also arrows like unto venomous snakes, he proceeded
as a lion in anger or an elephant in rut. And
all beings gazed at him, holding a mighty bow and arrows.
And neither exhaustion, nor langour, neither fear
nor confusion, ever possessed the son of Pritha and
the offspring of Vayu (wind). And desirous of
pleasing Draupadi the mighty one, free from fear or
confusion, ascended the peak depending on the strength
of his arms. And that slayer of foes began to
range that beautiful peak covered with trees, creepers
and of black rocky base; and frequented by Kinnaras;
and variegated with minerals, plants, beasts, and
birds of various hues; and appearing like an upraised
arm of the Earth adorned with an entire set of ornaments.
And that one of matchless prowess proceeded, fixing
his look at the slopes of the Gandhamadana,—beautiful
with flowers of every season—and revolving
various thoughts in his mind and with his ears, eyes
and mind rivetted to the spots resounding with the
notes of male kokilas and ringing with the hum of
black bees. And like an elephant in rut ranging
mad in a forest that one of mighty prowess smelt the
rare odour proceeding from the flowers of every season.
And he was fanned by the fresh breeze of the Gandhamadana
bearing the perfumes of various blossoms and cooling
like unto a father’s touch. On his fatigue
being removed the down on his body stood on end.
And in this state that represser of foes for the flowers
began to survey all the mountain, inhabited by Yakshas
and Gandharvas and celestials and Brahmarshis.
And brushed by the leaves of Saptachchada tree, besmeared
with fresh red, black and white minerals, he looked
as if decorated with lines of holy unguents drawn
by fingers. And with clouds stretching at its
sides, the mountain seemed dancing with outspread
wings. And on account of the trickling waters
of springs, it appeared to be decked with necklaces
of pearls. And it contained romantic caverns and
groves and cascades and caves. And there were
excellent peacocks dancing to the jingling of the
bangles of the Apsaras. And its rocky surface
was worn away by the end of tusks of the elephants
presiding over the cardinal points. And with
the waters of rivers falling down, the mountain looked
as if its clothes were getting loosened. And that
graceful son of the wind-god playfully and cheerfully
went on, pushing away by his force countless intertwisted
creepers. And stags in curiosity gazed at him,
with grass in their mouths. And not having experienced
fear (ever before), they were unalarmed, and did not
flee away. And being engaged in fulfilling the
desire of his love, the youthful son of Pandu, stalwart
and of splendour like unto the hue of gold; and having
a body strong as a lion; and treading like a mad elephant;
and possessing the force of a mad elephant; and having
coppery eyes like unto those of a mad elephant; and
capable of checking a mad elephant began to range the
romantic sides of the Gandhamadana with his beautiful