Page:Cradle Tales of Hinduism .djvu/339

THE STORY OF BHISHMA 315

prastha — for that part of the realm that was given to Yudisthira was wild and covered with jungle, lying towards the Jumna. Yet such were the patience and industry of the young heroes, and such the skill of the eldest in good govern- ment, that it was not long before they had erected this mighty city, with foundations so deep, that ages would pass and leave the walls still standing ; with fortifications so strong that armies would never be able to destroy it ; and with a site so well chosen that over it, or some city near by, should always float the standard of India's rulers. All these things did Bhishma remember.

And when they were well established in their new capital, the Pandavas had laid all the sur- rounding kings under tribute, and proclaimed the Royal Sacrifice, where fealty should be sworn. And Bhishma smiled, as the imperial pageant passed before his eyes.

But the splendours of Indraprastha, and the proud ceremonies of the Homage of Vassals, had inflicted countless new wounds on the jealous heart of Duryodhana, so that he determined in his wrath to compass the ruin of his cousins. And the cheeks of the dying chieftain were crimsoned with shame and sorrow, as he remembered how the son of Dritarashtra had consulted eagerly with the false-hearted and cowardly as to the method of his treachery. At last a