wealth still left to thee, O king. Therefore, thy
+having lost thyself is certainly sinful.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having said this, Sakuni, well-skilled at
+dice, spoke unto all the brave kings present there of his having won,
+one after another, all the Pandavas. The son of Suvala then, addressing
+Yudhishthira said,--'O king, there is still one stake dear to thee that
+is still unwon. Stake thou Krishna, the princess of Panchala. By her,
+win thyself back.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'With Draupadi as stake, who is neither short nor
+tall, neither spare nor corpulent, and who is possessed of blue curly
+locks, I will now play with thee. Possessed of eyes like the leaves of
+the autumn lotus, and fragrant also as the autumn lotus, equal in
+beauty unto her (Lakshmi) who delighteth in autumn lotuses, and unto
+Sree herself in symmetry and every grace she is such a woman as a man
+may desire for wife in respect of softness of heart, and wealth of
+beauty and of virtues. Possessed of every accomplishment and
+compassionate and sweet-speeched, she is such a woman as a man may
+desire for wife in respect of her fitness for the acquisition of virtue
+and pleasure and wealth. Retiring to bed last and waking up first, she
+looketh after all down to the cowherds and the shepherds. Her face too,
+when covered with sweat, looketh as the lotus or the jasmine. Of
+slender waist like that of the wasp, of long flowing locks, of red
+lips, and body without down, is the princess of Panchala. O king,
+making the slender-waisted Draupadi, who is even such as my stake, I
+will play with thee, O son of Suvala.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"When the intelligent king Yudhishthira the
+just has spoken thus,--'Fie!' 'Fie!' were the words that were uttered
+by all the aged persons that were in the assembly. And the whole
+conclave was agitated, and the kings who were present there all gave
+way to grief. And Bhishma and Drona and Kripa were covered with
+perspiration. And Vidura holding his head between his hands sat like
+one that had lost his reason. He sat with face downwards giving way to
+his reflections and sighing like a snake. But Dhritarashtra glad at
+heart, asked repeatedly, 'Hath the stake been won?' 'Hath the stake
+been won?' and could not conceal his emotions. Karna with Dussassana
+and others laughed aloud, while tears began to flow from the eyes of
+all other present in the assembly. And the son of Suvala, proud of
+success and flurried with excitement and repeating. Thou hast one
+stake, dear to thee, etc. said,--'Lo! I have won' and took up the dice
+that had been cast.
+
+
+SECTION LXV
+
+"Duryodhana said,--'Come, Kshatta, bring hither Draupadi the dear and
+loved wife of the Pandavas. Let her sweep the chambers, force her
+thereto, and let the unfortunate one stay where our serving-women are.'
+
+"Vidura said,--'Dost thou not know, O wretch, that by uttering such
+harsh words thou art tying thyself with cords? Dost thou not understand
+that thou art hanging on the edge of a precipice? Dost thou not know
+that being a deer thou provokest so many tigers to rage? Snakes of
+deadly venom, provoked to ire, are on thy head! Wretch, do not further
+provoke them lest thou goest to the region of Yama. In my judgement,
+slavery does not attach to Krishna, in as much as she was staked by the
+King after he had lost himself and ceased to be his own master. Like
+the bamboo that beareth fruit only when it is about to die, the son of
+Dhritarashtra winneth this treasure at play. Intoxicated, he perceiveth
+not in these his last moments that dice bring about enmity and
+frightful terrors. No man should utter harsh speeches and pierce the
+hearts of the others. No man should subjugate his enemies by dice and
+such other foul means. No one should utter such words as are
+disapproved by the Vedas and lead to hell and annoy others. Some one
+uttereth from his lips words that are harsh. Stung by them another
+burneth day and night. These words pierce the very heart of another.
+The learned, therefore, should never utter them, pointing them at
+others. A goat had once swallowed a hook, and when it was pierced with
+it, the hunter placing the head of the animal on the ground tore its
+throat frightfully in drawing it out. Therefore, O Duryodhana, swallow
+not the wealth of the Pandavas. Make them not thy enemies. The sons of
+Pritha never use words such as these. It is only low men that are like
+dogs who use harsh words towards all classes of people, viz., those
+that have retired to the woods, those leading domestic lives, those
+employed in ascetic devotions and those that are of great learning.
+Alas! the son of Dhritarashtra knoweth not that dishonesty is one of
+the frightful doors of hell. Alas! many of the Kurus with Dussasana
+amongst them have followed him in the path of dishonesty in the matter
+of this play at dice. Even gourds may sink and stones may float, and
+boats also may always sink in water, still this foolish king, the son
+of Dhritarashtra, listeneth not to my words that are even as regimen
+unto him. Without doubt, he will be the cause of the destruction of the
+Kurus. When the words of wisdom spoken by friends and which are even as
+fit regimen are not listened to, but on the other hand temptation is on
+the increase, a frightful and universal destruction is sure to overtake
+all the Kurus.'"
+
+
+SECTION LXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Intoxicated with pride, the son of Dhritarashtra
+spake,--'Fie on Kshatta! and casting his eyes upon the Pratikamin in
+attendance, commanded him, in the midst of all those reverend seniors,
+saying,--'Go Pratikamin, and bring thou Draupadi hither. Thou hast no
+fear from the sons of Pandu. It is Vidura alone that raveth in fear.
+Besides, he never wisheth our prosperity!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus commanded, the Pratikamin, who was of
+the Suta caste, hearing the words of the king, proceeded with haste,
+and entering the abode of the Pandavas, like a dog in a lion's den,
+approached the queen of the sons of Pandu. And he said,--'Yudhishthira
+having been intoxicated with dice, Duryodhana, O Draupadi, hath won
+thee. Come now, therefore, to the abode of Dhritarashtra. I will take
+thee, O Yajnaseni, and put thee in some menial work.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'Why, O Pratikamin, dost thou say so? What prince is
+there who playeth staking his wife? The king was certainly intoxicated
+with dice. Else, could he not find any other object to stake?'
+
+"The Pratikamin said,--'When he had nothing else to stake, it was then
+that Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, staked thee. The king had first
+staked his brothers, then himself, and then thee, O princess.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'O son of the Suta race, go, and ask that gambler
+present in the assembly, whom he hath lost first, himself, or me.
+Ascertaining this, come hither, and then take me with thee, O son of
+the Suta race.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The messenger coming back to the assembly
+told all present the words of Draupadi. And he spoke unto Yudhishthira
+sitting in the midst of the kings, these words,--'Draupadi hath asked
+thee, Whose lord wert thou at the time thou lost me in play? Didst thou
+lose thyself first or me?' Yudhishthira, however sat there like one
+demented and deprived of reason and gave no answer good or ill to the
+Suta.
+
+"Duryodhana then said,--'Let the princess of Panchala come hither and
+put her question. Let every one hear in this assembly the words that
+pass between her and Yudhishthira.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The messenger, obedient to the command of
+Duryodhana, going once again to the palace, himself much distressed,
+said unto Draupadi,--'O princess, they that are in the assembly are
+summoning thee. It seemeth that the end of the Kauravas is at hand.
+When Duryodhana, O princess, is for taking thee before the assembly,
+this weak-brained king will no longer be able to protect his
+prosperity.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'The great ordainer of the world hath, indeed,
+ordained so. Happiness and misery pay their court to both the wise and
+unwise. Morality, however, it hath been said, is the one highest object
+in the world. If cherished, that will certainly dispense blessings to
+us. Let not that morality now abandon the Kauravas. Going back to those
+that are present in that assembly, repeat these my words consonant with
+morality. I am ready to do what those elderly and virtuous persons
+conversant with morality will definitely tell me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The Suta, hearing these words of Yajnaseni,
+came back to the assembly and repeated the words of Draupadi. But all
+sat with faces downwards, uttering not a word, knowing the eagerness
+and resolution of Dhritarashtra's son.
+
+"Yudhishthira, however, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing of
+Duryodhana's intentions, sent a trusted messenger unto Draupadi,
+directing that although she was attired in one piece of cloth with her
+navel itself exposed, in consequence of her season having come, she
+should come before her father-in-law weeping bitterly. And that
+intelligent messenger, O king, having gone to Draupadi's abode with
+speed, informed her of the intentions of Yudhishthira. The illustrious
+Pandavas, meanwhile, distressed and sorrowful, and bound by promise,
+could not settle what they should do. And casting his eyes upon them,
+king Duryodhana, glad at heart, addressed the Suta and said,--'O
+Pratikamin, bring her hither. Let the Kauravas answer her question
+before her face.' The Suta, then, obedient to his commands, but
+terrified at the (possible) wrath of the daughter of Drupada,
+disregarding his reputation for intelligence, once again said to those
+that were in the assembly,--'what shall I say unto Krishna?'
+
+"Duryodhana, hearing this, said,--'O Dussasana, this son of my Suta, of
+little intelligence, feareth Vrikodara. Therefore, go thou thyself and
+forcibly bring hither the daughter of Yajnasena. Our enemies at present
+are dependent on our will. What can they do thee?' Hearing the command
+of his brother, prince Dussasana rose with blood-red eyes, and entering
+the abode of those great warriors, spake these words unto the princess,
+'Come, come, O Krishna, princess of Panchala, thou hast been won by us.
+And O thou of eyes large as lotus leaves, come now and accept the Kurus
+for thy lords. Thou hast been won virtuously, come to the assembly.' At
+these words, Draupadi, rising up in great affliction, rubbed her pale
+face with her hands, and distressed she ran to the place where the
+ladies of Dhritarashtra's household were. At this, Dussasana roaring in
+anger, ran after her and seized the queen by her locks, so long and
+blue and wavy. Alas! those locks that had been sprinkled with water
+sanctified with mantras in the great Rajasuya sacrifice, were now
+forcibly seized by the son of Dhritarashtra disregarding the prowess of
+the Pandavas. And Dussasana dragging Krishna of long long locks unto
+the presence of the assembly--as if she were helpless though having
+powerful protectors--and pulling at her, made her tremble like the
+banana plant in a storm. And dragged by him, with body bent, she
+faintly cried--'Wretch! it ill behoveth thee to take me before the
+assembly. My season hath come, and I am now clad in one piece of
+attire.' But Dussasana dragging Draupadi forcibly by her black locks
+while she was praying piteously unto Krishna and Vishnu who were
+Narayana and Nara (on earth), said unto her--'Whether thy season hath
+come or not, whether thou art attired in one piece of cloth or entirely
+naked, when thou hast been won at dice and made our slave, thou art to
+live amongst our serving-women as thou pleasest.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"With hair dishevelled and half her attire
+loosened, all the while dragged by Dussasana, the modest Krishna
+consumed with anger, faintly said--'In this assembly are persons
+conversant with all the branches of learning devoted to the performance
+of sacrifices and other rites, and all equal unto Indra, persons some
+of whom are really my superiors and others who deserve to be respected
+as such. I can not stay before them in this state. O wretch! O thou of
+cruel deeds, drag me not so. Uncover me not so. The princes (my lords)
+will not pardon thee, even if thou hast the gods themselves with Indra
+as thy allies. The illustrious son of Dharma is now bound by the
+obligations of morality. Morality, however, is subtle. Those only that
+are possessed of great clearness of vision can ascertain it. In speech
+even I am unwilling to admit an atom of fault in my lord forgetting his
+virtues. Thou draggest me who am in my season before these Kuru heroes.
