Vaisampayana said, “After all those illustrious ascetics had gone away,that wielder of the Pinaka and cleanser of all sins–the illustriousHara–assuming the form of a Kirata resplendent as a golden tree, andwith a huge and stalwart form like a second Meru, and taking up a handsome bow and a number of arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison, andlooking like an embodiment of fire, came quickly down on the breast ofHimavat.
Janemejaya said, “O illustrious one, I desire to hear in detail thehistory of the acquisition of weapons by Arjuna of spotless deeds. O tellme how that tiger among men, Dhananjaya, of mighty arms and possessed ofgreat energy, entered that solitary forest without fear.
Vaisampayana said, “After some time, Yudhishthira the just, rememberingthe command of the Muni (Vyasa) and calling unto himself that bull amongmen–Arjuna–possessed of great wisdom, addressed him in private.
Vaisampayana said, “Hearing those words of Bhima, Yudhishthira. the sonof Kunti–tiger among men and slayer of all foes–began to sigh heavily,and reflect in silence.
Bhima said, ‘O king, unsubstantial as thou art like froth, unstable likea fruit (falling when ripe), dependent on time, and mortal, havingentered into an agreement in respect of time, which is infinite andimmeasurable, quick like a shaft or flowing like a stream, and carryingeverything before it like death itself, how canst regard it as availableby thee?
Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by Bhimasena, the high-souled kingAjatasatru firmly devoted to truth, mustering his patience, after a fewmoments said these words, ‘No doubt, O Bharata, all this is true. Icannot reproach thee for thy torturing me thus by piercing me with thyarrowy words.
‘Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Yajnaseni, Bhimasena, sighingin wrath, approached the king and addressed him, saying, ‘Walk, Omonarch, in the customary path trodden by good men, (before thee) inrespect of kingdoms.
“Draupadi said, ‘I do not ever disregard or slander religion, O son ofPritha! Why should I disregard God, the lord of all creatures?
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thy speech, O Yajnaseni, is delightful, smooth andfull of excellent phrases. We have listened to it (carefully). Thouspeakest, however, the language of atheism.
“Draupadi said, ‘I bow down unto Dhatri and Vidhatri who have thusclouded thy sense! Regarding the burden (thou art to bear) thou thinkestdifferently from the ways of thy fathers and grand-fathers!
