Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/216

182 governed by the Kshatrias. And when the earth began to be again governed virtuously by the Kshatrias, the other orders having Brahmanas for their first were filled with great joy. And the kings, forsaking all vices born of lust and anger and justly awarding punishments on those that deserved them, protected the earth. And he of a hundred sacrifices possessed also of a thousand eyes, beholding that the Kshatria monarchs ruled so virtuously, pouring down vivifying showers at proper times and places, blessed all creatures. And, O king, then no one of immature years died, and none knew a woman before attaining to age. And thus, O bull of the Bharata race, this earth to the very shores of the ocean became filled with men that were all long-lived. The Kshatrias performed great sacrifices bestowing much wealth. And the Brahmanas also all studied the Vedas with their branches and the Upanisadas. And, O king, no Brahmana in those days ever sold the Vedas (i. e. taught for money) or ever read aloud the Vedas in the presence of the Sudras. And the Vaisyas with the help of bullocks caused the earth to be tilled. And they never yoked the cattle themselves. And they fed with care all cattle that were lean. And men never [sic]milched kine as long the calves drank only the milk of their dams (without having taken to grass or any other food.) And no merchant in those days ever sold his articles by false scales. And, O tiger amongst men, all persons living in the ways of virtue did everything with eyes set upon virtue. And, O monarch, all the orders were mindful of the respective duties that appertained to them. Thus, O tiger among men, virtue in those days never sustained any diminution. And, O bull of the Bharata race, both kine and women gave birth to their offspring at the proper time. And the trees bore flowers and fruits duly according to the seasons. And thus, O king, the krita age having then duly set in, the whole earth was filled with numerous creatures.

"And, O bull of the Bharata race, when such was the blessed state of the terrestrial world, the Asuras, O lord of men, began to be born in kingly lines. And the sons of Diti (Daityas) being repeatedly defeated in war by the sons of Aditi (celestials) and deprived also of sovereignty and heaven, began