Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/338

324 regulating duels, addressed Karna, saying.--"This Pandava, who is the youngest son of Kunti, belongeth to the Kauravas race: he will engage in combat with thee. But, О mighty-armed one, thou too must tell us thy lineage and the names of thy father and mother and the royal line of which thou art the ornament! Learning all this, Partha will fight with thee or not (as he will think fit). Sons of kings never fight with men of inglorious lineage.

Vaisampayapa continued.-"Thus addressed by Kripa Karna's countenance became like unto a lotus pale and torn with the pelting showers in the rainy season. Duryyodhana said, -'O preceptor, verily the scriptures have it that three classes of persons can lay claim to royalty. viz., persons of the blood royal, heroes, and lastly, those that lead armies. If Phalguna is unwilling to fight with one who is not a king. I will install Karna as king of Anga!'

Vaisa mpayana said, "At that very moment, seated on a golden seat, with parched paddy and with flowers and water pots and much gold, the mighty warrior Karna was installed king by Brahmanas versed in maneras. And the royal umbrella was held over his head, while Yak-tails waved around that redoubted the hero of graceful mien. And the cheers having ceased, king (Karna) said unto the Kaurava Duryyodhana, -'O tiger among monarchs, what shall I give unto thee that may compare with thy gift of a kingdom? O king, I will do all thou biddest!' And Suyodhana said unto him.-'I eagerly wish for thy friendship.' Thus spoken to Karna replied, "Be it so. And they embraced each other in joy, and experienced great happiness."

Thus ends the hundred and thirty-eighth section in the Sambhava Parva of the Adi Parva.

Vaisampayana said, "After this, with his sheet loosely hanging down, Adhiratha entered the lists, perspiring and trembling, and supporting himself on a staff.

"Seeing him, Karna left his bow and impelled by filial regard bowed down his head still wet with the water of inauguration. And then the charioteer, hurriedly covering his feet with the end of his sheet, addressed Karna crowned with success as his son. And the charioteet embraced Karna and from exess of affection bedewed his head with tears, that head still wet with the water sprinkled over it on account of coronation as king of Anga. Seeing the charioteer, the Pandava