“Vaisampayana said, ‘The dwellers in heaven became exceedingly glad inwelcoming Kacha who had mastered the wonderful science. And, O bull ofBharata’s race, the celestials then learnt that science from Kacha andconsidered their object already achieved.
“Markandeya continued, ‘Those six ladies, the wives of the seven Rishiswhen they learned that good fortune had smiled on Mahasena and that hehad been made leader of the celestial forces,[79] repaired to his camp.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou hast already explained to me, O grandsire, howthe religion of Yoga, which leads to the six well-known attributes, maybe adopted and practised without injuring any creature.
Sanjaya said, “Abhimanyu, O king, displaying his prowess for the sake ofBhishma, fought with thy son who was supported by a large force.
“Sukra continued, ‘Know, then, O Devayani, that he that mindeth not theevil speeches of others, conquereth everything! The wise say that he is atrue charioteer who without slackening holdeth tightly the reins of hishorses.
“Markandeya continued, ‘Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet andwreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes weregolden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in a redgarment and looked very handsome;
“Kapila said, ‘Beholding that all the fruits that are attainable by actsare terminable instead of being eternal, Yatis, by adoptingself-restraint and tranquillity, attain to Brahma through the path ofknowledge.
Sanjaya said,–Sikhandin, O bull among men, approaching Bhishma inbattle, struck him in the centre of the chest with ten broad-headedarrows
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Kavya, the foremost of Bhrigu’s line, becameangry himself. And approaching Vrishaparvan where the latter was seated,began to address him without weighing his words, ‘O king,’ he said,’sinful acts do not, like the Earth, bear fruit immediately! Butgradually and secretly do they extirpate their doers.
“Markandeya continued, ‘Now hear of those terrible and curious-lookingfollowers of Skanda. A number of male children came into being whenSkanda was struck with the thunder-bolt,–those terrific creatures
