Vaishampayana said Then there was seen another mighty son of Pandu approaching king Virata in haste; the common people thereof saw him coming like solar orb freed from the clouds.

He began to observe the horses around; the king of the Matsya's, the lord of people, seeing him observing his horses minutely asked his followers "whence is this man lustrous like a celestials, coming"?

This person looks closely at my horses. Must he be proficient in horse-lore. Let him quickly enter into my presence. This heroic one seems to me as much as a celestials.

That slaughterer of enemies, having approached the king addressed him thus "O king, let victory be to you and good betide you all. I am always esteemed by kings for my ability as a horse-painter. I will be an expert keeper of your horses.

Virata said I give you vehicles, wealth and quarters; you deserve to be the keeper of my horses. But tell me whence you are come, whose you are, and how you came here, also tell me of the arts you are versed with.

Nakula said O repressor of foes, of the five sons of Pandu, Yudhishthira is the eldest brother, by him I was formerly employed as a keeper of his horses.

I know the temper of horses, and the art of breaking them completely. I know how to correct the wicked steeds and the treatment of all kinds.

Under my care hardly does any animal fall ill. What to speak of horses even mares in my hands are not to be found wicked. People called me by name, Granthika so also Yudhishthira the son of Pandu.

Virata said Let all my horses that belong to me be entrusted to your care from today. Let all my charioteers and those to yoke my horses, be henceforth subordinate to you.

If this be your desire, O god-like one, tell me what remuneration is sought by you. This office of horse-training does not become you, because you look like a king and you are agreeable to me.

Here, the very sight of you is as much pleasing to me as that of Yudhishthira himself. Oh how does that faultless son of Pandu, dwell and divert himself in the forest without his servants.

Vaishampayana said That youthful one resembling the chief of the Gandharvas was thus honoured by the delighted king of Virata, and no one recognized him conducting himself agreeably in the city.

Thus the son of Pandu, whose very sight never proved abortive, began to live in the kingdom of Matsya; and in conformity with their pledge, the lords of the earth surrounded by seas although stricken with woe began to pass their days of non-discovery with composure.