Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/281

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ADI PARVA
267

fame of the Kurus-first subjugated the robber tribes of Pasarna, He next turned his army composed of innumerable elephants, cavalry. infantry, and charioteers. with standards of various colours, against Dbirga,the ruler of the kingdom of Maghadha who was proud of his strength, and offended against numerous monarchs. And attacking him in his capital, Pandu slew him there, and took everything in his treasury and also vehicles and draught animals without number. He then marched into Mithila and subjugated the Videbas. And then, O bull among men, Pandu led his army against Kasi, Sumbha, and Pundra, and by the strength and prowess of his arms spread the fame of the Kurus. And Pandu, that oppressor of foes, like unto a 'mighty fire whose far-reaching flames were represented by his arrows and splendour by his weapons, began to consume all kings that came in contact with him. These with their forces, vanquished by Pandu at the head of bis army, were made the vassals of the Kurus. And all kings of the world, thus vanquished by him, regarded bim as the one hero only on Earth even as 'the celestials regard Indra in heaven. And the kings of Earth with joined palms bowed to him and waited on him with presents of various kinds of gems and wealth, precious stones and pearl and corals, and much gold and silver, and firstclass kine and handsome horses and fine cars and elephants, and asses and camels and buffaloes, and goats and sheep, and blankets and beautiful hides, and carpets made of the skin of the Banku deer. And the king of Hastinapura accepting those offerings retracted his steps towards his capital, to the great delight of his subjects. And the citizens and others filled with joy, and kings and ministers, all began to say.--'0, the fame of the achievements of Santanu, that tiger among kings, and of the wise Bharata, which were about to die, hath been revived by Pandu ! They who robbed before the Kurus of both terri. tory and wealth, have been subjugated by Pandu-the tiger of Hastinapura-and made to pay tribute !' And all the citizens with Bhishma at their head went out to receive the victorious king. They did not proceed far when they saw the attendants of king laden with much wealth, and the train of various conveyances laden with all kinds of wealth, and of elephants, horses, cars, kine, camels and other animals, was so long that they saw not its end. Then Pandubeholding) Bhishma, who was a father to him, worshipped his feet and saluted the citizens and others as each deserved. And Bhishma, too, embracing Pandu as his son who had returned victorious after grinding many hostile kingdoms, wept tears of joy. And Pandu, instilling joy into the hearts of his people with a flourish of trumpets and conches and kettle-drums, entered his capital.'