as the king was, I recited to him all those stories, O monarch, that hero of Yadu’s race has already recited to thee.  I brought Srinjaya’s child back to life, with Indra’s permission.  That which is ordained must occur.  It is impossible that it should be otherwise.  After this, prince Suvarnashthivin of great fame and energy began to delight the hearts of his parents.  Of great prowess, he ascended the throne of his father after the latter had repaired to heaven, and ruled for a period of one thousand and one hundred years.  He worshipped the gods in many great sacrifices characterised by profuse presents.  Possessed of great splendour, he gratified the gods and the Pitris.  Having procreated many sons, all of whom by their issues multiplied the race, he went the way of all nature, O king, after many years.  Do thou, O foremost of kings dispel this grief born in thy heart, even as Kesava has counselled thee, as also Vyasa of austere penances.  Rise up, O king, and bear the burthen of this thy ancestral kingdom, and perform high and great sacrifices so that thou mayst obtain (hereafter) whatever regions may be desired by thee!’”

SECTION XXXII

Vaisampayana said, “Unto king Yudhishthira who still remained speechless and plunged in grief, the island-born Vyasa, that great ascetic, conversant with truths of religion, spoke again.”

“Vyasa said, ’O thou of eyes like lotus petals, the protection of subjects is the duty of kings.  Those men that are always observant of duty regard duty to be all powerful.  Do thou, therefore, O king, walk in the steps of thy ancestors.  With.  Brahmanas, penances are a duty.  This is the eternal ordinance of the Vedas.  Penances, therefore, O bull of Bharata’s race, constitute the eternal duty of Brahmanas.  A Kshatriya is the protector of all persons in respect of their duties.[104] That man who, addicted to earthly possessions, transgresses wholesome restraints, that offender against social harmony, should be chastised with a strong hand.  That insensate person who seeks to transgress authority, be he an attendant, a son, or even a saint, indeed,—­all men of such sinful nature, should by every means be chastised or even killed.  That king who conducts himself otherwise incurs sin.  He who does not protect morality when it is being disregarded is himself a trespasser against morality.  The Kauravas were trespassers against morality.  They have, with their followers, been slain by thee.  Thou hast been observant of the duties of thy own order.  Why then, O son of Pandu, dost thou indulge in such grief?  The king should slay those that deserve death, make gifts to persons deserving of charity, and protect his subjects according to the ordinance.’

“Yudhishthira said, ’I do not doubt the words that fall from thy lips, O thou of great ascetic merit!  Everything appertaining to morality and duty is well known to thee, O foremost of all persons conversant with morality and duty!  I have, however, for the sake of kingdom, caused many persons to be slain!  Those deeds, O Brahmana, are burning and consuming me!’