“Astika said, ’The performer of that sacrifice in which the ancient Rishi, the Island-born Vyasa, that vast receptacle of penances, is present, is sure, O foremost one of Kuru’s race, to conquer both the worlds.  O son of the Pandavas, thou hast heard a wonderful history.  The snakes have been consumed into ashes and have followed the footsteps of thy sire.  Through thy truthfulness, O monarch, Takshaka has with difficulty escaped a painful fate.  The Rishis have all been worshipped.  Thou hast seen also the end that has been attained by thy high-souled sire.  Having heard this sin-cleansing history thou hast achieved abundant merit.  The knots of thy heart have been untied through sight of this foremost of person.  They that are the supporters of the wings of Righteousness, they that are of good conduct and excellent disposition, they at sight of whom sins become attenuated,—­we should all bow to them.’

“Sauti continued, ’Having heard this from that foremost of regenerate ones, King Janamejaya worshipped that Rishi, repeatedly honouring him in every way.  Conversant with all duties he then asked the Rishi Vaisampayana of unfading glory about the sequel, O best of ascetics, of king Dhritarashtra’s residence in the woods.’”

SECTION XXXVI

“Janamejaya said, ’Having seen his sons and grandsons with all their friends and followers, what, indeed, did that ruler of men, viz., Dhritarashtra, and king Yudhishthira also, do?’

“Vaisampayana said, ’Beholding that exceedingly wonderful sight, viz., the re-appearance of his children, the royal sage, Dhritarashtra, became divested of his grief and returned (from the banks of the Bhagirathi) to his retreat.  The common people and all the great Rishis, dismissed by Dhritarashtra, returned to the places they respectively wished.  The high-souled Pandavas, accompanied by their wives, and with a small retinue, went to the retreat of the high-souled monarch.  Then Satyavati’s son, who was honoured by regenerate Rishis and all other persons, arrived at the retreat, addressed Dhritarashtra, saying,—­’O mighty-armed Dhritarashtra.  O son of Kuru’s race, listen to what I say.  Thou hast heard diverse discourses from Rishis of great knowledge and sacred deeds, of wealth of penances and excellence of blood, of conversance with the Vedas and their branches, of piety and years, and of great eloquence.  Do not set thy mind again on sorrow.  He that is possessed of wisdom is never agitated at ill luck.  Thou hast also heard the mysteries of the deities from Narada of celestial form.  Thy children have all attained, through observance of Kshatriya practices, to that auspicious goal which is sanctified by weapons.  Thou hast seen how they move about at will in great happiness.  This Yudhishthira of great intelligence is awaiting thy permission, with all his brothers and wives and kinsmen.  Do thou dismiss him.  Let him go back to his kingdom and rule it.  They