“Vaisampayana continued,—­Hearing these words of Sisupala, harsh both in import and sound, that foremost of mighty men, Bhimasena endued with energy became angry.  And his eyes, naturally large and expanding and like unto lotus leaves became still more extended and red as copper under the influence of that rage.  And the assembled monarchs beheld on his forehead three lines of wrinkles like the Ganga of treble currents on the treble-peaked mountain.  When Bhimasena began to grind his teeth in rage, the monarchs beheld his face resembling that of Death himself, at the end of the Yuga, prepared to swallow every creature.  And as the hero endued with great energy of mind was about to leap up impetuously, the mighty-armed Bhishma caught him like Mahadeva seizing Mahasena (the celestial generalissimo).  And, O Bharata, Bhima’s wrath was soon appeased by Bhishma, the grand-sire of the Kurus, with various kinds of counsel.  And Bhima, that chastiser of foes, could not disobey Bhishma’s words, like the ocean that never transgresseth (even when swollen with the waters of the rainy season) its continents.  But, O king, even though Bhima was angry, the brave Sisupala depending on his own manhood, did not tremble in fear.  And though Bhima was leaping up impetuously every moment, Sisupala bestowed not a single thought on him, like a lion that recks not a little animal in rage.  The powerful king of Chedi, beholding Bhima of terrible prowess in such rage, laughingly said,—­’Release him, O Bhishma!  Let all the monarchs behold him scorched by my prowess like an insect in fire.’  Hearing these words of the ruler of the Chedis, Bhishma, that foremost of the Kurus and chief of all intelligent men, spoke unto Bhima these words.”

SECTION XLII

“Bhishma said,—­This Sisupala was born in the line of the king of Chedi with three eyes and four hands.  As soon as he was born, he screamed and brayed like an ass.  On that account, his father and mother along with their relatives, were struck with fear.  And beholding these extraordinary omens, his parents resolved to abandon him.  But an incorporeal voice, about this time, said unto the king and his wife with their ministers and priest, all with hearts paralysed by anxiety, those words,—­’This thy son, O king, that hath been born will become both fortunate and superior in strength.  Therefore thou hast no fear from him.  Indeed cherish the child without anxiety.  He will not die (in childhood).  His time is not yet come.  He that will slay him with weapons hath also been born.’  Hearing these words, the mother, rendered anxious by affection for her son, addressed the invisible Being and said,—­I bow with joined hands unto him that hath uttered these words respecting my son; whether he be an exalted divinity or any other being, let him tell me another word, I desire to hear who will be the slayer of this my son.  The invisible Being then said,—­’He upon whose lap this child being placed the superfluous