61.5

rituals there was always a path paved in gold, and Indra would bring the gods there as if to Dharma himself, while around the sacrificial stake with its golden ring and clasp* vast crowds of apsarases* would dance. There would be six times seven thousand of them, and Vishva·vasu himself would play for them upon the strings of his ringing lute. Later they would all lay down upon the ground, drunk on the feasting, and all of them proclaim the king a man of peerless virtue.

Dilipa’s chariot was a miracle like no other for its wheels as they passed through water left no mark. He was a man of extravagant gifts, his bow was strong and his words were true and to bask in his presence was to push wide heaven’s gates. For there were five sounds that echoed forever in the palace of Khattanga: these were the voice of incantation, the sigh of the bow, and the calls to drink, to eat and to feast.

O Srinjaya, if even Dilipa had to die and he four times more blessed than you and more pious than your son then I say to you do not suffer for your child. Cry not the name of one whose life was so miserly and so profane.

narada spoke:

62.1

O Srinjaya. We hear of another king now gone named Mandhatri son of Yuvanashva, a man whose triumphs crossed the triple world of gods, demons and men. He was born when the twin Horse Gods drew him from his father’s belly. One day Yuvanashva was wandering thirsty from the hunt with his strength spent when he saw the smoke rising __________________