Vaishampayana said Seeing those kings-lords of Earth-all conversant with the Vedas, arrive, king Yudhishthira, addressing Bhimasena, said, O chief of men, let proper honors be paid to these kings who have come, for these foremost of men are all worthy of the highest honors.

Thus addressed by the illustrious king Yudhishthira, Pandu's son Bhiinasena of mighty energy did as he was ordered, assisted by the twins.

The foremost of all men, viz., Govinda, came there, accompanied by the Vrishnis, and with Baladeva in the van.

He was accompanied by Yuyudhana and Pradyumna and Goda, and Nishatha and Shamba and Kritavarman.

The powerful car-warrior Bhima offered them the most respectful adoration. Those princes then entered the palaces, adorned with gems, which were assigned to them.

At the end of a conversation he ad with Yudhishthira, the destroyer of Madhu referred to Arjuna who had been emaciated on account of many fights.

The son of Kunti repeatedly asked Krishna, that chastiser of enemies, about Arjuna. To Dharma's son, the lord of all the universe began to speak about Jishnu, the son of Shakra.

O king, a confidential agent of mine living in Dwarka came to me. He had seen Arjuna, that foremost of Pandu's sons. Indeed, the latter has been very much emaciated with the fatigue of many battles,

powerful monarch, that agent of mine inforned me that the mighty-armed hero is very near to us. You begin to celebrate your Horse-Sacrifice.

Thus addressed, king Yudhishthira the just said him, By good luck, O Madhava, Arjuna comes back safely!

I wish to ascertain from you, O delighter of the Yadavas, what has been said in this matter by that mightiest of heroes amongs the sons of Pandu!

Thus addressed by king Yudhishthira the just, the lord of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas, that foremost of eloquent men, said these words to that inonarch of righteous soul, My agent, reported the words of Partha thus to me, O great king, Yudhishthira, O Krishna, should be told these words of mine when the time comes!

O chief of the Kauravas, many kings will come (to your sacrifice)! When they arrive, high honours should be paid to them. This would, indeed, be worthy for us.

O giver of honours, the king should further be informed at iny request that he should do what is necessary for preventing a distinction similar to what occurred at the time of presenting the Arghya (on the occasion of the Rajasuya-Sacrifice). Let Krislina also approve of this. Let not, O king, through the ill-feeling of kings, the people be destroyed.

My man further reported, o king, these words of Dhananjaya, Listen as I repeat them.

O monarch, the king of Manipura, my dear son Babhruvahana, will come at the sacrifice.

Do you honour him duly for my sake, O powerful one, he is always attached and deeply devoted to me.

Hearing these words, king Yudhishthira the just approved of them and said as follows.