Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/433

Rh the country of the Panchalas ! A great Swayamvara takes place there, on which a large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding thi. ther. Let us all go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place (in Drupada's abode). The illustrious Yajnasena, otherwise called Drupada. had a daughter risen from the centre of the sacrificial altar. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of faultless features, endued with youth and intelli. gence, she is extremely beautiful. And the slender-waisted Draupadi of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose body emitteth a fragrance like unto that of the blue lotus for two full miles around, is the sister of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess-the (would be) slayer of Drona--who was born with natural mail and sword and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second Fire. And that daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the invited princes. And we are repairing thither to behold her and the festivities on the occasion, like unto the festivities of heaven. And to that Swayamvara will come from various lands kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices in wbich the presents to the Brahmanas are large : who are devoted to study, are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who are young and handsome: and who are mighty car-warriors and accomplished in arms. Desirous of winning (the hand of) the maiden those monarchs will all give away much wealth and kine and food and other articles of enjoyment. And taking all they will give away and witnessing the Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we shall go wheresoever we like. And there will also come unto that Swayamvara, from various countries, actors, and bards singing the panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and reciters of Puranas, and beralds, and powerful athletes. And beholding all these sights and taking what will be given away ye illustrious ones, ye will return with us. Ye are all handsome and like unto the celestials! Beholding ye. Krishna may, by chance, choose some one amongst ye superior to the rest. This thy brother of mighty arms and handsome and endued with beauty also, engaged in (athletic) encounters, may, by chance, earn great wealth

"On hearing these words of the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira replied, --- 'Ye Brahmanas, we all will go with ye to witness that maiden's Swayamvard-that excellent jubilee.'"

Thus ends the hundred and eighty-sixth section in the Swayamvara Parva of the Adi Parva.