+This is truly an unworthy act. But no one here rebuketh thee.
+Assuredly, all these are of the same mind with thee. O fie! Truly hath
+the virtue of the Bharata gone! Truly also hath the usage of those
+acquainted with the Kshatriya practice disappeared! Else these Kurus in
+this assembly would never have looked silently on this act that
+transgresseth the limits of their practices. Oh! both Drona and Bhishma
+have lost their energy, and so also hath the high-souled Kshatta, and
+so also this king. Else, why do these foremost of the Kuru elders look
+silently on this great crime?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus did Krishna of slender waist cry in
+distress in that assembly. And casting a glance upon her enraged
+lords--the Pandavas--who were filled with terrible wrath, she inflamed
+them further with that glance of hers. And they were not so distressed
+at having been robbed of their kingdom, of their wealth, of their
+costliest gems, as with that glance of Krishna moved by modesty and
+anger. And Dussasana, beholding Krishna looking at her helpless lords,
+dragging her still more forcibly, and addressed her, 'Slave, Slave' and
+laughed aloud. And at those words Karna became very glad and approved
+of them by laughing aloud. And Sakuni, the son of Suvala, the Gandhara
+king, similarly applauded Dussasana. And amongst all those that were in
+the assembly except these three and Duryodhana, every one was filled
+with sorrow at beholding Krishna thus dragged in sight of that
+assembly. And beholding it all, Bhishma said, 'O blessed one, morality
+is subtle. I therefore am unable to duly decide this point that thou
+hast put, beholding that on the one hand one that hath no wealth cannot
+stake the wealth belonging to others, while on the other hand wives are
+always under the orders and at the disposal of their lords.
+Yudhishthira can abandon the whole world full of wealth, but he will
+never sacrifice morality. The son of Pandu hath said--"I am won."
+Therefore, I am unable to decide this matter. Sakuni hath not his equal
+among men at dice-play. The son of Kunti still voluntarily staked with
+him. The illustrious Yudhishthira doth not himself regard that Sakuni
+hath played with him deceitfully. Therefore, I can not decide this
+point.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'The king was summoned to this assembly and though
+possessing no skill at dice, he was made to play with skilful, wicked,
+deceitful and desperate gamblers. How can he said then to have staked
+voluntarily? The chief of the Pandavas was deprived of his senses by
+wretches of deceitful conduct and unholy instincts, acting together,
+and then vanquished. He could not understand their tricks, but he hath
+now done so. Here, in this assembly, there are Kurus who are the lords
+of both their sons and their daughters-in-law! Let all of them,
+reflecting well upon my words, duly decide the point that I have put.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Unto Krishna who was thus weeping and crying
+piteously, looking at times upon her helpless lord, Dussasana spake
+many disagreeable and harsh words. And beholding her who was then in
+her season thus dragged, and her upper garments loosened, beholding her
+in that condition which she little deserved, Vrikodara afflicted beyond
+endurance, his eyes fixed upon Yudhishthira, gave way to wrath.
+
+"Bhima said,--'O Yudhishthira, gamblers have in their houses many women
+of loose character. They do not yet stake those women having kindness
+for them even. Whatever wealth and other excellent articles the king of
+Kasi gave, whatever, gems, animals, wealth, coats of mail and weapons
+that other kings of the earth gave, our kingdom, thyself and ourselves,
+have all been won by the foes. At all this my wrath was not excited for
+thou art our lord. This, however, I regard as a highly improper
+act--this act of staking Draupadi. This innocent girl deserveth not
+this treatment. Having obtained the Pandavas as her lords, it is for
+thee alone that she is being thus persecuted by the low, despicable,
+cruel, and mean-minded Kauravas. It is for her sake, O king, that my
+anger falleth on thee. I shall burn those hands of thine. Sahadeva,
+bring some fire.'
+
+"Arjuna hearing this, said,--'Thou hast never, O Bhimasena, before this
+uttered such words as these. Assuredly thy high morality hath been
+destroyed by these cruel foes. Thou shouldst not fulfil the wishes of
+the enemy. Practise thou the highest morality. Whom doth it behave to
+transgress his virtuous eldest brother? The king was summoned by the
+foe, and remembering the usage of the Kshatriyas, he played at dice
+against his will. That is certainly conducive to our great fame.'
+
+"Bhima said,--'If I had not known, O Dhananjaya, that the king had
+acted according to Kshatriya usage, then I would have, taking his hands
+together by sheer force, burnt them in a blazing fire.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Beholding the Pandavas thus distressed and
+the princess of Panchala also thus afflicted, Vikarna the son of
+Dhritarashtra said--'Ye kings, answer ye the question that hath been
+asked by Yajnaseni. If we do not judge a matter referred to us, all of
+us will assuredly have to go to hell without delay. How is that Bhishma
+and Dhritarashtra, both of whom are the oldest of the Kurus, as also
+the high-souled Vidura, do not say anything! The son of Bharadwaja who
+is the preceptor of us, as also Kripa, is here. Why do not these best
+of regenerate ones answer the question? Let also those other kings
+assembled here from all directions answer according to their judgment
+this question, leaving aside all motives of gain and anger. Ye kings,
+answer ye the question that hath been asked by this blessed daughter of
+king Drupada, and declare after reflection on which side each of ye
+is.' Thus did Vikarna repeatedly appeal to those that were in that
+assembly. But those kings answered him not one word, good or ill. And
+Vikarna having repeatedly appealed to all the kings began to rub his
+hands and sigh like a snake. And at last the prince said--'Ye kings of
+the earth, ye Kauravas, whether ye answer this question or not, I will
+say what I regard as just and proper. Ye foremost of men, it hath been
+said that hunting, drinking, gambling, and too much enjoyment of women,
+are the four vices of kings. The man, that is addicted to these, liveth
+forsaking virtue. And people do not regard the acts done by a person
+who is thus improperly engaged, as of any authority. This son of Pandu,
+while deeply engaged in one of these vicious acts, urged thereto by
+deceitful gamblers, made Draupadi a stake. The innocent Draupadi is,
+besides, the common wife of all the sons of Pandu. And the king, having
+first lost himself offered her as a stake. And Suvala himself desirous
+of a stake, indeed prevailed upon the king to stake this Krishna.
+Reflecting upon all these circumstances, I regard Draupadi as not won.'
+
+"Hearing these words, a loud uproar rose from among those present in
+that assembly. And they all applauded Vikarna and censured the son of
+Suvala. And at that sound, the son of Radha, deprived of his senses by
+anger, waving his well-shaped arms, said these words,--'O Vikarna, many
+opposite and inconsistent conditions are noticeable in this assembly.
+Like fire produced from a faggot, consuming the faggot itself, this thy
+ire will consume thee. These personages here, though urged by Krishna,
+have not uttered a word. They all regard the daughter of Drupada to
+have been properly won. Thou alone, O son of Dhritarashtra in
+consequence of thy immature years, art bursting with wrath, for though
+but a boy thou speakest in the assembly as if thou wert old. O younger
+brother of Duryodhana, thou dost not know what morality truly is, for
+thou sayest like a fool that this Krishna who hath been (justly) won as
+not won at all. O son of Dhritarashtra, how dost thou regard Krishna as
+not won, when the eldest of the Pandavas before this assembly staked
+all his possessions? O bull of the Bharata race, Draupadi is included
+in all the possessions (of Yudhishthira). Therefore, why regardest thou
+Krishna who hath been justly won as not won? Draupadi had been
+mentioned (by Suvala) and approved of as a stake by the Pandavas. For
+what reason then dost thou yet regard her as not won? Or, if thou
+thinkest that bringing her hither attired in a single piece of cloth,
+is an action of impropriety, listen to certain excellent reasons I will
+give. O son of the Kuru race, the gods have ordained only one husband
+for one woman. This Draupadi, however, hath many husbands. Therefore,
+certain it is that she is an unchaste woman. To bring her, therefore,
+into this assembly attired though she be in one piece of cloth--even to
+uncover her is not at all an act that may cause surprise. Whatever
+wealth the Pandavas had--she herself and these Pandavas
+themselves,--have all been justly won by the son of Suvala. O
+Dussasana, this Vikarna speaking words of (apparent) wisdom is but a
+boy. Take off the robes of the Pandavas as also the attire of
+Draupadi.' Hearing these words the Pandavas, O Bharata, took of their
+upper garments and throwing them down sat in that assembly. Then
+Dussasana, O king, forcibly seizing Draupadi's attire before the eyes
+of all, began to drag it off her person."
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"When the attire of Draupadi was being thus
+dragged, the thought of Hari, (And she herself cried aloud, saying), 'O
+Govinda, O thou who dwellest in Dwaraka, O Krishna, O thou who art fond
+of cow-herdesses (of Vrindavana). O Kesava, seest thou not that the
+Kauravas are humiliating me. O Lord, O husband of Lakshmi, O Lord of
+Vraja (Vrindavana), O destroyer of all afflictions, O Janarddana,
+rescue me who am sinking in the Kaurava Ocean. O Krishna, O Krishna, O
+thou great yogin, thou soul of the universe, Thou creator of all
+things, O Govinda, save me who am distressed,--who am losing my senses
+in the midst of the Kurus.' Thus did that afflicted lady resplendent
+still in her beauty, O king covering her face cried aloud, thinking of
+Krishna, of Hari, of the lord of the three worlds. Hearing the words of
+Draupadi, Krishna was deeply moved. And leaving his seat, the
+benevolent one from compassion, arrived there on foot. And while
+Yajnaseni was crying aloud to Krishna, also called Vishnu and Hari and
+Nara for protection, the illustrious Dharma, remaining unseen, covered
+her with excellent clothes of many hues. And, O monarch as the attire
+of Draupadi was being dragged, after one was taken off, another of the
+same kind, appeared covering her. And thus did it continue till many
+clothes were seen. And, O exalted one, owing to the protection of
+Dharma, hundreds upon hundreds of robes of many hues came off
+Draupadi's person. And there arose then a deep uproar of many many
+voices. And the kings present in that assembly beholding that most
+extraordinary of all sights in the world, began to applaud Draupadi and
+censure the son of Dhritarashtra. And Bhima then, squeezing his hands,
+with lips quivering in rage, swore in the midst of all those kings a
+terrible oath in a loud voice.
