much agitated.  And advancing with modesty, all the while quivering with emotion, she placed the nuptial garland about Pandu’s neck.  The other monarchs, seeing Kunti choose Pandu for her lord, returned to their respective kingdoms on elephants, horses and cars, as they had come.  Then, O king, the bride’s father caused the nuptial rites to be performed duly.  The Kuru prince blessed with great good fortune and the daughter of Kuntibhoja formed a couple like Maghavat and Paulomi (the king and queen of the celestials).  And, O best of Kuru monarchs, king Kuntibhoja, after the nuptials were over, presented his son-in-law with much wealth and sent him back to his capital.  Then the Kuru prince Pandu, accompanied by a large force bearing various kinds of banners and pennons, and eulogised by Brahmanas and great Rishis pronouncing benedictions, reached his capital.  And after arriving at his own palace, he established his queen therein.’”

SECTION CXIII

(Sambhava Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Some time after, Bhishma the intelligent son of Santanu set his heart upon getting Pandu married to a second wife.  Accompanied by an army composed of four kinds of force, and also by aged councillors and Brahmanas and great Rishis, he went to the capital of the king of Madra.  And that bull of the Valhikas—­the king of Madra—­hearing that Bhishma had arrived, went out to receive him.  And having received him with respect, he got him to enter his palace.  Arriving there, the king of Madra offered unto Bhishma a white carpet for a seat; water to wash his feet with, and usual oblation of various ingredients indicative of respect.  And when he was seated at ease, the king asked him about the reason of his visit.  Then Bhishma—­the supporter of the dignity of the Kurus—­addressed the king of Madra and said, ’O oppressor of all foes, know that I have come for the hand of a maiden.  It hath been heard by us that thou hast a sister named Madri celebrated for her beauty and endued with every virtue; I would chose her for Pandu.  Thou art, O king, in every respect worthy of an alliance with us, and we also are worthy of thee.  Reflecting upon all this, O king of Madra, accept us duly.’  The ruler of Madra, thus addressed by Bhishma, replied, ’To my mind, there is none else than one of thy family with whom I can enter into an alliance.  But there is a custom in our family observed by our ancestors, which, be it good or bad, I am incapable of transgressing.  It is well-known, and therefore is known to thee as well, I doubt not.  Therefore, it is not proper for thee to say to me,—­Bestow thy sister.  The custom to which I allude is our family custom.  With us that is a virtue and worthy of observance.  It is for this only, O slayer of foes, I cannot give thee any assurance in the matter of thy request.’  On hearing this, Bhishma answered the king of Madra, saying, ‘O king, this, no doubt,’ is a virtue.  The self-create