Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/245

Rh expressions, those that were conversant with all especial rites, those also that were followers of ; those again that were well-skilled in establishing propositions, rejecting superfluous causes, and drawing right conclusions. There were those having a knowledge of the science of words (grammar), or prosody, of Nirukta; those again who were conversant with astrology and learned in the properties of matter and the fruits of sacrificial rites, possessing a knowledge of causes and effects, capable of understanding the cries of birds and monkies, well-read in large treatises, and skilled in various sciences. And the king, as he proceeded, heard their voices. And the retreat resounded also with the voices of men capable of charming human hearts. And the slayer of hostile heroes also saw around him learned Brahmanas of rigid vows engaged in Japa and homa. And the king wondered much on beholding the beautiful carpets which those Brahmanas offered to him respectfully. And that excellent of monarchs, at sight of the rites with which those Brahmanas worshipped the gods and great Rishis, thought within himself that he was in the region of Brahma. And the more the king saw that auspicious and sacred asylum of Kasyapa protected by that Rishi's ascetic virtues and possessing all the requisites of a holy retreat, the more he desired to see it. In fact, he was not satisfied with his short survey. And the slayer of heroes at last, accompanied by his minister and his priest, entered that charming and sacred retreat of Kasyapa peopled all around with Rishis of great ascetic wealth and exalted vows."

And thus ends the seventieth Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.

 

( Sambhava Parva continued. )

Vaisampayana said, "The monarch then, as he proceeded, left even his reduced attendants at the entrance of the asylum. And entering quite alone, he saw not the Rishi (Kanwa) of rigid vows. And not seeing the Rishi and finding that the abode was empty, he hailed loudly, saying, 'What ho, who is 