Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/221

Rh mind on Brahma I shall pass the rest of my days with the innocent deer in the forest peacefully and with no heart for any worldly objects. And O Puru, I have been exceedingly gratified with thee! Prosperity be thine! Receive back this thy youth ! Receive thou also my kingdom. Thou art, indeed. that son of mine who has done me the greatest services."

Vaisa mpayana continued. -"Then Yayati, the son of Nahusha, received back his decrepitude. And his son Puru received back his own youth. And Yayati was desirous of installing Puru, his youngest son, on the throne. But the four orders, with the Brahmans at their head, then addressed the monarch thus:-'0 king, how shalt thou bestow thy kingdom on Paru, passing over thy eldest son Yadu born of Devayani, and, therefore, the grandson of the great Sukra ? Indeed, Yadu is thy eldest son; after him hath been born Turvasu ; and of Sarmishtha's sons, the first is Drabyu, then Anu and then Puru. How doth the youngest deserve the throne, passing all his elder brothers over ? This we represent to thee! O, conform to virtuous practice ?

"Yayati then said, -'Ye four orders with Brahmanas at their head, hear my words as to why my kingdom should not be given to my eldest son 1 My commands have been disobeyed by my eldest son, Yadu. The wise say that he is no son who disobeyeth his father. That son, however, who doth the bidding of his parents. who seeketh their good, who is agreeable to them, is, indeed, the best of sons. I have been disregarded by Yadu and by Turvasu, too. Much I have been disregarded by Drahya and by Anu also. By Puru alone hath my word been obeyed. By him have I been much regarded. Therefore, the youngest shall be my heir. He took my decrepitude. Indeed, Puru is my friend I He did what was so agreeable to me. It hath also been commanded by Sukra himself, the son of Kavi, that, that son of mine who should obey me will become king after me and bring the whole Earth under his sway! I, therefore, beseech ye, let Puru be installed on throne !

"The people then said.-'True it is. O king, that, that son who is accomplished and who seeketh the good of his parents, deserveth prosperity even if he be the youngest! Therefore, doth Puru, who hath done the good. deserve the crown. And as Sukra bimself bath commanded it, we have nothing to say to it!'"

Vaisampayana continued, -"The son of Nahusha, thus addressed by the contented people, then installed bis son, Puru, on the throne. And having bestowed his kingdom on Puru, the monarch performed the initiatory ceremonies for retiring into the woods. And soon after he left his capital, followed by Brahmanas and ascetics.

"The sons of Yadu are known by the name of the Yadavas : while