Chapter 175

“Bhishma said, ‘Then, O chief of the Bharatas, approaching my mother,that daughter of the Dasa clan, and saluting that parent of heroes, Isaid these words,–Having vanquished all the kings, these daughters ofthe ruler of Kasi, having beauty alone for their dowry, have beenabducted by me for the sake of Vichitravirya!–Then, O king, Satyavatiwith eyes bathed in tears, smelt my head, and joyously said, ‘By goodluck it is, O child, that thou hast triumphed!’ When next, withSatyavati’s acquiescence, the nuptials approached, the eldest daughter ofthe ruler of Kasi said these words in great bashfulness,–O Bhishma, thouart conversant with morality, and art well-versed in all our scriptures!Hearing my words, it behoveth thee to do towards me that which isconsistent with morality. The ruler of the Salwas was before thismentally chosen by me as my lord. By him also, without my father’sknowledge, I was privately solicited. How wouldst thou, O Bhishma, bornespecially as thou art in Kuru’s race, transgress the laws of moralityand cause one that longeth for another to live in thy abode? Knowingthis, O bull of Bharata’s race, and deliberating in thy mind, it behoveththee, O mighty-armed one, to accomplish what is proper. O monarch, it isclear that the ruler of the Salwas waiteth (for me). It behoveth thee,therefore, O best of the Kurus’ to permit me to depart. O mighty-armedone, be merciful to me, O foremost of righteous persons! Thou, O hero,art devoted to truth, it is well-known all over the earth!'”