to his subjects, Kartavirya by the energy of his asceticism, the lord Bharata by his strength and valour, and Maruta by his prosperity, all these five became emperors.  But, O Yudhishthira, thou who covetest the imperial dignity deserves it, not by one but by all these qualities, viz., victory, protection afforded to thy people, virtue, prosperity, and policy.  Know, O bull of the Kuru race, that Jarasandha, the son of Vrihadratha, is even such (i.e., a candidate for the imperial dignity).  A hundred dynasties of kings have become unable to oppose Jarasandha.  He, therefore, may be regarded to be an emperor for his strength.  Kings that are wearers of jewels worship Jarasandha (with presents of jewels).  But, wicked from his childhood, he is scarcely satisfied with such worship.  Having become the foremost among all, he attacketh yet with violence kings with crowns on their heads.  Nor is there seen any king from whom he taketh not tribute.  Thus hath he brought under his sway nearly a hundred kings.  How can, O son of Pritha, any weak monarch approach him with hostile intentions?  Confined in the temple of Shiva and offered as sacrifice unto him like so many animals, do not these monarchs dedicated unto that god feel the most poignant misery, O bull of the Bharata race?  A Kshatriya that dieth in battle is ever regarded with respect.  Why shall we not, therefore, meet together and oppose Jarsandha in battle?  He hath already brought eighty-six kings; fourteen only are wanting to complete one hundred.  As soon as he obtaineth those fourteen, he will begin his cruel act.  He that shall be to obstruct that act will surely win blazing renown.  And he that will vanquish Jarasandha will surely become the emperor of all the Kshatriyas.’”

SECTION XVI

“Yudhishthira said,—­’Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting from selfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can I despatch ye (unto Jarasandha)?  Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as my eyes, and thee, O Janardana as my mind.  How shall I live, deprived of my eyes and mind.  Yama himself cannot vanquish in battle the mighty host of Jarasandha that is endued, besides, with terrible valour.  What valour can ye exhibit against it.  This affair that promises to terminate otherwise may lead to great mischief.  It is my opinion, therefore, that the proposed task should not be undertaken.  Listen, O Krishna, to what I for one think.  O Janardana, desisting from this act seemeth to me to be beneficial.  My heart to-day is afflicted.  The Rajasuya appeareth to me difficult of accomplishment.’”