Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/251

Rh dwell on Earth for a length of time. I shall not make futile the words I have uttered in wrath. Dyau, though dwelling on Earth, shall not beget children. He sball, however, be virtuous and conversant with the scriptures. He shall be an obedient son to his father, but he shall have to abstain from the pleasure of female companionship !

"Thus addressing the Vasus, the great Rishi went away. The Vasus then together came to me. And, o king, they begged of me the boon that as soon as they would be born, I should throw them into the water. And, O best of kings, I did as they desired, in order to free them from their earthly life. And O best of kings, from the Rishi's curse, this one only, viz., Dyau himself, is to live on Earth for some time."

Vaisampayana continued, -'Having said this, the goddess disappeared then and there. And taking with her the child, she went away to the region she chose. And that child of Santanu was named both Gangeya and Devavrata and excelled bis father in all accomplishments.

"Santanu, after the disappearance of his wife, returned to his capital with a sorrowful heart, I shall now recount to thee the many virtues and the great good fortune of the illustrious king Santanu of the Bharata race. Indeed, it is this splendid history that is called the Mahabharata.,'

Thus ends the ninety-ninth section in the Sambhava Parva of the Adi Parva.

Vaisampayana said. "The monarch Santanu, the most adored of the gods and royal sages, was known in all the worlds for his wisdom, virtues, and truthfulness (of speech ). The qualities of self-control, liberality, forgiveness, intelligence, modesty, patience and superior energy ever dwelt in that bull among men, viz., Santanu, that great being endued with these accomplishments and conversant with both religion and profit, the monarch was at once the protector of the Bharata race and all human beings. His neck was marked with (three) lines, like a conch-shell: his shoulders were broad, and he resembled in prowess an infuriate elephant. It would seem that all the auspicious signs of royalty dwelt in his person, considering that to be their fittest abode. Men, seeing the behaviour of that monarch of great achievements came to know that virtue was ever superior to pleasure and profit. These were the attributes that dwelt in that great being-tbat