with the Rishis and the Siddhas there for listening to their excellent talk.  There where Rama sat in the midst of that conclave, the adorable Rishi Narada came (in course of his wandering).  Covered with matted locks and attired in golden rays, he bore in his hands, O king, a staff made of gold and a waterpot made of the same precious metal.  Accomplished in song and dance and adored by gods and Brahmanas, he had with him a beautiful Vina of melodious notes, made of the tortoise-shell.  A provoker of quarrels and ever fond of quarrels, the celestial Rishi came to that spot where the handsome Rama was resting.  Standing up and sufficiently honouring the celestial Rishi of regulated vows, Rama asked him about all that had happened to the Kurus.  Conversant with every duty and usage, Narada then, O king, told him everything, as it had happened, about the awful extermination of the Kurus.  The son of Rohini then, in sorrowful words, enquired of the Rishi, saying, ’What is the state of the field?  How are those kings now that had assembled there?  I have heard everything before, O thou that art possessed of the wealth of penances, but my curiosity is great for hearing it in detail!’

“Narada said, ’Already Bhishma and Drona and the lord of the Sindhus have fallen!  Vikartana’s son Karna also hath fallen, with his sons, those great car-warriors!  Bhurishrava too, O son of Rohini, and the valiant chief of the Madras have fallen!  Those and many other mighty heroes that had assembled there, ready to lay down their lives for the victory of Duryodhana, those kings and princes unreturning from battle, have all fallen!  Listen now to me, O Madhava, about those that are yet alive!  In the army of Dhritarashtra’s son, only three grinders of hosts are yet alive!  They are Kripa and Kritavarma and the valiant son of Drona!  These also, O Rama, have from fear fled away to the ten points of the compass!  After Shalya’s fall and the flight of Kripa and the others, Duryodhana, in great grief, had entered the depths of the Dvaipayana lake.  While lying stretched for rest at the bottom of the lake after stupefying its waters, Duryodhana was approached by the Pandavas with Krishna and pierced by them with their cruel words.  Pierced with wordy darts, O Rama, from every side, the mighty and heroic Duryodhana hath risen from the lake armed with his heavy mace.  He hath come forward for fighting Bhima for the present.  Their terrible encounter, O Rama, will take place today!  If thou feelest any curiosity, then hasten, O Madhava, without tarrying here!  Go, if thou wishest, and witness that terrible battle between thy two disciples!’”