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.
“Sanjaya said, ‘After the son of Pandu had crossed that car-force, thepreceptor Drona, smiling the while, covered him with showers of arrows,desirous of checking his course.
Janamejaya said, “Why did the adorable Arshtishena undergo the austerestof penances? How also did Sindhudwipa acquire the status of a Brahmana?
“Yudhishthira said, ‘It has been said that in seasons of distress aBrahmana may support himself by the practice of Kshatriya duties. Can he,however, at any time, support himself by the practice of the duties laiddown for the Vaisyas?’
“Yudhishthira said, ‘What did that foremost of ascetics, viz., Jamadagniendued with great energy, do when thus besought by the maker of day?'”
“Bhishma said, ‘Sudhakshina, the ruler of the Kamvojas, is in myjudgment, equal to a single Ratha. Desiring the success of thy object, hewill certainly fight with the enemy in battle.
‘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.
“Dhritarashtra said, ‘While mighty Bhimasena was uttering those loudshouts deep as the roar of the clouds or peals of thunder, what heroes(of our side) surrounded him?
Vaishampayana said, “Having passed one night more, Rama, having theplough for his weapon, worshipped the dwellers of that tirtha and showedhis regard for Mankanaka.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘What, O grandsire, should be the acts and what thebehaviour of persons employed as priests in our sacrifices? What sort ofpersons should they be, O king? Tell me all this, O foremost of speakers.’
