“Salya said, ‘Then the goddess of Divination stood near that chaste andbeautiful lady. And having beheld that goddess, youthful and lovely,standing before her, Indra’s queen, glad at heart, paid respects to themand said, ‘I desire to know who thou art, O thou of lovely face.’
Markandeya continued, “O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler, eminent inpity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that foremost ofBrahmanas, saying,
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Living creatures always stand in fear of sorrow anddeath. Tell me, O grandsire, how the occurrence of these two may beprevented.’
“Vaisampayana said, ‘The monarch Santanu, the most adored of the gods androyal sages, was known in all the worlds for his wisdom, virtues, andtruthfulness (of speech).
“–The Brahmana said, ‘He who becomes absorbed in the one receptacle (ofall things), freeing himself from even the thought of his own identitywith all things,–indeed, ceasing to think of even his ownexistence,–gradually casting off one after another, will succeed incrossing his bonds.
“Salya said, ‘Thus addressed by Sachi, the illustrious god said to heragain, ‘This is not the time for putting forth valour. Nahusha isstronger than I am.
“Markandeya continued, ‘The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then said tothat Brahmana, ‘Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O Brahmana,Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the consequence ofour past actions.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Tell me, O grandsire, what is beneficial for onethat is unconversant with the truths of the scriptures, that is always indoubt, and that abstains from self-restraint and the other practiceshaving for their object the knowledge of the Soul.’
“Vaisampayana said, ‘O monarch, after the nuptials were over, kingSantanu established his beautiful bride in his household. Soon after wasborn of Satyavati an intelligent and heroic son of Santanu namedChitrangada. He was endued with great energy and became an eminent man.
“Vasudeva said, ‘In this connection is cited the ancient narrative, O sonof Pritha, of the discourse that took place between a married couple.
