here, Arjuna, give me now the preceptorial fee in the presence of these thy cousins and relatives.’  When Arjuna, on hearing this, pledged his word that he would give what the preceptor demanded, the latter said, ’O sinless one, thou must fight with me when I fight with thee.’  And that bull among the Kuru princes thereupon pledged his word unto Drona and touching his feet, went away northward.  Then there arose a loud shout covering the whole earth bounded by her belt of seas to the effect that there was no bowman in the whole world like unto Arjuna.  And, indeed, Dhananjaya, in encounters with the mace and the sword and on the chariot as also with the bow, acquired wonderful proficiency.  Sahadeva obtained the whole science of morality and duties from (Vrihaspati) the spiritual chief of celestials, and continued to live under the control of his brothers.  And Nakula, the favourite of his brothers taught by Drona, became known as a skilful warrior and a great car-warrior (Ati-ratha).  Indeed, Arjuna and the other Pandava princes became so powerful that they slew in battle the great Sauvira who had performed a sacrifice extending over three years, undaunted by the raids of the Gandharvas.  And the king of the Yavanas himself whom the powerful Pandu even had failed to bring under subjection was brought by Arjuna under control.  Then again Vipula, the king of the Sauviras, endued with great prowess, who had always shown a disregard for the Kurus, was made by the intelligent Arjuna to feel the edge of his power.  And Arjuna also repressed by means of his arrows (the pride of) king Sumitra of Sauvira, also known by the name of Dattamitra who had resolutely sought an encounter with him.  The third of the Pandava princes, assisted by Bhima, on only a single car subjugated all the kings of the East backed by ten thousand cars.  In the same way, having conquered on a single car the whole of the south, Dhananjaya sent unto the kingdom of the Kurus a large booty.

“Thus did those foremost of men, the illustrious Pandavas, conquering the territories of other kings, extend the limits of their own kingdom.  But beholding the great prowess and strength of those mighty bowmen, king Dhritarashtra’s sentiments towards the Pandavas became suddenly poisoned, and from that day the monarch became so anxious that he could hardly sleep.’”

SECTION CXLII

(Sambhava Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana continued, ’On hearing that the heroic sons of Pandu endued with excess of energy had become so mighty, king Dhritarashtra became very miserable with anxiety.  Then summoning unto his side Kanika, that foremost of minister, well-versed in the science of politics and an expert in counsels the king said, ’O best of Brahmanas, the Pandavas are daily overshadowing the earth.  I am exceedingly jealous of them.  Should I have peace or war with them?  O Kanika, advise me truly, for I shall do as thou biddest.