and freed from passion and folly.  King Vali cherishing his subjects practised those duties that lead to salvation, and knew not of any other means in this world than Brahmanas.  It was for this that all the desires of Virochana’s son, the Asura (Vali), were ever gratified, and his wealth was ever inexhaustible.  Having obtained the whole earth through the aid of the Brahmanas, he met with destruction when he began to practise wrong on them!  This earth with her wealth never adoreth long as her lord a Kshatriya living without a Brahmana!  The earth, however, girt by the sea, boweth unto him who is ruled by a Brahmana and taught his duties by him!  Like an elephant in battle without his driver, a Kshatriya destitute of Brahmanas decreaseth in strength!  The Brahmana’s sight is without compare, and the Kshatriya’s might also is unparalleled.  When these combine, the whole earth itself cheerfully yieldeth to such a combination.  As fire becoming mightier with the wind consumeth straw and wood, so kings with Brahmanas consume all foes!  An intelligent Kshatriya, in order to gain what he hath not, and increase what he hath, should take counsel of Brahmanas!  Therefore, O son of Kunti, for obtaining what thou hast not and increasing what thou hast, and spending what thou hast on proper objects and persons, keep thou with thee a Brahmana of reputation, of a knowledge of the Vedas, of wisdom and experience!  O Yudhishthira.  Thou hast ever highly regarded the Brahmanas.  It is for this that thy fame is great and blazeth in the three world!’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Then all those Brahmanas who were with Yudhishthira worshipped Vaka of the Dalvya race, and having heard him praise Yudhishthira became highly pleased.  And Dwaipayana and Narada and Jamadagnya and Prithusravas; and Indradyumna and Bhalaki and Kritachetas and Sahasrapat; and Karnasravas and Munja and Lavanaswa and Kasyapa; and Harita and Sthulakarana and Agnivesya and Saunaka; and Kritavak and Suvakana, Vrihadaswa and Vibhavasu; and Urdharetas and Vrishamitra and Suhotra and Hotravahana; these and many other Brahmanas of rigid vows then adored Yudhishthira like Rishis adoring Purandara in heaven!”

SECTION XXVII

Vaisampayana said, “Exiled to the woods the sons of Pritha with Krishna seated in the evening, conversed with one another afflicted with sorrow and grief.  And the handsome and well informed Krishna dear unto her lords and devoted to them, thus spake unto Yudhishthira, ’The sinful, cruel, and wicked-minded son of Dhritarashtra certainly feeleth no sorrow for us, when, O king, that evil-hearted wretch having sent thee with myself into the woods dressed in deer-skin feeleth no regret!  The heart of that wretch of evil deeds must surely be made of steel when he could at that time address thee, his virtuous eldest brother, in words so harsh!  Having brought thee who deservest to enjoy every happiness and never such woe, into