Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/381

Rh those who are in misfortune or of tender years. It is therefore, that my affection for you is greater now. And in consequence of that affection, I desire to do you good. Listen to me! Not far off before you is a delightful town where no danger can overtake you. Live ye there in disguise, waiting for my return !"

Vaisa mpayana continued. "Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, thus comforting the Pandavas, led them into the town of Ekachakra. And the master also comforted Kunti, saying,-Live, O daughter 1 This son of thine, Yudhishthira, ever devoted to truth, this illustrious bull among men, having by his justice conquered the whole world, will rule over all the other monarchs of the earth. There is little doubt that, having by means of Bhima's and Arjuna's prowess conquered the whole earth with her belt of seas, he will enjoy the sovereignty thereof. The sons as well as these of Madri-mighty car-warriors all-will cheerfully sport as pleaseth them in their dominions. These tigers among men will also perform various sacrifices, such as the Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifice, in which the presents unto the Brahmanas are very large. And these thy sons will rule their ancestral kingdom, maintaining their friends and relatives in luxury and affluence and happiness.

Vaisampayana continued.-"With these words Vyasa introduced them into the dwelling of a Brahmana. And the island-born Rishi, addressing the eldest of the Pandavas, said, -'Wait here for me! I will come back to you ! By adapting yourselves to the country and the occasion you will succeed in becoming very happy."

"Then, O King, the Pandavas with joined hands said unto the Rishi, --So be it.' And the illustrious master, the Rishi Vyasa, then went away to the region whence he had come."

Thus ends the hundred and fifty-eighth section in the Hidimva-badha Parvaa of the Adi Parva.

Janamejaya asked.-"O first of Brahmanas, what did the Pandavas, those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, do, after arriving at Ekachakra ?"

Vaisampayana said. "Those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, on arriving at Ekachakra, lived for a short time in the abode of a