Chapter 73
“The holy one said, ‘I have heard Sanjaya’s words and now I have heardthine. I know all about his purposes as also of thyself.
“The holy one said, ‘I have heard Sanjaya’s words and now I have heardthine. I know all about his purposes as also of thyself.
“Bhimasena said, ‘Without beholding thy former shape, I will never goaway. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show me thine ownshape.
“Rama said, ‘The blame is mine, O father, that like a stag in the wood,thou hast been shot dead with arrows, by those mean and stupidwretches–the sons of Kartavirya.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘The irresistible wielder of Gandiva, addresst forbattle, stood immovable on the field like Himavat himself.
Saunaka said, How is that illustrious god, viz., the puissant Narayanawho is fully conversant with the Vedas and their branches, at once thedoer and the enjoyer of sacrifices?
“Vaisampayana said, “On hearing these words of the Brahmana, his wifesaid, ‘Thou shouldst not, O Brahmana, grieve like an ordinary man. Nor isthis the time for mourning. Thou hast learning; thou knowest that all menare sure to die; none should grieve for that which is inevitable. Wife,son, and daughter, all these are sought for one’s own self.
“Bhima said, ‘Speak thou, O slayer of Madhu, in such a strain that theremay be peace with the Kurus. Do not threaten them with war.
Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena of mightyarms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed unto his brother,Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild words, ‘None is morefortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder brother.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘The ruler of Manipura, Vabhruvahana, hearing thathis sire Arjuna had arrived within his dominions, went out with humility,with a number of Brahmanas and some treasure in his van.
Janamejaya said, “O holy one, it behoveth thee to tell me thesignificance of those diverse names uttering which the great Rishi Vyasawith his disciples hymned the praises of the illustrious slayer of Madhu.