“The holy one said, ’Yes, I will go to king Dhritarashtra, desirous of accomplishing what is consistent with righteousness, what may be beneficial to us, and what also is for the good of the Kurus.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’The night having passed away, a bright sun arose in the east.  The hour called Maitra set in, and the rays of the sun were still mild.  The month was (Kaumuda Kartika) under the constellation Revati.  It was the season of dew, Autumn having departed.  The earth was covered with abundant crops all around.  It was at such a time that Janardana, the foremost of mighty persons, in enjoyment of excellent health, having heard the auspicious, sacred-sounding and sweet words of gratified Brahmanas, like Vasava himself hearing the adorations of the (celestial) Rishis,—­and having also gone through the customary acts and rites of the morning, purified himself by a bath, and decked his person with unguents and ornaments, worshipped both the Sun and Fire.  And having touched the tail of a bull and reverently bowed to the Brahmanas, walked round the sacred fire, and cast his eyes on the (usual) auspicious articles placed in view, Janardana recollected Yudhishthira’s word and addressed Sini’s grandson Satyaki, seated near, saying, ’Let my car be made ready and let my conch and discus along with my mace, and quivers and darts and all kinds of weapons, offensive and defensive, be placed on it, for Duryodhana and Karna and Suvala’s son are all of wicked souls, and foes, however contemptible, should never be disregarded by even a powerful person.  Understanding the wishes of Kesava, the wielder of the discus and the mace, his attendants immediately addressed themselves to yoke his car.  And that car resembled in effulgence the fire that shows itself at the time of the universal dissolution, and itself in speed.  And it was provided with two wheels that resembled the sun and the moon in lustre.  And it bore emblazonments of moons, both crescent and full, and of fishes, animals, and birds and it was adorned with garlands of diverse flowers and with pearls and gems of various kinds all around.  And endued with the splendour of the rising sun, it was large and handsome.  And variegated with gems and gold, it was furnished with an excellent flag-staff bearing beautiful pennons.  And well-supplied with every necessary article, and incapable of being resisted by the foe, it was covered with tiger-skins, and capable of robbing the fame of every foe, it enhanced the joy of the Yadavas.  And they yoked unto it those excellent steeds named Saivya and Sugriva and Meghapushpa and Valahaka, after these had been bathed and attired in beautiful harness.  And enhancing the dignity of Krishna still further, Garuda, the lord of the feathery creation, came and perched on the flag-staff of that car producing a terrible rattle.  And Saurin then mounted on that car, high as the summit of the Meru, and producing a rattle, deep and loud as the sound of the kettle-drum or the clouds and