+
+"And Bhima said,--'Hear these words of mine, ye Kshatriyas of the
+world. Words such as these were never before uttered by other men, nor
+will anybody in the future ever utter them. Ye lords of earth, if
+having spoken these words I do not accomplish them hereafter, let me
+not obtain the region of my deceased ancestors. Tearing open in battle,
+by sheer force, the breast of this wretch, this wicked-minded scoundrel
+of the Bharata race, if I do not drink his life-blood, let me not
+obtain the region of my ancestors.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these terrible words of Bhima that
+made the down of the auditors to stand on end, everybody present there
+applauded him and censured the son of Dhritarashtra. And when a mass of
+clothes had been gathered in that assembly, all dragged from the person
+of Draupadi, Dussasana, tired and ashamed, sat down. And beholding the
+sons of Kunti in that state, the persons--those gods among men--that
+were in that assembly all uttered the word 'Fie!' (on the son of
+Dhritarashtra). And the united voices of all became so loud that they
+made the down of anybody who heard them stand on end. And all the
+honest men that were in that assembly began to say,--'Alas! the
+Kauravas answer not the question that hath been put to them by
+Draupadi.' And all censuring Dhritarashtra together, made a loud
+clamour. Then Vidura, that master of the science of morality, waving
+his hands and silencing every one, spake these words;--'Ye that are in
+this assembly, Draupadi having put her question is weeping helplessly.
+Ye are not answering her. Virtue and morality are being persecuted by
+such conduct. An afflicted person approacheth an assembly of good men,
+like one that is being consumed by fire. They that are in the assembly
+quench that fire and cool him by means of truth and morality. The
+afflicted person asketh the assembly about his rights, as sanctioned by
+morality. They that are in the assembly should, unmoved by interest and
+anger, answer the question. Ye kings, Vikarna hath answered the
+question, according to his own knowledge and judgment. Ye should also
+answer it as ye think proper. Knowing the rules of morality, and having
+attended an assembly, he that doth not answer a query that is put,
+incurreth half the demerit that attacheth to a lie. He, on the other
+hand, who, knowing the rules of morality and having joined an assembly
+answereth falsely, assuredly incurreth the sin of a lie. The learned
+quote as an example in this connection the old history of Prahlada and
+the son of Angirasa.
+
+"'There was of old a chief of the Daityas of the name Prahlada. He had
+a son named Virochana. And Virochana, for the sake of obtaining a
+bride, quarrelled with Sudhanwan, the son of Angiras. It hath been
+heard by us that they mutually wagered their lives, saying--"I am
+superior,"--"I am superior,"--for the sake of obtaining a bride. And
+after they had thus quarrelled with each other, they both made Prahlada
+the arbitrator to decide between them. And they asked him,
+saying;--"Who amongst us is superior (to the other)? Answer this
+question. Speak not falsely." Frightened at this quarrel, Prahlada cast
+his eyes upon Sudhanwan. And Sudhanwan in rage, burning like unto the
+mace of Yama, told him,--"If thou answerest falsely, or dost not answer
+at all thy head will then be split into a hundred pieces by the wielder
+of the thunderbolt with that bolt of his."--Thus addressed by
+Sudhanwan, the Daitya, trembling like a leaf of the fig tree, went to
+Kasyapa of great energy, for taking counsel with him. And Prahlada
+said,--"Thou art, O illustrious and exalted one, fully conversant with
+the rules of morality that should guide both the gods and the Asuras
+and the Brahmanas as well. Here, however, is a situation of great
+difficulty in respect of duty. Tell me, I ask thee, what regions are
+obtainable by them who upon being asked a question, answer it not, or
+answer it falsely." Kasyapa thus asked answered.--"He that knoweth, but
+answereth not a question from temptation, anger or fear, casteth upon
+himself a thousand nooses of Varuna. And the person who, cited as a
+witness with respect to any matter of ocular or auricular knowledge,
+speaketh carelessly, casteth a thousand nooses of Varuna upon his own
+person. On the completion of one full year, one such noose is loosened.
+Therefore, he that knoweth, should speak the truth without concealment.
+If virtue, pierced by sin, repaireth to an assembly (for aid), it is
+the duty of every body in the assembly to take off the dart, otherwise
+they themselves would be pierced with it. In an assembly where a truly
+censurable act is not rebuked, half the demerit of that act attacheth
+to the head of that assembly, a fourth to the person acting censurably
+and a fourth unto those others that are there. In that assembly, on the
+other hand, when he that deserveth censure is rebuked, the head of the
+assembly becometh freed from all sins, and the other members also incur
+none. It is only the perpetrator himself of the act that becometh
+responsible for it. O Prahlada, they who answer falsely those that ask
+them about morality destroy the meritorious acts of their seven upper
+and seven lower generations. The grief of one who hath lost all his
+wealth, of one who hath lost a son, of one who is in debt, of one who
+is separated from his companions, of a woman who hath lost her husband,
+of one that hath lost his all in consequence of the king's demand, of a
+woman who is sterile, of one who hath been devoured by a tiger (during
+his last struggles in the tiger's claws), of one who is a co-wife, and
+of one who hath been deprived of his property by false witnesses, have
+been said by the gods to be uniform in degree. These different sorts of
+grief are his who speaketh false. A person becometh a witness in
+consequence of his having seen, heard, and understood a thing.
+Therefore, a witness should always tell the truth. A truth-telling
+witness never loseth his religious merits and earthly possessions
+also." Hearing these words of Kasyapa, Prahlada told his son,
+"Sudhanwan is superior to thee, as indeed, (his father) Angiras is
+superior to me. The mother also of Sudhanwan is superior to thy mother.
+Therefore, O Virochana, this Sudhanwan is now the lord of the life." At
+these words of Prahlada, Sudhanwan said, "Since unmoved by affection
+for thy child, thou hast adhered to virtue, I command, let this son of
+thine live for a hundred years."'
+
+"Vidura continued,--'Let all the persons, therefore, present in this
+assembly hearing these high truths of morality, reflect upon what
+should be the answer to the question asked by Draupadi.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The kings that were there hearing these words
+of Vidura, answered not a word, yet Karna alone spoke unto Dussasana,
+telling him. Take away this serving-woman Krishna into the inner
+apartments. And thereupon Dussasana began to drag before all the
+spectators the helpless and modest Draupadi, trembling and crying
+piteously unto the Pandavas her lords.
+
+
+SECTION LXVIII
+
+"Draupadi said,--'Wait a little, thou worst of men, thou wicked-minded
+Dussasana. I have an act to perform--a high duty that hath not been
+performed by me yet. Dragged forcibly by this wretch's strong arms, I
+was deprived of my senses. I salute these reverend seniors in this
+assembly of the Kurus. That I could not do this before cannot be my
+fault.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Dragged with greater force than before, the
+afflicted and helpless Draupadi, undeserving of such treatment, falling
+down upon the ground, thus wept in that assembly of the Kurus,--
+
+"'Alas, only once before, on the occasion of the Swayamvara, I was
+beheld by the assembled kings in the amphitheatre, and never even once
+beheld afterwards. I am to-day brought before this assembly. She whom
+even the winds and the sun had seen never before in her palace is
+to-day before this assembly and exposed to the gaze of the crowd. Alas,
+she whom the sons of Pandu could not, while in her palace, suffer to be
+touched even by the wind, is to-day suffered by the Pandavas to be
+seized and dragged by this wretch. Alas, these Kauravas also suffer
+their daughter-in-law, so unworthy of such treatment, to be thus
+afflicted before them. It seemeth that the times are out of joint. What
+can be more distressing to me, than that though high-born and chaste, I
+should yet be compelled to enter this public court? Where is that
+virtue for which these kings were noted? It hath been heard that the
+kings of ancient days never brought their wedded wives into the public
+court. Alas, that eternal usage hath disappeared from among the
+Kauravas. Else, how is it that the chaste wife of the Pandavas, the
+sister of Prishata's son, the friend of Vasudeva, is brought before
+this assembly? Ye Kauravas, I am the wedded wife of king Yudhishthira
+the just, hailing from the same dynasty to which the King belonged.
+Tell me now if I am a serving-maid or otherwise. I will cheerfully
+accept your answer. This mean wretch, this destroyer of the name of the
+Kurus, is afflicting me hard. Ye Kauravas, I cannot bear it any longer.
+Ye kings, I desire ye to answer whether ye regard me as won or unwon. I
+will accept your verdict whatever it be.'
+
+"Hearing these words, Bhishma answered, 'I have already said, O blessed
+one that the course of morality is subtle. Even the illustrious wise in
+this world fail to understand it always. What in this world a strong
+man calls morality is regarded as such by others, however otherwise it
+may really be; but what a weak man calls morality is scarcely regarded
+as such even if it be the highest morality. From the importance of the
+issue involved, from its intricacy and subtlety, I am unable to answer
+with certitude the question thou hast asked. However, it is certain
+that as all the Kurus have become the slaves of covetousness and folly,
+the destruction of this our race will happen on no distant date. O
+blessed one, the family into which thou hast been admitted as a
+daughter-in-law, is such that those who are born in it, however much
+they might be afflicted by calamities, never deviate from the paths of
+virtue and morality. O Princess of Panchala, this conduct of thine
+also, viz. that though sunk in distress, thou still easiest thy eyes on
+virtue and morality, is assuredly worthy of thee. These persons, Drona
+and others, of mature years and conversant with morality, sit heads
+downwards like men that are dead, with bodies from which life hath
+departed. It seemeth to me, however, that Yudhishthira is an authority
+on this question. It behoveth him to declare whether thou art won or
+not won.'"
