translation of the leading incidents of the Epic the last great and crowning act of Yudhishthir, now anointed monarch of Kuruland. The portion translated in this Book forms Sections lxxxv. and parts of Sections lxxxviii. and lxxxix. of Book xiv. of the original text. I The Gathering Victor of a hundred battles, Arjun bent his homeward way, Twelfth day came of Magha's bright moon and auspicious was the star, And upon a level greensward measured forth the sacred site, Mansions graced with gem and jewel round the bright arena shone, Gilt and blazoned with devices lofty columns stood around, Graceful arches gold-surmounted spanned the consecrated ground. Gay pavilions rose in beauty round the sacrificial site, For the queens of crowned monarchs wending to the holy rite, Humbler dwellings rose for Brahmans, priests of learning and of fame, Come to view Yudhishthir's yajna and to bless Yudhishthir's name. Messengers with kindly greetings went to monarchs far-renowned, Asked them to Hastina's city, to the consecrated ground, And to please the great Yudhishthir came each king and chieftain bold, With their slaves and dark-eyed damsels, arms and horses gems and gold, Came and found a royal welcome in pavilions rich and high, Skilled mechanics, cunning artists, raised the structures for the rite, Every duty thus completed, joyful was Yudhishthir's mind, II The Feasting Men in nations are assembled, hymns are sung by saint and sage, And in learned disputations keen disputants oft engage, And the concourse of the monarchs view the splendour of the rite, Like the glorious sky of INDRA is the sacrificial site! Bright festoons and flaming streamers are on golden arches hung, Groups of men and gay-dressed women form a bright and joyous throng, Jars of cool and sparkling waters, vessels rich with gold inlaid, Sacrificial stakes of timber with their golden fastenings graced, Countless creatures of the wide earth, fishes from the lake and flood, Birds and every egg-born creature, insects that from moisture spring, Noble chiefs and mighty monarchs gaze in wonder on the site, Curd and cake and sweet confection are for feasting Brahmans spread, |