also of the kine by the Pandava (Bhima); the seizure of Virata’s kine again by the Kurus; the defeat in battle of all the Kurus by the single-handed Arjuna; the release of the king’s kine; the bestowal by Virata of his daughter Uttara for Arjuna’s acceptance on behalf of his son by Subhadra—­Abhimanyu—­the destroyer of foes.  These are the contents of the extensive fourth Parva—­the Virata.  The great Rishi Vyasa has composed in these sixty-seven sections.  The number of slokas is two thousand and fifty.

“Listen then to (the contents of) the fifth Parva which must be known as Udyoga.  While the Pandavas, desirous of victory, were residing in the place called Upaplavya, Duryodhana and Arjuna both went at the same time to Vasudeva, and said, “You should render us assistance in this war.”  The high-souled Krishna, upon these words being uttered, replied, “O ye first of men, a counsellor in myself who will not fight and one Akshauhini of troops, which of these shall I give to which of you?” Blind to his own interests, the foolish Duryodhana asked for the troops; while Arjuna solicited Krishna as an unfighting counsellor.  Then is described how, when the king of Madra was coming for the assistance of the Pandavas, Duryodhana, having deceived him on the way by presents and hospitality, induced him to grant a boon and then solicited his assistance in battle; how Salya, having passed his word to Duryodhana, went to the Pandavas and consoled them by reciting the history of Indra’s victory (over Vritra).  Then comes the despatch by the Pandavas of their Purohita (priest) to the Kauravas.  Then is described how king Dhritarashtra of great prowess, having heard the word of the purohita of the Pandavas and the story of Indra’s victory decided upon sending his purohita and ultimately despatched Sanjaya as envoy to the Pandavas from desire for peace.  Here hath been described the sleeplessness of Dhritarashtra from anxiety upon hearing all about the Pandavas and their friends, Vasudeva and others.  It was on this occasion that Vidura addressed to the wise king Dhritarashtra various counsels that were full of wisdom.  It was here also that Sanat-sujata recited to the anxious and sorrowing monarch the excellent truths of spiritual philosophy.  On the next morning Sanjaya spoke, in the court of the King, of the identity of Vasudeva and Arjuna.  It was then that the illustrious Krishna, moved by kindness and a desire for peace, went himself to the Kaurava capital, Hastinapura, for bringing about peace.  Then comes the rejection by prince Duryodhana of the embassy of Krishna who had come to solicit peace for the benefit of both parties.  Here hath been recited the story of Damvodvava; then the story of the high-souled Matuli’s search for a husband for his daughter:  then the history of the great sage Galava; then the story of the training and discipline of the son of Bidula.  Then the exhibition by Krishna, before the assembled Rajas, of his Yoga powers upon learning the evil counsels