Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/345

Rh And they loved and respected very greatly. And also, endued with the prowess of the celestials and the beauty of the twin Aswinas, could steal the heart of every beautiful woman. And the prince passed seven years uninterruptedly in the companionship of his wives. He was attacked, while yet in the prime of youth, with pthisis. Friends and relatives in consultation with each other tried to effect a cure. But in spite of all efforts, the Kuru prince died, setting like the evening sun. The virtuous Bhisma then became plunged in anxiety and grief, and in consultation with Satyavati he caused the obsequial rites of the deceased to be performed by learned priests and the several elders of the Kuru race."

Thus ends the hundred and second Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.

 

( Sambhava Parva continued. )

Vaisampayana said, "The unfortunate Satyavati then became plunged in grief on account of her son. And after performing with her daughters-in-law the obsequial rites of the deceased, consoled as best she could her weeping daughters-in-law and Bhisma that foremost of all wielders of weapons. And turning her eyes on religion, and on the paternal and maternal lines (of the Kurus,) she addressed Bhisma and said, 'The funeral cake, the achievements, and the perpetuation of the line of the virtuous and celebrated Shantanu of the Kuru dynasty, all now depend on thee! As the attainment of heaven is inseparable from good deeds, as longevity of life is inseparable from truth and faith, so is virtue inseparable from thee! O thou virtuous one, thou art well acquainted, in detail and in abstract, with the dictates of virtue, with various Srutis, and with all branches of the Vedas. I know very well that thou art equal unto Sukra and Angira as regards firmness in virtue, knowledge of the particular customs of families, and readiness of invention under difficulties. Therefore, O thou foremost of virtuous men, relying on thee greatly