+
+
+SECTION LXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"The kings present in that assembly, from fear of
+Duryodhana, uttered not a word, good or ill, although they beheld
+Draupadi crying piteously in affliction like a female osprey, and
+repeatedly appealing to them. And the son of Dhritarashtra beholding
+those kings and sons and grand sons of kings all remaining silent,
+smiled a little, and addressing the daughter of the king of Panchala,
+said,--'O Yajnaseni, the question thou hast put dependeth on thy
+husbands--on Bhima of mighty strength, on Arjuna, on Nakula, on
+Sahadeva. Let them answer thy question. O Panchali, let them for thy
+sake declare in the midst of these respectable men that Yudhishthira is
+not their lord, let them thereby make king Yudhishthira the just a
+liar. Thou shalt then be freed from the condition of slavery. Let the
+illustrious son of Dharma, always adhering to virtue, who is even like
+Indra, himself declare whether he is not thy lord. At his words, accept
+thou the Pandavas or ourselves without delay. Indeed, all the Kauravas
+present in this assembly are floating in the ocean of thy distress.
+Endued with magnanimity, they are unable to answer thy question,
+looking at thy unfortunate husbands.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of the Kuru king, all who
+were present in the assembly loudly applauded them. And shouting
+approvingly, they made signs unto one another by motions of their eyes
+and lips. And amongst some that were there, sounds of distress such as
+'O!' and 'Alas!' were heard. And at these words of Duryodhana, so
+delightful (to his partisans), the Kauravas present in that assembly
+became exceedingly glad. And the kings, with faces turned sideways,
+looked upon Yudhishthira conversant with the rules of morality, curious
+to hear what he would say. And every one present in that assembly
+became curious to hear what Arjuna, the son of Pandu never defeated in
+battle, and what Bhimasena, and what the twins also would say. And when
+that busy hum of many voices became still, Bhimasena, waving his strong
+and well-formed arms smeared with sandalpaste spake these words,--'If
+this high-souled king Yudhishthira the just, who is our eldest brother,
+had not been our lord, we would never have forgiven the Kuru race (for
+all this). He is the lord of all our religious and ascetic merits, the
+lord of even our lives. If he regardeth himself as won, we too have all
+been won. If this were not so, who is there amongst creatures touching
+the earth with their feet and mortal, that would escape from me with
+his life after having touched those locks of the princess of Panchala?
+Behold these mighty, well-formed arms of mine, even like maces of iron.
+Having once come within them, even he of a hundred sacrifices is
+incapable of effecting an escape. Bound by the ties of virtue and the
+reverence that is due to our eldest brother, and repeatedly urged by
+Arjuna to remain silent, I am not doing anything terrible. If however,
+I am once commanded by king Yudhishthira the just, I would slay these
+wretched sons of Dhritarashtra, making slaps do the work of swords,
+like a lion slaying a number of little animals.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Unto Bhima who had spoken these words Bhishma
+and Drona and Vidura said, 'Forbear, O Bhima. Everything is possible
+with thee.'
+
+
+SECTION LXX
+
+"Karna said,--'Of all the persons in the assembly, three, viz.,
+Bhishma, Vidura, and the preceptor of the Kurus (Drona) appear to be
+independent; for they always speak of their master as wicked, always
+censure him, and never wish for his prosperity. O excellent one, the
+slave, the son, and the wife are always dependent. They cannot earn
+wealth, for whatever they earn belongeth to their master. Thou art the
+wife of a slave incapable of possessing anything on his own account.
+Repair now to the inner apartments of king Dhritarashtra and serve the
+king's relatives. We direct that that is now thy proper business. And,
+O princess, all the sons of Dhritarashtra and not the sons of Pritha
+are now thy masters. O handsome one, select thou another husband
+now,--one who will not make thee a slave by gambling. It is well-known
+that women, especially that are slaves, are not censurable if they
+proceed with freedom in electing husbands. Therefore let it be done by
+thee. Nakula hath been won, as also Bhimasena, and Yudhishthira also,
+and Sahadeva, and Arjuna. And, O Yajnaseni, thou art now a slave. Thy
+husbands that are slaves cannot continue to be thy lords any longer.
+Alas, doth not the son of Pritha regards life, prowess and manhood as
+of no use that he offereth this daughter of Drupada, the king of
+Panchala, in the presence of all this assembly, as a stake at dice?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words, the wrathful Bhima
+breathed hard, a very picture of woe. Obedient to the king and bound by
+the tie of virtue and duty, burning everything with his eyes inflamed
+by anger, he said,--'O king, I cannot be angry at these words of this
+son of a Suta, for we have truly entered the state of servitude. But O
+king, could our enemies have said so unto me, it thou hadst not played
+staking this princess?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Bhimasena king
+Duryodhana addressed Yudhishthira who was silent and deprived of his
+senses, saying,--'O king, both Bhima and Arjuna, and the twins also,
+are under thy sway. Answer thou the question (that hath been asked by
+Draupadi). Say, whether thou regardest Krishna as unwon.' And having
+spoken thus unto the son of Kunti, Duryodhana desirous of encouraging
+the son of Radha and insulting Bhima, quickly uncovered his left thigh
+that was like unto the stem of a plantain tree or the trunk of an
+elephant and which was graced with every auspicious sign and endued
+with the strength of thunder, and showed it to Draupadi in her very
+sight. And beholding this, Bhimasena expanding his red eyes, said unto
+Duryodhana in the midst of all those kings and as if piercing them
+(with his dart-like words),--'Let not Vrikodara attain to the regions,
+obtained by his ancestors, if he doth not break that thigh of thine in
+the great conflict.' And sparkles of fire began to be emitted from
+every organ of sense of Bhima filled with wrath, like those that come
+out of every crack and orifice in the body of a blazing tree.
+
+"Vidura then, addressing everybody, said,--'Ye kings of Pratipa's race,
+behold the great danger that ariseth from Bhimasena. Know ye for
+certain that this great calamity that threatens to overtake the
+Bharatas hath been sent by Destiny itself. The sons of Dhritarashtra
+have, indeed, gambled disregarding every proper consideration. They are
+even now disputing in this assembly about a lady (of the royal
+household). The prosperity of our kingdom is at an end. Alas, the
+Kauravas are even now engaged in sinful consultations. Ye Kauravas,
+take to your heart this high precept that I declare. If virtue is
+persecuted, the whole assembly becometh polluted. If Yudhishthira had
+staked her before he was himself won, he would certainly have been
+regarded as her master. If, however a person staketh anything at a time
+when he himself is incapable of holding any wealth, to win it is very
+like obtaining wealth in a dream. Listening to the words of the king of
+Gandhara, fall ye not off from this undoubted truth.'
+
+"Duryodhana, hearing Vidura thus speak, said,--'I am willing to abide
+by the words of Bhima, of Arjuna and of the twins. Let them say that
+Yudhishthira is not their master. Yajnaseni will then be freed from her
+state of bondage.'
+
+"Arjuna at this, said,--'This illustrious son of Kunti, king
+Yudhishthira the just, was certainly our master before he began to
+play. But having lost himself, let all the Kauravas judge whose master
+he could be after that.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Just then, a jackal began to cry loudly in
+the homa-chamber of king Dhritarashtra's palace. And, O king, unto the
+jackal that howled so, the asses began to bray responsively. And
+terrible birds also, from all sides, began to answer with their cries.
+And Vidura conversant with everything and the daughter of Suvala, both
+understood the meaning of those terrible sounds. And Bhishma and Drona
+and the learned Gautama loudly cried,--Swashti! Swashti! [Footnote 1]
+Then Gandhari and the learned Vidura beholding that frightful omen,
+represented everything, in great affliction, unto the king. And the
+king (Dhritarashtra) thereupon said,--
+
+[Footnote 1. A word of benediction, similar to 'Amen.']
+
+"'Thou wicked-minded Duryodhana, thou wretch, destruction hath all
+ready overtaken thee when thou insultest in language such as this the
+wife of these bulls among the Kurus, especially their wedded wife
+Draupadi.' And having spoken those words, the wise Dhritarashtra endued
+with knowledge, reflecting with the aid of his wisdom and desirous of
+saving his relatives and friends from destruction, began to console
+Krishna, the princess of Panchala, and addressing her, the monarch
+said,--'Ask of me any boon, O princess of Panchala, that thou desirest.
+Chaste and devoted to virtue, thou art the first of all my
+daughters-in-law.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'O bull of the Bharata race, if thou will grant me a
+boon, I ask the handsome Yudhishthira, obedient to every duty, be freed
+from slavery. Let not unthinking children call my child Prativindhya
+endued with great energy of mind as the son of a slave. Having been a
+prince, so superior to all men, and nurtured by kings it is not proper
+that he should be called the child of a slave.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said unto her,--'O auspicious one, let it be as thou
+sayest. O excellent one, ask thou another boon, for I will give it. My
+heart inclineth to give thee a second boon. Thou dost not deserve only
+one boon.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'I ask, O king, that Bhimasena and Dhananjaya and the
+twins also, with their cars and bows, freed from bondage, regain their
+liberty.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'O blessed daughter, let it be as thou desirest.
+Ask thou a third boon, for thou hast not been sufficiently honoured
+with two boons. Virtuous in thy behaviour, thou art the foremost of all
+my daughters-in-law.'
+
+"Draupadi said,--'O best of kings, O illustrious one, covetousness
+always bringeth about loss of virtue. I do not deserve a third boon.
+Therefore I dare not ask any. O king of kings, it hath been said that a
+Vaisya may ask one boon; a Kshatriya lady, two boons; a Kshatriya male,
+three, and a Brahmana, a hundred. O king, these my husbands freed from
+the wretched state of bondage, will be able to achieve prosperity by
+their own virtuous acts!'
+
+
+SECTION LXXI
+
+"Karna said,--'We have never heard of such an act (as this one of
+Draupadi), performed by any of the women noted in this world for their
+beauty. When the sons of both Pandu and Dhritarashtra were excited with
+wrath, this Draupadi became unto the sons of Pandu as their salvation.
+Indeed the princess of Panchala, becoming as a boat unto the sons of
+Pandu who were sinking in a boatless ocean of distress, hath brought
+them in safety to the shore.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Karna in the midst of
+the Kurus,--viz., that the sons of Pandu were saved by their wife,--the
+angry Bhimasena in great affliction said (unto Arjuna),--'O Dhananjaya,
+it hath been said by Devala three lights reside in every person, viz.,
+offspring, acts and learning, for from these three hath sprung
+creation. When life becometh extinct and the body becometh impure and
+is cast off by relatives, these three become of service to every
+person. But the light that is in us hath been dimmed by this act of
+insult to our wife. How, O Arjuna, can a son born from this insulted
+wife of ours prove serviceable to us?'
