“Vaisampayana continued, ’There was amongst the Yadavas a chief named Sura.  He was the father of Vasudeva.  And he had a daughter called Pritha, who was unrivalled for beauty on earth.  And, O thou of Bharata’s race, Sura, always truthful in speech, gave from friendship this his firstborn daughter unto his childless cousin and friend, the illustrious Kuntibhoja—­the son of his paternal aunt—­pursuant to a former promise.  And Pritha in the house of her adoptive father was engaged in looking after the duties of hospitality to Brahmanas and other guests.  Once she gratified by her attentions the terrible Brahmana of rigid vows, who was known by the name of Durvasa and was well-acquainted with the hidden truths of morality.  Gratified with her respectful attentions, the sage, anticipating by his spiritual power the future (season of) distress (consequent upon the curse to be pronounced upon Pandu for his unrighteous act of slaying a deer while serving its mate) imparted to her a formula of invocation for summoning any of the celestials she liked to give her children.  And the Rishi said, ’Those celestials that thou shall summon by this Mantra shall certainly approach thee and give thee children.’  ’Thus addressed by the Brahmana, the amiable Kunti (Pritha) became curious, and in her maidenhood summoned the god Arka (Sun).  And as soon as he pronounced the Mantra, she beheld that effulgent deity—­that beholder of everything in the world—­approaching her.  And beholding that extraordinary sight, the maiden of faultless features was overcome with surprise.  But the god Vivaswat (Sun) approaching her, said, ’Here I am, O black-eyed girl!  Tell me what I am to do for thee.’

“Hearing this, Kunti said, ’O slayer of foes, a certain Brahamana gave me this formula of invocation as a boon, and, O lord, I have summoned thee only to test its efficacy.  For this offence I bow to thee.  A woman, whatever be her offence, always deserveth pardon.’  Surya (Sun) replied, ’I know that Durvasa hath granted this boon.  But cast off thy fears, timid maiden, and grant me thy embraces.  Amiable one, my approach cannot be futile; it must bear fruit.  Thou hast summoned me, and if it be for nothing, it shall certainly be regarded as thy transgression.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Vivaswat thus spoke unto her many things with a view to allay her fears, but, O Bharata, the amiable maiden, from modesty and fear of her relatives, consented not to grant his request.  And, O bull of Bharata’s race, Arka addressed her again and said, ’O princess, for my sake, it shall not be sinful for thee to grant my wish.’  Thus speaking unto the daughter of Kuntibhoja, the illustrious Tapana—­the illuminator of the universe—­gratified his wish.  And of this connection there was immediately born a son known all over the world as Karna accountred with natural armour and with face brightened by ear-rings.  And the heroic Karna was the first of all wielders of weapons, blessed with good fortune, and endued