Yudhishthira said O holy and great ascetic, I wish to hear at length what the duties of kings are and what the duties, in full, of all the four orders.

I wish to hear, O foremost of Brahmanas, how persons should behave in times of distress, and how I may subjugate the world by following path of morality.

This discourse on expiation, describing facts and capable of exciting great curiosity, has pleased me.

The practice of virtue and the performance of royal duties are always inconsistent with each other. I am always perplexed to think how one may reconcile the two.

Vaishampayana said Then Vyasa, O king, that foremost of all persons conversant with the Vedas, looking at that ancient and omniscient person, viz., Narada, said,-If O king, you wish to hear of duties and morality at length, then ask Bhishma, O mighty-armed one, that old grandfather of the Kurus.

Conversant with all duties and endued with universal knowledge that son of Bhagirathi will remove all your doubts regarding the difficult subjects of duties.

That goddess the celestial river of three courses, gave birth to him. He saw with his physical eyes all the celestials headed by Indra.

Having pleased with his dutiful services the celestial Rishis, headed by Brihaspati, he acquired a knowledge of royal duties.

That foremost one among the Kurus acquired a knowledge also of that science, with its interpretations, which Ushanas and the Rishi who is the preceptor of the celestials know.

Having practised rigid vows, that mightyarined one obtained a knowledge of all the Vedas and their branches, from Vashishtha and from Chyavana of Bhrigu's race.

In the days of yore he studied under the eldest son of the Grandfather himself, viz., the effulgent Sanatkumara, well conversant with the truths of mental and spiritual science.

He learnt the duties in full of the Yatis from Markandeya. That foremost of men learnt the science from Rama and Shakra.

Although born as man, his death itself is in his own hands. Although childless, yet he has many blissful regions hereafter as heard by us.

Rishis of great merit were his courtiers. There is nothing on earth which is unknown to him.

Conversant with all duties and the subtile truths of morality, he wili describe to you the duty and morality. See him before he dies.

Thus accosted by him, the high-souled and wise son of Kunti, said the following to Satyavati's son Vyasa, that foremost of all orators.

Yudhishthira said Having caused a great and dreadful destruction of kinsmen, I have offended all and am a destroyer of the Earth.

Having caused that Bhishma himself, that honest warrior, to be killed deceitfully how shall I approach him for asking him (about duties and morality)?

Vaishampayana said Actuated by the desire of benefiting all the four orders, the mighty-armed and great chief of Yadu's race once more addressed that

You should not thus continually indulge in grief. Do, O best of kings, what the holy Vyasa has said.

The Brahmanas, O mighty-armed one, and these your highly energetic brothers stand before you beseechingly like persons soliciting Indra the gods of the clouds at the close of summer.

The surviving kings, and the people belonging to all the four orders of your kingdom of Kurujangala, O king, are here.

For the sake of doing what is agreeable to these great Brahmanas, for satisfying the behest of your reverend senior Vyasa of immeasurable energy, and at the request of ourselves who are well-wishers, and of Draupadi, O destroyer of foes, do what is agreeable to us, O slayer of foes, and what is beneficial to the world.

Vaishampayana said Thus addressed by Krishna, the great king (Yudhishthira) having eyes like lotus petals, rose from his seat for the well-being of the entire world.

That foremost of men, the illustrious Yudhishthira, solicited by Krishna himself, by the Dvaipayana (Vyasa), by Devasthana, by Jishnu, by these and many others, shook off his grief, and anxiety.

Full conversant with the teachings of the Srutis, with the science that explains them and with all that men usually hear and all that is worthy of being heard, the son of Pandu acquired peace of mind and resolved upon what he should next do.

Surrounded by them all like the moon by the stars, the king, placing Dhritarashtra at the head started for the city.

Desirous of entering the city, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, conversant with everyday, worshipped the gods and thousands of Brahmanas.

He then got upon a new and white car covered with blankets and deer-skins, and to which were yoked sixteen white bullocks endued with auspicious marks, and which had been purified with Vedic Mantras. Adored by panegyrists and bards, the king got upon that car like Soma riding upon his own nectarine vehicle.

His powerful brother Bhima took the reins. Arjuna held over his head a highly lustrous umbrella.

That white a umbrella held upon the car shone like a white cloud adorned with stars in the sky.

The two heroic sons of Madri, viz., Nakula and Sahadeva, took up two yak-tails white as the rays of the moon and let with gems, for fanning the king.

The five brothers, adorned with ornaments, having got upon the car, O king, shone like the five elements.

Riding upon another white car to which were yoked horses fleet as thought, Yuyutsu, O king, followed the eldest son of Pandu.

Upon his own shining car of gold to which were yoked Shivya and Sugriva. Krishna, with Satyaki, followed the Kurus.

The eldest uncle of Pritha's son, O Bharata, accompanied by Gandhari, headed the train, upon a vehicle carried by men.

The other Kuru ladies, as also Kunti and Krishna, all proceeded on excellent cars, headed by Vidura.

Then followed a large number of cars and elephants adorned with ornaments, and the infantry and horses.

His praises sung by sweet-voiced panegyrists and birds, the king went towards the city of Hastinapur.

The march, O might-armed one, of king Yudhishthira, was so beautiful that its like had never been witnessed on Earth. Containing healthy and cheerful men, the busy hum of numberless voices was heard there.

During the march of Pritha's son, the city and its streets were adorned with lively citizens.

The part through which the king passed had been adorned with white festoons of flowers and numberless flags. The streets of the city were perfumed with incense.

The palace was covered with powdered perfumes and flowers and fragrant plants, and ornamented with garlands and wreaths.

New inetallic jars, brimful with water, were kept at the door of every house, and bevies of beautiful maidens stood at different parts.

Accompanied by his friends, and welcomed with sweet words the son of Pandu, entered the city through its well-adorned gate.