+
+"Arjuna replied,--'Superior persons, O Bharata, never prate about the
+harsh words that may or may not be uttered by inferior men. Persons
+that have earned respect for themselves, even if they are able to
+retaliate, remember not the acts of hostility done by their enemies,
+but, on the other hand, treasure up only their good deeds.'
+
+"Bhima said,--'Shall I, O king, slay, without loss of time all these
+foes assembled together, even here, or shall I destroy them, O Bharata,
+by the roots, outside this palace? Or, what need is there of words or
+of command? I shall slay all these even now, and rule thou the whole
+earth, O king, without a rival.' And saying this, Bhima with his
+younger brothers, like a lion in the midst of a herd of inferior
+animals, repeatedly cast his angry glances around. But Arjuna, however,
+of white deeds, with appealing looks began to pacify his elder brother.
+And the mighty-armed hero endued with great prowess began to burn with
+the fire of his wrath. And, O king, this fire began to issue out of
+Vrikodara's ears and other senses with smoke and sparks and flames. And
+his face became terrible to behold in consequence of his furrowed brows
+like those of Yama himself at the time of the universal destruction.
+Then Yudhishthira forbade the mighty hero, embracing him with his arms
+and telling him 'Be not so. Stay in silence and peace.' And having
+pacified the mighty-armed one with eyes red in wrath, the king
+approached his uncle Dhritarashtra, with hands joined in entreaty.
+
+
+SECTION LXXII
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'O king, thou art our master. Command us as to
+what we shall do. O Bharata, we desire to remain always in obedience to
+thee.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied.--'O Ajatasatru, blest be thou. Go thou in peace
+and safety. Commanded by me, go, rule thy own kingdom with thy wealth.
+And, O child, take to heart this command of an old man, this wholesome
+advice that I give, and which is even a nutritive regimen. O
+Yudhishthira, O child, thou knowest the subtle path of morality.
+Possessed of great wisdom, thou art also humble, and thou waitest also
+upon the old. Where there is intelligence, there is forbearance.
+Therefore, O Bharata, follow thou counsels of peace. The axe falleth
+upon wood, not upon stone. (Thou art open to advice, not Duryodhana).
+They are the best of men that remember not the acts of hostility of
+their foes; that behold only the merits, not the faults, of their
+enemies; and that never enter into hostilities themselves. They that
+are good remember only the good deeds of their foes and not the hostile
+acts their foes might have done unto them. The good, besides, do good
+unto others without expectation of any good, in return. O Yudhishthira,
+it is only the worst of men that utter harsh words in quarrelling;
+while they that are indifferent reply to such when spoken by others.
+But they that are good and wise never think of or recapitulate such
+harsh words, little caring whether these may or may not have been
+uttered by their foes. They that are good, having regard to the state
+of their own feelings, can understand the feelings of others, and
+therefore remember only the good deeds and not the acts of hostility of
+their foes. Thou hast acted even as good men of prepossessing
+countenance do, who transgress not the limits of virtue, wealth,
+pleasure and salvation. O child, remember not the harsh words of
+Duryodhana. Look at thy mother Gandhari and myself also, if thou
+desirest to remember only what is good. O Bharata, look at me, who am
+thy father unto you and am old and blind, and still alive. It was for
+seeing our friends and examining also the strength and weakness of my
+children, that I had, from motives of policy, suffered this match at
+dice to proceed. O king those amongst the Kurus that have thee for
+their ruler, and the intelligent Vidura conversant with every branch of
+learning for their counsellor, have, indeed, nothing to grieve for. In
+thee is virtue, in Arjuna is patience, in Bhimasena is prowess, and the
+twins, those foremost of men, is pure reverence for superiors. Blest be
+thou, O Ajatasatru. Return to Khandavaprastha, and let there be
+brotherly love between thee and thy cousins. Let thy heart also be ever
+fixed on virtue.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"That foremost of the Bharatas--king
+Yudhishthira the just--then, thus addressed by his uncle, having gone
+through every ceremony of politeness, set out with his brothers for
+Khandavaprastha. And accompanied by Draupadi and ascending their cars
+which were all of the hue of the clouds, with cheerful hearts they all
+set out for that best of cities called Indraprastha."
+
+
+SECTION LXXIII
+
+Janamejaya said,--"How did the sons of Dhritarashtra feel, when they
+came to know that the Pandavas had, with Dhritarashtra's leave, left
+Hastinapore with all their wealth and jewels?"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"O king, learning that the Pandavas had been
+commanded by the wise Dhritarashtra to return to their capital,
+Dussasana went without loss of time unto his brother. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, having arrived before Duryodhana with his counsellor,
+the prince, afflicted with grief, began to say,--'Ye mighty warriors,
+that which we had won after so much trouble, the old man (our father)
+hath thrown away. Know ye that he hath made over the whole of that
+wealth to the foes.' At these words, Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni,
+the son of Suvala, all of whom were guided by vanity, united together,
+and desirous of counteracting the sons of Pandu, approaching in haste
+saw privately the wise king Dhritarashtra--the son of Vichitravirya and
+spake unto him these pleasing and artful words. Duryodhana said,--
+
+"'Hast thou not heard, O king, what the learned Vrihaspati the
+preceptor of the celestials, said in course of counselling Sakra about
+mortals and politics? Even these, O slayer of foes, were the words of
+Vrihaspati, "Those enemies that always do wrong by stratagem or force,
+should be slain by every means." If, therefore, with the wealth of the
+Pandavas, we gratify the kings of the earth and then fight with the
+sons of Pandu, what reverses can overtake us? When one hath placed on
+the neck and back of venomous snakes full of wrath for encompassing his
+destruction, is it possible for him to take them off? Equipped with
+weapon and seated on their cars, the angry sons of Pandu like wrathful
+and venomous snakes will assuredly annihilate us, O father. Even now
+Arjuna proceedeth, encased in mail and furnished with his couple of
+quivers, frequently taking up the Gandiva and breathing hard and
+casting angry glances around. It hath (also) been heard by us that
+Vrikodara, hastily ordering his car to be made ready and riding on it,
+is proceeding along, frequently whirling his heavy mace. Nakula also is
+going along, with the sword in his grasp and the semi-circular shield
+in his hand. And Sahadeva and the king (Yudhishthira) have made signs
+clearly testifying to their intentions. Having ascended their cars that
+are full of all kinds of arms, they are whipping their horses (for
+going to Khandava soon) and assembling their forces. Persecuted thus by
+us they are incapable of forgiving us those injuries. Who is there
+among them that will forgive that insult to Draupadi? Blest be thou. We
+will again gamble with the son of Pandu for sending them to exile. O
+bull among men, we are competent to bring them thus under our sway.
+Dressed in skins, either we or they defeated at dice, shall repair to
+the woods for twelve years. The thirteenth year shall have to be spent
+in some inhabited country unrecognised; and, if recognised, an exile
+for another twelve years shall be the consequence. Either we or they
+shall live so. Let the play begin, casting the dice, let the sons of
+Pandu once more play. O bull of the Bharata race, O king, even this is
+our highest duty. This Sakuni knoweth well the whole science of dice.
+Even if they succeed in observing this vow for thirteen years, we shall
+be in the meantime firmly rooted in the kingdom and making alliances,
+assemble a vast invincible host and keep them content, so that we
+shall, O king, defeat the sons of Pandu if they reappear. Let this plan
+recommend itself to thee, O slayer of foes.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'Bring back the Pandavas then, indeed, even if
+they have gone a great way. Let them come at once again to cast dice.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then Drona, Somadatta and Valhika, Gautama,
+Vidura, the son of Drona, and the mighty son of Dhritarashtra by his
+Vaisya wife, Bhurisravas, and Bhishma, and that mighty warrior
+Vikarna,--all said, 'Let not the play commence. Let there be peace.'
+But Dhritarashtra, partial to his sons, disregarding the counsels of
+all his wise friends and relatives, summoned the sons of Pandu."
+
+
+SECTION LXXIV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"O monarch, it was then that the virtuous Gandhari,
+afflicted with grief on account of her affection for her sons,
+addressed king Dhritarashtra and said, 'When Duryodhana was born,
+Vidura of great intelligence had said, "It is well to send this
+disgrace of the race to the other world. He cried repeatedly and
+dissonantly like a jackal. It is certain he will prove the destruction
+of our race." Take this to heart, O king of the Kurus. O Bharata, sink
+not, for thy own fault, into an ocean of calamity. O lord, accord not
+thy approbation to the counsels of the wicked ones of immature years.
+Be not thou the cause of the terrible destruction of this race. Who is
+there that will break an embankment which hath been completed, or
+re-kindle a conflagration which hath been extinguished? O bull of the
+Bharata race, who is there that will provoke the peaceful sons of
+Pritha? Thou rememberest, O Ajamida, everything, but still I will call
+thy attention to this. The scriptures can never control the
+wicked-minded for good or evil. And, O king, a person of immature
+understanding will never act as one of mature years. Let thy sons
+follow thee as their leader. Let them not be separated from thee for
+ever (by losing their lives). Therefore, at my word, O king, abandon
+this wretch of our race. Thou couldst not, O king, from parental
+affection, do it before. Know that the time hath come for the
+destruction of race through him. Err not, O king. Let thy mind, guided
+by counsels of peace, virtue, and true policy, be what it naturally is.
+That prosperity which is acquired by the aid of wicked acts, is soon
+destroyed; while that which is won by mild means taketh root and
+descendeth from generation to generation.'
+
+"The king, thus addressed by Gandhari who pointed out to him in such
+language the path of virtue, replied unto her, saying,--'If the
+destruction of our race is come, let it take place freely. I am ill
+able to prevent it. Let it be as they (these my sons) desire. Let the
+Pandavas return. And let my sons again gamble with the sons of Pandu.'"
+
+
+SECTION LXXV
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"The royal messenger, agreeably to the commands of
+the intelligent king Dhritarashtra, coming upon Yudhishthira, the son
+of Pritha who had by that time gone a great way, addressed the monarch
+and said,--'Even these are the words of thy father-like uncle, O
+Bharata, spoken unto thee, "The assembly is ready. O son of Pandu, O
+king Yudhisthira, come and cast the dice."'
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'Creatures obtain fruits good and ill according to
+the dispensation of the Ordainer of the creation. Those fruits are
+inevitable whether I play or not. This is a summons to dice; it is,
+besides the command of the old king. Although I know that it will prove
+destructive to me, yet I cannot refuse.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Although (a living) animal made of gold was
+an impossibility, yet Rama suffered himself to be tempted by a (golden)
+deer. Indeed, the minds of men over whom calamities hang, became
+deranged and out of order. Yudhishthira, therefore, having said these
+words, retraced his steps along with his brothers. And knowing full
+well the deception practised by Sakuni, the son of Pritha came back to
+sit at dice with him again. These mighty warriors again entered that
+assembly, afflicting the hearts of all their friends. And compelled by
+Fate they once more sat down at ease for gambling for the destruction
+of themselves.
