in this or the other world as a co-wife and a clandestine lover.  There is nothing like these two that, inflames the fire of hostility and causes such anxiety.  Even the auspicious and well-behaved Arundhati, celebrated amongst all creatures, had been jealous of the illustrious Vasishtha of great purity of mind and always devoted to the good of his wife.  Arundhati insulted even the wise Muni amongst the (celestial) seven.  In consequence of such insulting thoughts of hers, she has become a little star, like fire mixed with smoke, sometimes visible and sometimes invisible, like an omen portending no good (amongst a constellation of seven bright stars representing the seven Rishis).  I look to thee for the sake of children.  I never wronged thee, like Vasishtha who never wronged his wife.  Thou hast, therefore, by thy jealousy behaved towards me like Arundhati of old towards Vasishtha.  Men should never trust women even if they be wives.  Women, when they have become mothers, do not much mind serving their husbands.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’After this, all his children came forward to worship him.  And he also began to speak kindly towards them all, giving them every assurance.’”

SECTION CCXXXVI

(Khandava-daha Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana said, ’Mandapala then addressed his children, saying, ’I had spoken unto Agni for the safety of you all.  The illustrious deity had assured me that he would grant my wish.  At those words of Agni, and knowing the virtuous disposition of your mother, as also the great energy that is in yourselves, I came not here earlier.  Therefore, ye sons, do not harbour in your hearts any resentment towards me.  Ye are all Rishis acquainted with the Vedas.  Even Agni knoweth you well.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Having given such assurances unto his sons, the Brahmana Mandapala took with him his wife and sons, and leaving that region, went away to some other country.

“It was thus that the illustrious god of fierce rays, having grown in strength consumed the forest of Khandava with the help of Krishna and Arjuna, for the good of the world.  And Agni having drunk several rivers of fat and marrow, became highly gratified, and showed himself to Arjuna.  Then Purandara, surrounded by the Maruts, descended from the firmament and addressing Partha and Kesava said, ’Ye have achieved a feat that a celestial even could not.  Ask ye each a boon that is not obtainable by any man.  I have been gratified with you.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Then Partha asked from Indra all his weapons.  At this Sakra of great splendour, having fixed the time for giving them, said, ’When the illustrious Madhava becomes pleased with thee, then, O son of Pandu, I will give thee all my weapons!  O prince of Kuru’s race, I shall know when the time cometh.  Even for thy austere asceticism I will give thee all my weapons of fire and all my Vayavya weapons, and thou