viz., his father Santanu. And, O king, passing through many forests, rivers, hills, and woods abounding with trees, he arrived at the capital) in no time. Of immeasurable prowess in battle, the son of the oceangoing Ganga, having slain numberless foes in battle without a scratch on his own person, brought the daughters of the king of Kasi unto the Kurus as tenderly if they were his daughtors-in-law, or younger sisters, or daughters. And Bhishma of mighty arms, impelled by the desire of benefitting his brother, having by his prowess brought them thus, then offered those maidens possessing every accomplishment unto Vichitravirya. Conversant with the dictates of virtue, the son of Santanu, having achieved such an extraordinary feat according to (kingly) custom, then began to make preparations for his brother's wedding. And when everything about the wedding had been settled by Bhishma in consultation with Satyavati, the eldest daughter of the king of Kasi, with a soft smile, told him these words :-'At beart I had chosen the king of Saubha for my husband. He had, in his heart, accepted me for his wife. This was also approved by my father. At the self-choice ceremony also I would have chosen him as my lord. Thou art conversant with all the dictates of virtue, knowing all this, do as thou likest.' Thus addressed by that maiden in the presence of the Brahmanas, the heroic Bhishma began to reflect as to what should be done. As he was conversant with the rules of virtue, he consulted with the Brahmanas who had mastered the Vedas, and permitted Amva, the eldest daughter of the ruler of Kasi to do as she liked. But he bestowed with due rites the two other daughters, Amvika and Amvalika on his younger brother Vichitravirya. And though Vichitravirya was virtuous and abstimious, yet, proud of youth and beauty, he soon became lustful after bis marriage. And both Amvika and Amvalika were of tall stature, and of the complexion of moited gold. And their heads were covered with black curly hair, and their finger-nails were high and red; their hips were fat and round, and their breasts full and deep. And endued with every auspicious mark, the amiable young ladies considered themselves to be wedded to a husband who was everyway worthy of themselves, and extremely loved and respeeted Vichitra virya. And Vichitravirya also, endued with the prowess of the celestials and the beauty of the twin Aswins, could steal the heart of any beautiful woman. And the prince passed seven years uninterruptedly in the company of bis wives. He was attacked while yet in the prime of youth, with phthisis. Friends and relatives in consultation with one another tried to effect a cure. But inspite of all efforts. the Kuru prince died, setting like the evening sun. The virtuous Bhishma then became plunged into anxiety and grief, and in consultation with Satyavati caused the obsequial rites of the deceased