+
+"Sakuni then said,--'The old king hath given ye back all your wealth.
+That is well. But, O bull of the Bharata race, listen to me, there is a
+stake of great value. Either defeated by ye at dice, dressed in deer
+skins we shall enter the great forest and live there for twelve years
+passing the whole of the thirteenth year in some inhabited region,
+unrecognised, and if recognised return to an exile of another twelve
+years; or vanquished by us, dressed in deer skins ye shall, with
+Krishna, live for twelve years in the woods passing the whole of the
+thirteenth year unrecognised, in some inhabited region. If recognised,
+an exile of another twelve years is to be the consequence. On the
+expiry of the thirteenth year, each is to have his kingdom surrendered
+by the other. O Yudhishthira, with this resolution, play with us, O
+Bharata, casting the dice.'
+
+"At these words, they that were in that assembly, raising up their arms
+said in great anxiety of mind, and from the strength of their feelings
+these words,--'Alas, fie on the friends of Duryodhana that they do not
+apprise him of his great danger. Whether he, O bull among the Bharatas,
+(Dhritarashtra) understandeth or not, of his own sense, it is thy duty
+to tell him plainly.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"King Yudhishthira, even hearing these various
+remarks, from shame and a sense of virtue again sat at dice. And though
+possessed of great intelligence and fully knowing the consequences, he
+again began to play, as if knowing that the destruction of the Kurus
+was at hand.
+
+"And Yudhishthira said,--'How can, O Sakuni, a king like me, always
+observant of the uses of his own order, refuse, when summoned to dice?
+Therefore I play with thee.'
+
+"Sakuni answered,--'We have many kine and horses, and milch cows, and
+an infinite number of goats and sheep; and elephants and treasures and
+gold and slaves both male and female. All these were staked by us
+before but now let this be our one stake, viz., exile into the
+woods,--being defeated either ye or we will dwell in the woods (for
+twelve years) and the thirteenth year, unrecognised, in some inhabited
+place. Ye bulls among men, with this determination, will we play.'
+
+"O Bharata, this proposal about a stay in the woods was uttered but
+once. The son of Pritha, however, accepted it and Sakuni took up the
+dice. And casting them he said unto Yudhishthira,--'Lo, I have won.'"
+
+
+SECTION LXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then the vanquished sons of Pritha prepared for
+their exile into the woods. And they, one after another, in due order,
+casting off their royal robes, attired themselves in deer-skins. And
+Dussasana, beholding those chastisers of foes, dressed in deer-skins
+and deprived of their kingdom and ready to go into exile, exclaimed
+'The absolute sovereignty of the illustrious king Duryodhana hath
+commenced. The sons of Pandu have been vanquished, and plunged into
+great affliction. Now have we attained the goal either by broad or
+narrow paths. For today becoming superior to our foes in point of
+prosperity as also of duration of rule have we become praiseworthy of
+men. The sons of Pritha have all been plunged by us into everlasting
+hell. They have been deprived of happiness and kingdom for ever and
+ever. They who, proud of their wealth, laughed in derision at the son
+of Dhritarashtra, will now have to go into the woods, defeated and
+deprived by us of all their wealth. Let them now put off their
+variegated coats of mail, their resplendent robes of celestial make,
+and let them all attire themselves in deer-skins according to the stake
+they had accepted of the son of Suvala. They who always used to boast
+that they had no equals in all the world, will now know and regard
+themselves in this their calamity as grains of sesame without the
+kernel. Although in this dress of theirs the Pandavas seem like unto
+wise and powerful persons installed in a sacrifice, yet they look like
+persons not entitled to perform sacrifices, wearing such a guise. The
+wise Yajnasena of the Somake race, having bestowed his daughter--the
+princess of Panchala--on the sons of Pandu, acted most unfortunately
+for the husbands of Yajnaseni--these sons of Pritha are as eunuchs. And
+O Yajnaseni, what joy will be thine upon beholding in the woods these
+thy husbands dressed in skins and thread-bare rags, deprived of their
+wealth and possessions. Elect thou a husband, whomsoever thou likest,
+from among all these present here. These Kurus assembled here, are all
+forbearing and self-controlled, and possessed of great wealth. Elect
+thou one amongst these as thy lord, so that these great calamity may
+not drag thee to wretchedness. The sons of Pandu now are even like
+grains of sesame without the kernel, or like show-animals encased in
+skins, or like grains of rice without the kernel. Why shouldst thou
+then longer wait upon the fallen sons of Pandu? Vain is the labour used
+upon pressing the sesame grain devoid of the kernel!'
+
+"Thus did Dussasana, the son of Dhritarashtra, utter in the hearing of
+the Pandavas, harsh words of the most cruel import. And hearing them,
+the unforbearing Bhima, in wrath suddenly approaching that prince like
+a Himalayan lion upon a jackal, loudly and chastisingly rebuked him in
+these words,--'Wicked-minded villain, ravest thou so in words that are
+uttered alone by the sinful? Boastest thou thus in the midst of the
+kings, advanced as thou art by the skill of the king of Gandhara. As
+thou piercest our hearts here with these thy arrowy words, so shall I
+pierce thy heart in battle, recalling all this to thy mind. And they
+also who from anger or covetousness are walking behind thee as thy
+protectors,--them also shall I send to the abode of Yama with their
+descendants and relatives.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Unto Bhima dressed in deer-skins and uttering
+these words of wrath without doing any thing, for he could not deviate
+from the path of virtue, Dussasana abandoning all sense of shame,
+dancing around the Kurus, loudly said, 'O cow! O cow!'
+
+"Bhima at this once more said,--'Wretch darest thou, O Dussasana, use
+harsh words as these? Whom doth it behove to boast, thus having won
+wealth by foul means? I tell thee that if Vrikodara, the son of Pritha,
+drinketh not thy life-blood, piercing open thy breast in battle, let
+him not attain to regions of blessedness, I tell thee truly that by
+slaying the sons of Dhritarashtra in battle, before the very eyes of
+all the warriors, I shall pacify this wrath of mine soon enough.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"And as the Pandavas were going away from the
+assembly, the wicked king Duryodhana from excess of joy mimiced by his
+own steps the playful leonine trade of Bhima. Then Vrikodara, half
+turning towards the king said, 'Think not ye fool that by this thou
+gainest any ascendency over me; slay thee shall I soon with all thy
+followers, and answer thee, recalling all this to thy mind.' And
+beholding this insult offered to him, the mighty and proud Bhima,
+suppressing his rising rage and following the steps of Yudhishthira,
+also spake these words while going out of the Kaurava court, 'I will
+slay Duryodhana, and Dhananjaya will slay Karna, and Sahadeva will slay
+Sakuni that gambler with dice. I also repeat in this assembly these
+proud words which the gods will assuredly make good, if ever we engage
+in battle with the Kurus, I will slay this wretched Duryodhana in
+battle with my mace, and prostrating him on the ground I will place my
+foot on his head. And as regards this (other) wicked person--Dussasana
+who is audacious in speech, I will drink his blood like a lion.'
+
+"And Arjuna said,--'O Bhima, the resolutions of superior men are not
+known in words only. On the fourteenth year from this day, they shall
+see what happeneth.'
+
+"And Bhima again said,--'The earth shall drink the blood of Duryodhana,
+and Karna, and the wicked Sakuni, and Dussasana that maketh the fourth.'
+
+"And Arjuna said,--'O Bhima, I will, as thou directest, slay in battle
+this Karna so malicious and jealous and harsh-speeched and vain. For
+doing what is agreeable to Bhima, Arjuna voweth that he will slay in
+battle with his arrows this Karna with all his followers. And I will
+send unto the regions of Yama also all those other kings that will from
+foolishness fight against me. The mountains of Himavat might be removed
+from where they are, the maker of the day lose his brightness, the moon
+his coldness, but this vow of mine will ever be cherished. And all this
+shall assuredly happen if on the fourteenth year from this, Duryodhana
+doth not, with proper respect, return us our kingdom.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"After Arjuna had said this, Sahadeva the
+handsome son of Madri, endued with great energy, desirous of slaying
+Sakuni, waving his mighty arms and sighing like snake, exclaimed, with
+eyes red with anger--'Thou disgrace of the Gandhara kings, those whom
+thou thinkest as defeated are not really so. Those are even
+sharp-pointed arrows from whose wounds thou hast run the risk in
+battle. I shall certainly accomplish all which Bhima hath said
+adverting to thee with all thy followers. If therefore thou hast
+anything to do, do it before that day cometh. I shall assuredly slay
+thee in battle with all thy followers soon enough, it thou, O son of
+Suvala, stayest in the light pursuant to the Kshatriya usage.'
+
+"Then, O monarch hearing these words of Sahadeva, Nakula the handsomest
+of men spake these words,--'I shall certainly send unto the abode of
+Yama all those wicked sons of Dhritarashtra, who desirous of death and
+impelled by Fate, and moved also by the wish of doing what is agreeable
+to Duryodhana, have used harsh and insulting speeches towards this
+daughter of Yajnasena at the gambling match. Soon enough shall I, at
+the command of Yudhishthira and remembering the wrongs to Draupadi,
+make the earth destitute of the sons of Dhritarashtra.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"And those tigers among men, all endued with
+long arms, having thus pledged themselves to virtuous promises
+approached king Dhritarashtra.
+
+
+SECTION LXXVII
+
+"Yudhishthira said,--'I bid farewell unto all the Bharatas, unto my old
+grand-sire (Bhishma), king Somadatta, the great king Vahlika, Drona,
+Kripa, all the other kings, Aswathaman, Vidura, Dhritarashtra, all the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, Yayutsu, Sanjaya, and all the courtiers, I bid
+fare well, all of ye and returning again I shall see you.""
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Overcome with shame none of those that were
+present there, could tell Yudhishthira anything. Within their hearts,
+however, they prayed for the welfare of that intelligent prince.
+
+"Vidura then said,--'The reverend Pritha is a princess by birth. It
+behoveth her not to go into the woods. Delicate and old and ever known
+to happiness the blessed one will live, respected by me, in my abode.
