into pieces by the arrows of Arjuna, released the thigh of the illustrious Drona and gave up the ghost. The son of Bharadwaja then addressed the illustrious and mighty charioteer Arjuna and said, 'Accept, O thou of mighty arms, this very superior and irresistible weapon called Brahma-shira, with the methods of hurling and recalling it. Thou must not, however, ever use it against any human foe, for if hurled at any foe endued with inferior energy, it might burn the whole universe. It is said, O child, that this weapon hath not a peer in the three worlds. Keep it therefore with great care, and listen to what I say. If ever, O hero, any foe not human contendeth against thee, then shalt thou employ it against him for compassing his death in battle.' Pledging himself to do what he was bid, Vivatsu then, with joined hands, received that great weapon. The preceptor then, addressing him again, said, 'None else, in this world, will ever become a superior bowman to thee. Vanquished thou shalt never be by any foe, and thy achievements will be great.'"
Thus ends the hundred and thirty-fifth Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.
( Sambhava Parva continued. )
Vaisampayana said, "O thou of the Bharata race, beholding the sons of Dhrita-rashtra and Pandu accomplished in arms, Drona, O monarch, addressed king Dhrita-rashtra, in the presence of Kripa, Soma-datta, Valhika, the wise son of Ganga, Vyasa, and Vidura, and said, 'O thou best of Kuru kings, thy children have completed their education. With thy permission, O king, let them now show their proficiency.' Hearing him, the king said with a glad heart, 'O thou best of Brahmanas, thou hast, indeed, accomplished a great deed. Command me thyself as to the place and the time where and when and the manner also in which the trial may be held. Grief arising from my own blindness maketh me envy those men who, blesssed with sight, will behold my children's prowess in arms. O Khatta (Vidura), do all that Drona
