“Bhishma continued, ‘The Nagas of that city became exceedingly distressedwhen they saw that that Brahmana, devoted to the practice of penances,continued to reside in the forest, entirely abstaining all the while fromfood, in expectation of the arrival of the Naga chief.
“Bhishma said, ‘Upon the expiry of the period of full fifteen days, theNaga chief (Padmanabha), having finished his task of dragging the car ofSurya and obtained the latter’s permission, came back to his own house.
“The Naga said, ‘O thou of sweet smiles, for whom hast thou taken thatBrahmana? Is he really a human being or is he some deity that has comehither in the disguise of a Brahmana?
“Bhishma said, ‘Having said these words unto his dear spouse, the chiefof the Nagas proceeded to that place where the Brahmana was sitting inexpectation of an interview with him.
“The Brahmana said, ‘Thou goest away for dragging the one-wheeled car ofVivaswat according to thy turn. It behoveth thee to describe to meanything wonderful that thou mayst have noticed in those regions throughwhich thou sojournest!’
“Surya said, ‘This Being is not the god of fire, he is not an Asura. Noris he a Naga. He is a Brahmana who has attained to heaven in consequenceof his having been crowned with success in the observance of the vowcalled Unccha.
“The Brahmana said, ‘Without doubt, this is very wonderful, O Naga, Ihave been highly gratified by listening to thee.
Vaisampayana said, “Rising from their beds the next day and performingthe morning rites laid down in the scriptures, the Pandavas and theYadavas set out (for the spot where Bhishma lay) on their cars resemblingfortified towns.
Vaisampayana said, “After this, Yudhishthira, saluted his grandsire, viz.the son of Ganga, and with joined hands and concentrated attention, oncemore asked him, saying, ‘What are the general duties of the four ordersof men, and what the special duties of each order?
“Bhishma said, ‘O mighty-armed one, listen now to me, O thou of prowessincapable of being baffled, as I mention the names of the four modes oflife and the duties in respect of each.
