and which had been reduced to a rabble and put to rout, began to wander and wheel about the field repeatedly.  Among those foes who were thus being slaughtered none could be seen standing in front of the Kuru hero famed for foremost of feats.  No one could be seen who was able to bear the prowess of Dhananjaya.  Then the mother of the ruler of the Gandharas, filled with fear, and with all the aged ministers of state, came out of her city, bearing an excellent Arghya for Arjuna.  She forbade her brave son of steady heart from fighting any longer, and gratified Jishnu who was never fatigued with toil.  The puissant Vibhatsu worshipped her and became inclined to show kindness towards the Gandharas.  Comforting the son of Sakuni, he said, ’Thou hast not, O mighty-armed hero, done what is agreeable to me by getting thy heart upon these measures of hostility.  O slayer of heroes, thou art my brother, O sinless one.[201] Recollecting my mother Gandhari, and for the sake of Dhritarashtra also, I have not taken thy life.  It is for this, O king, that thou livest still.  Many of thy followers, however, have been slain by me.  Let not such a thing happen again.  Let hostilities cease.  Let not thy understanding again go astray.  Thou shouldst go to the Horse-sacrifice of our king which comes off on the day of full moon of the month of Chaitra.’

SECTION LXXXV

“Vaisampayana said, ’Having said these words, Partha set out, following the horse which wandered at its will.  The sacrificial steed then turned towards the road that led to the city called after the elephant.  Yudhishthira heard from his intelligence-bearers that the steed had turned back.  And hearing also that Arjuna was hale and hearty, he became filled with joy.[202] Hearing also the feats, accomplished by Vijaya in the country of the Gandharas as also in another realms, the king became exceedingly glad.  Meanwhile, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing that the twelfth day of the lighted fortnight in the month of Magha had come, and noticing also that the constellation was favourable, summoned all his brothers, viz., Bhima and Nakula and Sahadeva.  Endued with great energy, the king, O thou of Kuru’s race, that foremost of all persons conversant with duties, said these words in proper time.  Indeed, that foremost of all speakers, addressing Bhima, the first of all smiters, said;—­’Thy younger brother (Arjuna), O Bhimasena, is coming back with the horse.  I have learnt this from those men who had followed Arjuna.  The time (for the sacrifice) is come.  The sacrificial horse is near.  The day of full moon of the month of Magha is at hand.  The month is about to expire, O Vrikodara.  Let, therefore, learned Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas look for a sacrificial spot for the successful accomplishment of the Horse-sacrifice.’  Thus addressed, Bhima obeyed the royal behest.  He became very glad upon hearing that Arjuna of curly hair was about