l bow, sped that shaft which
represented the might of the whole universe, at the triple city. Upon
that foremost of shafts, O thou of great good fortune, being shot, loud
wails of woe were heard from those cities as they began to fall down
towards the Earth. Burning those Asuras, he threw them down into the
Western ocean. Thus was the triple city burnt and thus were the Danavas
exterminated by Maheswara in wrath, from desire of doing good to the
three worlds. The fire born of his own wrath, the three-eyed god
quenched, saying, 'Do not reduce the three worlds to ashes.' After this,
the gods, the Rishis, and the three worlds became all restored to their
natural dispositions, and gratified Sthanu of unrivalled energy with
words of high import. Receiving then the permission of the great god, the
gods with the Creator at their head went away to the places they came
from, their object being accomplished after such effort. Thus that
illustrious Deity, that Creator of the worlds, that Lord of both the Gods
and the Asuras, viz., Maheswara, did that which was for the good of all
the worlds. As the illustrious Brahman, the Creator of the worlds, the
Grandsire, the Supreme Deity of unfading glory, acted as the driver of
Rudra, so do thou restrain the steeds of the high-souled son of Radha
like Grandsire restraining those of Rudra. There is not the slightest
doubt, O tiger among kings, that thou art superior to Krishna, to Karna,
and to Phalguna. In battle, Karna is like Rudra, and thou art like
Brahman in policy. United, ye two, therefore, are competent to vanquish
my foes that are even like the Asuras. Let, O Shalya, that be done
speedily today by which this Karna, grinding the Pandava troops, may be
able to slay Kunti's son owning white steeds and having Krishna for the
driver of his car. Upon thee depend Karna, ourselves, our kingdom, and
(our) victory in battle. Hold the reins, therefore, of the excellent
steeds (of Karna). There is another story which I will narrate. Listen
once more to it. A virtuous Brahmana had recited it in the presence of my
father. Hearing these delightful words fraught with the reasons and
purposes of acts, do, O Shalya, what thou mayst settle, without
entertaining any scruples. In the race of the Bhrigus was Jamadagni of
severe ascetic penances. He had a son endued with energy and every
virtue, who became celebrated by the name of Rama. Practising the
austerest penances, of cheerful soul, bound to observ