That illustrious Rishi having by his ascetic power divided the Vedas into four parts hath come to be called on earth by the name of Vyasa (the divider or arranger), and for his dark colour, Krishna (the dark).  Truthful in speech, free from passion, a mighty ascetic who hath burnt all his sins, he went away with his father immediately after his birth.  Appointed by me and thee also, that Rishi of incomparable splendour will certainly beget good children upon the wives of thy brother.  He told me when he went away, ’Mother, think of me when thou art in difficulty.’  I will now call him up, if thou, O Bhishma of mighty arms so desirest.  If thou art willing, O Bhishma, I am sure that great ascetic will beget children upon Vichitravirya’s field.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Mention being made of the great Rishi, Bhishma with joined palms said, ’That man is truly intelligent who fixes his eyes judiciously on virtue, profit, and pleasure, and who after reflecting with patience, acteth in such a way that virtue may lead to future virtue, profit to future profit and pleasure to future pleasure.  Therefore, that which hath been said by thee and which, besides being beneficial to us, is consistent with virtue, is certainly the best advice and hath my full approval.’  And when Bhishma had said this, O thou of Kuru’s race, Kali (Satyavati) thought of the Muni Dwaipayana and Dwaipayana who was then engaged in interpreting the Vedas, learning that he was being called up by his mother, came instantly unto her without anybody’s knowing it.  Satayavati then duly greeted her son and embraced him with arms, bathing him in her tears, for the daughter of the fisherman wept bitterly at the sight of her son after so long a time.  And her first son, the great Vyasa, beholding her weeping, washed her with cool water, and bowing unto her, said, ’I have come, O mother, to fulfil thy wishes.  Therefore, O virtuous one, command me without delay.  I shall accomplish thy desire.’  The family priest of the Bharatas then worshipped the great Rishi duly, and the latter accepted the offerings of worship, uttering the usual mantras.  And gratified with the worship he received, he took his seat.  Satyavati, beholding him seated at his ease, after the usual inquiries, addressed him and said, ’O learned one, sons derive their birth both from the father and the mother.  They are, therefore, the common property of both parents.  There cannot be the least doubt about it that the mother, hath as much power over them as the father.  As thou art, indeed, my eldest son according to the ordinance, O Brahmarshi, so is Vichitravirya my youngest son.  And as Bhishma is Vichitravirya’s brother on the father’s side, so art thou his brother on the same mother’s side.  I do not know what you may think, but this is what, O son, I think.  This Bhishma, the son of Santanu, devoted to truth, doth not, for the sake, of truth, entertain the desire of either begetting children or ruling the kingdom.  Therefore, from