made gifts to me.  Hearing such words from solicitors one gives away all kinds of wealth unto a particular solicitor. (Such gifts are regarded as made from desire of profit.) I am not his, nor is he mine.  If disregarded, he may injure me.  From such motives of fear even a man of learning and wisdom may make gifts unto an ignorant wretch. (Such gifts are regarded as made from fear.) This one is dear to me, I am also dear to him.  Influenced by considerations like these, a person of intelligence, freely and with alacrity, make gifts unto a friend. (Such gifts are regarded as made from free choice.) The person that solicits me is poor.  He is, again, gratified with a little.  From considerations such as these, one should always make gifts unto the poor, moved by pity.  (Gifts made from such considerations are regarded as made from pity.) These are the five kinds of gift.  They enhance the giver’s merits and fame.  The Lord of all creatures (Brahman himself) has said that one should always make gifts according to one’s power.’”

SECTION CXXXIX

“Yudhishthira said, ’O grandsire, thou art possessed of great wisdom.  Indeed, thou art fully conversant with every branch of learning.  In our great race thou art the only individual that swellest with all the sciences.  I desire to hear from thee discourses that are interwoven with Religion and Profit, that lead to felicity hereafter, and that are fraught with wonder unto all creatures.  The time that has come is fraught with great distress.  The like of it does not generally come to kinsmen and friends.  Indeed, save thee, O foremost of men, we have now none else that can take the place of an instructor.  If, O sinless one, I with my brothers deserve the favour, it behoveth thee to answer the question I desire to ask thee.  This one is Narayana who is endued with every prosperity and is honoured by all the kings.  Even he waits upon thee, showing thee every indulgence and honouring thee greatly.  It behoveth thee to discourse unto me, through affection, for my benefit as also for that of my brothers, in the presence of Vasudeva himself and of all these kings.’”

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Hearing these words of king Yudhishthira, Bhishma, the son of the river called after Bhagiratha, filled with joy in consequence of his affection for the monarch and his brothers, said what follows.’[559]

“Bhishma said, ’I shall certainly recite to thee discourses that are delightful, on the subject, O king, of the puissance of this Vishnu as displayed in days of yore and as I have heard (from my preceptors).  Listen to me also as I describe the puissance of that great god who has a bull for his device.  Listen to me as I narrate also the doubt that filled the mind of the spouse of Rudra and that of Rudra himself.  Once on a time the righteous souled Krishna observed a vow extending for ten and two years.  For beholding him who had gone through the rite of initiation for