properly addressing Vidura conversant with the truths of religion and virtue, said as follows.'"
And so ends the hundred and ninth Section in the Sam-. bhava of the Adi Parva.
( Sambhava Parva continued. )
"Bhisma said, "This our celebrated race, resplendent with every virtue and accomplishment, hath all along exercised sovereignty over all other monarchs on earth. Its glory maintained and itself perpetuated by many virtuous and illustrious monarchs of old, the illustrious Krishna (Dwaipayana), Satyavati, and myself have raised ye (three) up, inorder that it may not be extinct. And it behoveth myself and thee also to take such steps that this our dynasty may expand again as the sea. It hath been heard by me that there are three maidens, worthy of being allied to our race. One is the daughter of (Surasena of) the Yadava race; the other is the daughter of Suvala; and the third is the princess of Madra. And, O son, these maidens are, therefore, all of pure birth. Possessed of beauty and pure blood, they are eminently fit for alliances with our family. O thou foremost of intelligent men, I think we should choose them for the growth of our race. Tell me what thou thinkest.' Thus addressed, Vidura replied, 'Thou art our father and thou too art our mother! Thou art our respected spiritual instructor! Therefore do thou that which may be best for us in thy eyes!'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Soon after Bhisma heard from the Brahmanas that Gandhari the amiable daughter of Suvala having worshipped Hara (Siva) had obtained from that deity the boon that she should have a century of sons. Bhisma the grand-father of the Kurus having heard this, sent messengers unto the king of Gandhara (proposing Dhrita-rashtra's marriage with Gandhari.) King Suvala hesitated at first on account of the blindness of bride-groom. But taking into consideration the blood of the Kurus, their fame and behaviour, he gave his virtuous daughter unto Dhrita-rashtra. And the
