Thus accosted that best of orators, viz., the sage Narada, described everything about the manner in which he who was known as a charioteers' son had been cursed.

Narada said "What you say, O mighty-armed one, is true O Bharata! Nothing could resist Karna and Arjuna in battle.

This, O sinless one, that I am about to tell you is unknown to the very celestials. Listen to me, O mighty-armed one, as it happened formerly.

The question was mooted, how all the Kshatriyas, purified by weapons, should attain to blissful regions. For this, a child was conceived by Kunti while she was a maid, capable of creating a general war.

Highly energetic that child became known as a Suta. He subsequently learnt the science of arms from the preceptor (Drona), that foremost of Angirasa's race.

Thinking of the prowess of Bhimasena, the quickness of Arjuna in the use of arms, your intelligence, O King, the humility of the twins, the friendship, from earliest years, between Vasudeva and the holder of Gandiva, and the love of the people for you all, that young man was burnt with envy.

In early age he contracted friendship with king Duryodhana, led by accident and his own nature and the hate he cherished against you all.

Making that Dhananjaya was superior to every one in the science of arms, Karna one day approached Drona privately and said these words to him,-I desire to master the Brahma weapon, with all its Mantras and the power of withdrawing it, for I wish to fight Arjuna.

Forsooth, the love you bear for every one of your pupils is equal to what you cherish for your own son! I pray that all masters of the science of arms may, by your favour consider me as one accomplished in weapons.

Thus accosted by him, Drona, on account of partial love for Phalguna, as also from his knowledge of the wickedness of Karna, told him,-None save a Brahmana, who has duly practised all vows, should master the Brahma weapon, or a Kshatriya who has practised austere penances, and no other.

When Drona had answered thus, Karna, having adored him, took his permission and proceeded forthwith to Rama then living on the Mahendra mountains.

Approaching Rama, hc bowed to him and said,-I am a Brahmana of Bhrigu's race!-This secured honour for him.

With this knowledge about his birth and family, Rama received him kindly and said, You are welcome!-at which Karna became highly pleased.

While living on the Mahendra mountains resembling heaven itself, Karna met and mixed with many Gandharvas, and Yakshas, and gods.

While living there, he learnt the use of all the weapons duly, and became a great favourite of the gods, the Gandharvas, and the Rakshasas.

One day he walked on the sea shore by the side of that hermitage. Armed with bow and sword, Surya's son wandered alone.

While thus walking, O Partha, he inadvertently and unwittingly killed the Homa Cow of a certain Brahmavadin who daily performed his Agnihotra rite.

Knowing that he had perpetrated that crime from carelessness, he informed the Brahmana of it. For pleasing the owner, Karna repeatedly said,-O Rishi, I have killed this your cow against my will. Forgive the act! Filled with anger the Brahmana, rebuking him, said, O wicked wight, you should be killed! May you suffer the fruit of this act, O you of wicked soul!

While fighting him, O wretch, whom you always challenge, and for whom you are trying so much every day, the Earth shall swallow the wheel of your car.

And while the wheel of your car shall thus be swallowed up by the Earth, your enemy displaying his prowess, will cut off your head, you being stupefied then. Leave me, O vile man!

As you have carelessly killed this my cow, so will your enemy cut off your head while you will be careless!-Though cursed, Karna still tried to gratify that foremost of Brahmanas by offering him kine and wealth and gems. The latter, however, once more answered him,-All the worlds will not falsify the words of mine. Go hence or remain, do what you like.-Thus addressed by the Brahmana, Karna, Handing down his head in depression, returned timidly to Rama."