is no fault to find with it. It is also well-known, O Shalya, that this custom in respect of family dignity hath the approval of the wise and the good.' Saying this, Bhisma of great energy, gave unto Shalya much gold both coined and uncoined, and precious stones of various colors by thousands, and elephants and horses, and cars and much cloth and many ornaments, and gems and pearls and corals. And Shalya accepting with a cheerful heart those precious gifts then gave away his sister decked in ornaments unto that bull of the Kuru race, Then the wise Bhisma, the son of the oceangoing Ganga, rejoiced at the issue of his mission, and taking Madri with him, returned to the Kuru capital named after the elephant.
"Then selecting an auspicious day and moment as indicated by the wise for the ceremony, king Pandu was duly united with Madri. And after the nuptials were over, the Kuru king established his beautiful bride in handsome apartments: And, O king of kings, that best of monarchs then gave himself up to enjoyment in the company of his two wives as best he liked and to the limit of his desires. And after thirty days had elapsed, the Kuru king, O monarch, started from his capital for the conquest of the world. And after reverentially saluting and bowing to Bhisma and other elders of the Kuru race, and with adieus to Dhrita-rashtra and others of the family, and obtaining their leave, he set out on his grand campaign, accompanied by a large force of elephants, horses; and cars, and well-pleased with the blessings uttered by all around and the auspicious rites performed by the citizens for his success. And Pandu, accompanied by such a strong force marched against various foes. And that tiger among men—that spreader of the fame of the Kurus—first subjugated the robber tribes of Dasharna. He next turned his army composed of innumerable elephants, cavalry, infantry, and chariots, with standards of various colors, against, Dhirgha—the ruler of the kingdom of Maghadha—who, proud of his strength, had 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 ani-