+Known this, ye sons of Pandu. And let safety be always yours.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The Pandavas thereupon said,--'O sinless one,
+let it be as thou sayest. Thou art our uncle, and, therefore like as
+our father. We also are all obedient to thee. Thou art, O learned one,
+our most respected superior. We should always obey what thou choosest
+to command. And, O high-souled one, order thou whatever else there is
+that remaineth to be done.'
+
+"Vidura replied,--'O Yudhishthira, O bull of the Bharata race, know
+this to be my opinion, that one that is vanquished by sinful means need
+not be pained by such defeat. Thou knowest every rule of morality;
+Dhananjaya is ever victorious in battle; Bhimasena is the slayer of
+foes; Nakula is the gatherer of wealth; Sahadeva hath administrative
+talents, Dhaumya is the foremost of all conversant with the vedas; and
+the well-behaved Draupadi is conversant with virtue and economy. Ye are
+attached to one another and feel delight at one another's sight and
+enemies can not separate you from one another, and ye are contented.
+Therefore, who is there that will not envy ye? O Bharata, this patient
+abstraction from the possession of the world will be of great benefit
+to thee. No foe, even if he were equal to sakra himself, will be able
+to stand it. Formerly thou wert instructed on the mountains of Himavat
+by Meru Savarni; in the town of Varanavata by Krishna Dwaipayana; on
+the cliff of Bhrigu by Rama; and on the banks of the Dhrishadwati by
+Sambhu himself. Thou hast also listened to the instruction of the great
+Rishi Asita on the hills of Anjana; and thou becamest a disciple of
+Bhrigu on the banks of the Kalmashi. Narada and this thy priest Dhaumya
+will now become thy instructors. In the matter of the next world,
+abandon not these excellent lessons thou hast obtained from the Rishis.
+O son of Pandu, thou surpassest in intelligence even Pururavas, the son
+of Ila; in strength, all other monarchs; and in virtue, even the
+Rishis. Therefore, resolve thou earnestly to win victory, which
+belongeth to Indra; to control thy wrath, which belongeth to Yama; to
+give in charity, which belongeth to Kuvera; and to control all
+passions, which belongeth to Varuna. And, O Bharata, obtain thou the
+power of gladdening from the moon, the power of sustaining all from
+water; forbearance from the earth; energy from the entire solar disc;
+strength from the winds, and affluence from the other elements. Welfare
+and immunity from ailment be thine; I hope to see thee return. And, O
+Yudhishthira, act properly and duly in all seasons,--in those of
+distress--in those of difficulty,--indeed, in respect of everything, O
+son of Kunti, with our leave go hence. O Bharata, blessing be thine. No
+one can say that ye have done anything sinful before. We hope to see
+thee, therefore, return in safety and crowned with success.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus addressed by Vidura, Yudhishthira the
+son of Pandu, of prowess incapable of being baffled, saying, 'So be
+it,' bowing low unto Bhishma and Drona, went away."
+
+
+SECTION LXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Then when Draupadi was about to set out she went
+unto the illustrious Pritha and solicited her leave. And she also asked
+leave of the other ladies of the household who had all been plunged
+into grief. And saluting and embracing every one of them as each
+deserved, she desired to go away. Then there arose within the inner
+apartments of the Pandavas a loud wail of woe. And Kunti, terribly
+afflicted upon beholding Draupadi on the eve of her journey, uttered
+these words in a voice choked with grief,--
+
+"'O child, grieve not that this great calamity hath overtaken thee.
+Thou art well conversant with the duties of the female sex, and thy
+behaviour and conduct also are as they should be. It behoveth me not, O
+thou of sweet smiles, to instruct thee as to thy duties towards thy
+lords. Thou art chaste and accomplished, and thy qualities have adorned
+the race of thy birth as also the race into which thou hast been
+admitted by marriage. Fortunate are the Kauravas that they have not
+been burnt by thy wrath. O child, safely go thou blest by my prayers.
+Good women never suffer their hearts to the unstung at what is
+inevitable. Protected by virtue that is superior to everything, soon
+shalt thou obtain good fortune. While living in the woods, keep thy eye
+on my child Sahadeva. See that his heart sinketh not under this great
+calamity.'
+
+"Saying 'So be it!' the princess Draupadi bathed in tears, and clad in
+one piece of cloth, stained with blood, and with hair dishevelled left
+her mother-in-law. And as she went away weeping and wailing Pritha
+herself in grief followed her. She had not gone far when she saw her
+sons shorn of their ornaments and robes, their bodies clad in
+deerskins, and their heads down with shame. And she beheld them
+surrounded by rejoicing foes and pitied by friends. Endued with excess
+of parental affection, Kunti approached her sons in that state, and
+embracing them all, and in accents choked by woe, She said these
+words,--
+
+"'Ye are virtuous and good-mannered, and adorned with all excellent
+qualities and respectful behaviour. Ye are all high-minded, and engaged
+in the service of your superiors. And ye are also devoted to the gods
+and the performance of sacrifices. Why, then, hath this calamity
+overtaken you. Whence is this reverse of fortune? I do not see by whose
+wickedness this sin hath overtaken you. Alas I have brought you forth.
+All this must be due to my ill fortune. It is for this that ye have
+been overtaken by this calamity, though ye all are endued with
+excellent virtues. In energy and prowess and strength and firmness and
+might, ye are not wanting. How shall ye now, losing your wealth and
+possessions, live poor in the pathless woods? If I had known before
+that ye were destined to live in the woods, I would not have on Pandu's
+death come from the mountains of Satasringa to Hastinapore. Fortunate
+was your father, as I now regard, for he truly reaped the fruit of his
+asceticism, and he was gifted with foresight, as he entertained the
+wish of ascending heaven, without having to feel any pain on account of
+his sons. Fortunate also was the virtuous Madri, as I regard her today,
+who had, it seems, a fore-knowledge of what would happen and who on
+that account, obtained the high path of emancipation and every blessing
+therewith. Ah, Madri looked upon me as her stay, and her mind and her
+affections were ever fixed on me. Oh, fie on my desire of life, owing
+to which suffer all this woe. Ye children, ye are all excellent and
+dear unto me. I have obtained you after much suffering. I cannot leave
+you. Even I will go with you. Alas, O Krishna, (Draupadi), why dost
+thou leave me so? Everything endued with life is sure to perish. Hath
+Dhata (Brahma) himself forgotten to ordain my death? Perhaps, it is so,
+and, therefore, life doth not quit me. O Krishna, O thou who dwellest
+in Dwaraka, O younger brother of Sankarshana, where art thou? Why dost
+thou not deliver me and these best of men also from such woe? They say
+that thou who art without beginning and without end deliverest those
+that think of thee. Why doth this saying become untrue. These my sons
+are ever attached to virtue and nobility and good fame and prowess.
+They deserve not to suffer affliction. Oh, show them mercy. Alas, when
+there are such elders amongst our race as Bhishma and Drona and Kripa,
+all conversant with morality and the science of worldly concerns, how
+could such calamity at all come? O Pandu, O king, where art thou? Why
+sufferest thou quietly thy good children to be thus sent into exile,
+defeated at dice? O Sahadeva, desist from going. Thou art my dearest
+child, dearer, O son of Madri, than my body itself. Forsake me not. It
+behoveth thee to have some kindness for me. Bound by the ties of
+virtue, let these thy brothers go. But then, earn thou that virtue
+which springeth from waiting upon me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The Pandavas then consoled their weeping
+mother and with hearts plunged in grief set out for the woods. And
+Vidura himself also much afflicted, consoling the distressed Kunti with
+reasons, and led her slowly to his house. And the ladies of
+Dhritarashtra's house, hearing everything as it happened, viz., the
+exile (of the Pandavas) and the dragging of Krishna into the assembly
+where the princes had gambled, loudly wept censuring the Kauravas. And
+the ladies of the royal household also sat silent for a long time,
+covering their lotus-like faces with their fair hands. And king
+Dhritarashtra also thinking of the dangers that threatened his sons,
+became a prey to anxiety and could not enjoy peace of mind. And
+anxiously meditating on everything, and with mind deprived of its
+equanimity through grief, he sent a messenger unto Vidura, saying, 'Let
+Kshatta come to me without a moment's delay.'
+
+"At this summons, Vidura quickly came to Dhritarashtra's palace. And as
+soon as he came, the monarch asked him with great anxiety how the
+Pandavas had left Hastinapore."
+
+
+SECTION LXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"As soon as Vidura endued with great foresight came
+unto him king Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, timidly asked his
+brother,--'How doth Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, proceed along? And
+how Arjuna? And how the twin sons of Madri? And how, O Kshatta, doth
+Dhaumya proceed along? And how the illustrious Draupadi? I desire to
+hear everything, O Kshatta; describe to me all their acts.'
+
+"Vidura replied,--'Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, hath gone away
+covering his face with his cloth. And Bhima, O king, hath gone away
+looking at his own mighty arms. And Jishnu (Arjuna) hath gone away,
+following the king spreading sand-grains around. And Sahadeva, the son
+of Madri, hath gone away besmearing his face, and Nakula, the
+handsomest of men, O king, hath gone away, staining himself with dust
+and his heart in great affliction. And the large-eyed and beautiful
+Krishna hath gone away, covering her face with her dishevelled hair
+following in the wake of the king, weeping and in tears. And O monarch,
+Dhaumya goeth along the road, with kusa grass in hand, and uttering the
+aweful mantras of Sama Veda that relate to Yama.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra asked,--'Tell me, O Vidura, why is it that the Pandavas
+are leaving Hastinapore in such varied guise.'
+
+"Vidura replied,--'Though persecuted by thy sons and robbed of his
+kingdom and wealth the mind of the wise king Yudhishthira the just hath
+not yet deviated from the path of virtue. King Yudhishthira is always
+kind, O Bharata, to thy children. Though deprived (of his kingdom and
+possessions) by foul means, filled with wrath as he is, he doth not
+open eyes. "I should not burn the people by looking at them with angry
+eyes,"--thinking so, the royal son of Pandu goeth covering his face.
