Chapter 20
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Drupada’s priest, having approached the Kauravachief, was honoured by Dhritarashtra as also by Bhishma and Vidura.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Drupada’s priest, having approached the Kauravachief, was honoured by Dhritarashtra as also by Bhishma and Vidura.
“Markandeya said, ‘Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished royalsage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, replied untoUtanka, saying, ‘This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will not be in vain.
“Parasara said, ‘Nobody in this world does good to another. Nobody isseen to make gifts to others. All persons are seen to act for their ownselves.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Soon after the monthly season of the princess ofKosala had been over, Satyavati, purifying her daughter-in-law with abath, led her into the sleeping apartment. There seating her upon aluxurious bed, she addressed her, saying, ‘O Princess of Kosala, thyhusband hath an elder brother who shall this day enter thy womb as thychild.
“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is recited the ancient story ofwhat the institution is of the Chaturhotra (sacrifice). The ordinancesare now being duly declared of that in its entirety.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having heard his words, Bhishma, senior in wisdom,and endued with great effulgence, paid honours to him, and then spokewords suitable to the occasion.
Markandeya said, “O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly virtuousking of the name of Sasada, ascending the throne of Ayodhya ruled thisearth. And from Sasada was descended Kakutstha of great energy.
“Parasara said, ‘The lowest order, it is proper, should derive theirsustenance from the three other orders. Such service, rendered withaffection and reverence, makes them righteous.
“Janamejaya said, ‘What did the god of justice do for which he wascursed? And who was the Brahmana ascetic from whose curse the god had tobe born in the Sudra caste?’
“The Brahmana said, ‘There is one Ruler. There is no second beside him.He that is Ruler resides in the heart. I shall speak now of him.