to the service of preceptors, or theirs that have never sent away a guest unentertained, O son, let that end be thine.  That end which is theirs that succeed in distress and the most difficult straits in preserving the equanimity of their souls, however much scorched they might be by the fire of grief, O son, let that end be thine.  O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that are always devoted to the service of their fathers and mothers, or theirs that are devoted to their own wives only.  O son, let that end be thine which is attained by those wise men who, restraining themselves from the wives of others, seek the companionship of only their own wives in season.  O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that look upon all creatures with an eye of peace, or theirs that never give pain to others, or theirs that always forgive.  O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that abstain from honey, meat, wine, pride and untruth, or theirs that have refrained from giving pain to others.  Let that goal be thine which they attain that are modest, acquainted with all the scriptures, content with knowledge, and have their passions under control.’

“And while cheerless Subhadra, afflicted with grief, was indulging in such lamentations, the princess of Panchala (Draupadi), accompanied by Virata’s daughter (Uttara), came to her.  All of them, in great grief, wept copiously and indulged in heart-rending lamentations.  And like persons reft of reason by sorrow, they fainted away and fell down on the earth.  Then Krishna, who stood, ready with water, deeply afflicted, sprinkled it over his weeping, unconscious and trembling sister, pierced in her very heart, and comforting her, said what should be said on such an occasion.  And the lotus-eyed one said, ’Grieve not, O Subhadra!  O Panchali, console Uttara!  Abhimanyu, that bull among Kshatriyas, hath obtained the most laudable goal.  O thou of beautiful face, let all the other men yet alive in our race obtain that goal which Abhimanyu of great fame hath obtained.  Ourselves with all our friends, wish to achieve, in this battle, that feat, the like of which, O lady, thy son, that mighty car-warrior, hath achieved without any assistance.’  Having consoled his sister and Draupadi and Uttara thus, that chastiser of foes, viz., the mighty-armed (Krishna), returned to Partha’s side.  Then Krishna, saluting the kings, friends and Arjuna, entered the inner apartments of the (latter’s) tent while those kings also repaired to respective abodes.’”

SECTION LXXIX

“Sanjaya said, ’Then lord Kesava, of eyes like lotus-petals, having entered the unrivalled mansion of Arjuna, touched water, and spread (for Arjuna) on the auspicious and even floor an excellent bed of Kusa blades that were of the hue of the lapis lazuli.  And keeping excellent weapons around that bed, he adorned it duly with garlands of flowers and fried paddy, perfumes and other auspicious articles.