+Listen to me as I tell thee, O bull of the Bharata race, why Bhima
+goeth so. "There is none equal to me in strength of arms," thinking so
+Bhima goeth repeatedly stretching forth his mighty arms. And, O king,
+proud of the strength of his arms, Vrikodara goeth, exhibiting them and
+desiring to do unto his enemies deeds worthy of those arms. And Arjuna
+the son of Kunti, capable of using both his arms (in wielding the
+Gandiva) followeth the footsteps of Yudhishthira, scattering
+sand-grains emblematical of the arrows he would shower in battle. O
+Bharata, he indicateth that as the sand-grains are scattered by him
+with ease, so will he rain arrows with perfect ease on the foe (in time
+of battle). And Sahadeva goeth besmearing his face, thinking "None may
+recognise me in this day of trouble." And, O exalted one, Nakula goeth
+staining himself with dust thinking, "Lest otherwise I steal the hearts
+of the ladies that may look at me." And Draupadi goeth, attired in one
+piece of stained cloth, her hair dishevelled, and weeping,
+signifying--"The wives of those for whom I have been reduced to such a
+plight, shall on the fourteenth year hence be deprived of husbands,
+sons and relatives and dear ones and smeared all over with blood, with
+hair dishevelled and all in their feminine seasons enter Hastinapore
+having offered oblations of water (unto the manes of those they will
+have lost)." And O Bharata, the learned Dhaumya with passions under
+full control, holding the kusa grass in his hand and pointing the same
+towards the south-west, walketh before, singing the mantras of the Sama
+Veda that relate to Yama. And, O monarch, that learned Brahamana goeth,
+also signifying, "When the Bharatas shall be slain in battle, the
+priests of the Kurus will thus sing the Soma mantras (for the benefit
+of the deceased)." And the citizens, afflicted with great grief, are
+repeatedly crying out, "Alas, alas, behold our masters are going away!
+O fie on the Kuru elders that have acted like foolish children in thus
+banishing heirs of Pandu from covetousness alone. Alas, separated from
+the son of Pandu we all shall become masterless. What love can we bear
+to the wicked and avaricious Kurus?" Thus O king, have the sons of
+Kunti, endued with great energy of mind, gone away,--indicating, by
+manner and signs, the resolutions that are in their hearts. And as
+those foremost of men had gone away from Hastinapore, flashes of
+lightning appeared in the sky though without clouds and the earth
+itself began to tremble. And Rahu came to devour the Sun, although it
+was not the day of conjunction. And meteors began to fall, keeping the
+city to their right. And jackals and vultures and ravens and other
+carnivorous beasts and birds began to shriek and cry aloud from the
+temples of the gods and the tops of sacred trees and walls and
+house-tops. And these extraordinary calamitous portents, O king, were
+seen and heard, indicating the destruction of the Bharatas as the
+consequence of thy evil counsels.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"And, O monarch, while king Dhritarashtra and
+the wise Vidura were thus talking with each other, there appeared in
+that assembly of the Kauravas and before the eyes of all, the best of
+the celestial Rishis. And appearing before them all, he uttered these
+terrible words, On the fourteenth year hence, the Kauravas, in
+consequence of Duryodhana's fault, will all be destroyed by the might
+of Bhima and Arjuna. And having said this, that best of celestial
+Rishis, adorned with surpassing Vedic grace, passing through the skies,
+disappeared from the scene. Then Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala regarding Drona as their sole refuge, offered the kingdom
+to him. Drona then, addressing the envious and wrathful Duryodhana and
+Dussasana and Karna and all the Bharata, said, 'The Brahamanas have
+said that the Pandavas being of celestial origin are incapable of being
+slain. The sons of Dhritarashtra, however, having, with all the kings,
+heartily and with reverence sought my protection, I shall look after
+them to the best of my power. Destiny is supreme, I cannot abandon
+them. The sons of Pandu, defeated at dice, are going into exile in
+pursuance of their promise. They will live in the woods for twelve
+years. Practising the Brahmacharyya mode of life for this period, they
+will return in anger and to our great grief take the amplest vengeance
+on their foes. I had formerly deprived Drupada of his kingdom in a
+friendly dispute. Robbed of his kingdom by me, O Bharata, the king
+performed a sacrifice for obtaining a son (that should slay me). Aided
+by the ascetic power of Yaja and Upayaja, Drupada obtained from the
+(sacrificial) fire a son named Dhrishtadyumna and a daughter, viz., the
+faultless Krishna, both risen from the sacrificial platform. That
+Dhrishtadyumna is the brother-in-law of the sons of Pandu by marriage,
+and dear unto them. It is for him, therefore that I have much fear. Of
+celestial origin and resplendent as the fire, he was born with bow,
+arrows, and encased in mail. I am a being that is mortal. Therefore it
+is for him that I have great fear. That slayer of all foes, the son of
+Parshatta, hath taken the side of the Pandavas. I shall have to lose my
+life, if he and I ever encounter each other in battle. What grief can
+be greater to me in this world than this, ye Kauravas that
+Dhrishtadyumna is the destined slayer of Drona--this belief is general.
+That he hath been born for slaying me hath been heard by me and is
+widely known also in the world. For thy sake, O Duryodhana, that
+terrible season of destruction is almost come. Do without loss of time,
+what may be beneficial unto thee. Think not that everything hath been
+accomplished by sending the Pandavas into exile. This thy happiness
+will last for but a moment, even as in winter the shadow of the top of
+the palm tree resteth (for a short time) at its base. Perform various
+kinds of sacrifices, and enjoy, and give O Bharata, everything thou
+likest. On the fourteenth year hence, a great calamity will overwhelm
+thee.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these words of Drona, Dhritarashtra
+said,--'O Kshatta, the preceptor hath uttered what is true. Go thou and
+bring back the Pandavas. If they do not come back, let them go treated
+with respect and affection. Let those my sons go with weapons, and
+cars, and infantry, and enjoying every other good thing.'"
+
+
+SECTION LXXX
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"defeated at dice, after the Pandavas had gone to
+the woods, Dhritarashtra, O king, was overcome with anxiety. And while
+he was seated restless with anxiety and sighing in grief, Sanjaya
+approaching him said, 'O lord of the earth having now obtained the
+whole earth with all its wealth and sent away the sons of Pandu into
+exile, why is it, O king, that thou grievest so?'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'What have they not to grieve for who will have
+to encounter in battle those bulls among warriors--the sons of
+Pandu--fighting on great cars and aided by allies?'
+
+"Sanjaya said,--'O king, all this great hostility is inevitable on
+account of thy mistaken action, and this will assuredly bring about the
+wholesale destruction of the whole world. Forbidden by Bhishma, by
+Drona, and by Vidura, thy wicked-minded and shameless son Duryodhana
+sent his Suta messenger commanding him to bring into court the beloved
+and virtuous wife of the Pandavas. The gods first deprive that man of
+his reason unto whom they send defeat and disgrace. It is for this that
+such a person seeth things in a strange light. When destruction is at
+hand, evil appeareth as good unto the understanding polluted by sin,
+and the man adhereth to it firmly. That which is improper appeareth as
+proper, and that which is proper appeareth as improper unto the man
+about to be overwhelmed by destruction, and evil and impropriety are
+what he liketh. The time that bringeth on destruction doth not come
+with upraised club and smash one's head. On the other hand the
+peculiarity of such a time is that it maketh a man behold evil in good
+and good in evil. The wretches have brought on themselves this
+terrible, wholesale, and horrible destruction by dragging the helpless
+princess of Panchala into the court. Who else than Duryodhana--that
+false player of dice could bring into the assembly, with insults, the
+daughter of Drupada, endued with beauty and intelligence, and
+conversant with every rule of morality and duty, and sprung not from
+any woman's womb but from the sacred fire? The handsome Krishna, then
+in her season, attired in one piece of stained cloth when brought into
+the court cast her eyes upon the Pandavas. She beheld them, however,
+robbed of their wealth, of their kingdom, of even their attire, of
+their beauty, of every enjoyment, and plunged into a state of bondage.
+Bound by the tie of virtue, they were then unable to exert their
+prowess. And before all the assembled kings Duryodhana and Karna spake
+cruel and harsh words unto the distressed and enraged Krishna
+undeserving of such treatment. O monarch, all this appeareth to me as
+foreboding fearful consequences.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'O Sanjaya, the glances of the distressed
+daughter of Drupada might consume the whole earth. Can it be possible
+that even a single son of mine will live? The wives of the Bharatas,
+uniting with Gandhari upon beholding virtuous Krishna, the wedded wife
+of the Pandavas, endued with beauty and youth, dragged into the court,
+set up frightful wail. Even now, along with all my subjects, they weep
+every day. Enraged at the ill treatment of Draupadi, the Brahmanas in a
+body did not perform that evening their Agnihotra ceremony. The winds
+blew mightily as they did at the time of the universal dissolution.
+There was a terrible thunder-storm also. Meteors fell from the sky, and
+Rahu by swallowing the Sun unseasonably alarmed the people terribly.
+Our war-chariots were suddenly ablaze, and all their flagstaffs fell
+down foreboding evil unto the Bharatas. Jackals began to cry
+frightfully from within the sacred fire-chamber of Duryodhana, and
+asses from all directions began to bray in response. Then Bhishma and
+Drona, and Kripa, and Somadatta and the high-souled Vahlika, all left
+the assembly. It was then that at the advice of Vidura I addressed
+Krishna and said, "I will grant thee boons, O Krishna, indeed, whatever
+thou wouldst ask?" The princess of the Panchala there begged of me the
+liberation of the Pandavas. Out of my own motion I then set free the
+Pandavas, commanding them to return (to their capital) on their cars
+and with their bows and arrows. It was then that Vidura told me, "Even
+this will prove the destruction of the Bharata race, viz., this
+dragging of Krishna into the court. This daughter of the King of
+Panchala is the faultless Sree herself. Of celestial origin, she is the
+wedded wife of the Pandavas. The wrathful sons of Pandu will never
+forgive this insult offered unto her. Nor will the mighty bowmen of the
+Vrishni race, nor the mighty warriors amongst the Panchalas suffer this
+in silence. Supported by Vasudeva of unbaffled prowess, Arjuna will
+assuredly come back, surrounded by the Panchala host. And that mighty
+warrior amongst them, Bhimasena endued with surpassing strength, will
+also come back, whirling his mace like Yama himself with his club.
+These kings will scarcely be able to bear the force of Bhima's mace.
+Therefore, O king, not hostility but peace for ever with the sons of
+Pandu is what seemeth to me to be the best. The sons of Pandu are
+always stronger than the Kurus. Thou knowest, O king, that the
+illustrious and mighty king Jarasandha was slain in battle by Bhima
+with his bare arms alone. Therefore, O bull of the Bharata race, it
+behoveth thee to make peace with the sons of Pandu. Without scruples of
+any kind, unite the two parties, O king. And if thou actest in this
+way, thou art sure to obtain good luck, O king." It was thus, O son of
+Gavalgani, that Vidura addressed me in words of both virtue and profit.
+And I did not accept this counsel, moved by affection for my son.'"
+
+The End of Sabha Parva
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana
+Vyasa, Part 2, by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
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