rown lion, whose nose is so prominent, whose eyes are
large and expansive, and whose face is broad and of coppery hue, is the
king of the Kurus. And behold, that one whose tread is like that of an
infuriate elephant, whose complexion is like that of heated gold, whose
shoulders are broad and expanded, and whose arms are long and thick, is
Vrikodara. And he who stands by his side, that youth of darkish hue, who
is like unto a leader of a herd of elephants, whose shoulders are broad
like those of a lion, whose tread is like that of a mighty elephant, and
whose eyes are large and expansive like lotus-leaves, is Arjuna that
foremost of bowmen. All lo, close to the king, are those foremost of
men, the twins, like unto Vishnu and Indra, and who have no equals, in
the world of men, in beauty, might, and behaviour. And close by them,
behold, standeth Krishna, beautiful as gold, like unto the very
embodiment of light, possessing the complexion of the blue lotus, like
unto a celestial damsel, and resembling the living embodiment of
_Lakshmi_ herself.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Then Virata's son began to describe the prowess
of Arjuna, saying, 'Even this one is he that slew the foe, like unto a
lion devastating a flock of deer. Even he ranged through crowds of
hostile cars, slaying their best of car-warriors. By him was slain a
huge, infuriate elephant by means of a single arrow. Pierced by him,
that huge beast having its flanks adorned with an armour of gold, fell
down piercing the earth with his tusks. By him have the kine been
recovered and the Kauravas vanquished in battle. My ears have been
deafened by the blare of his conch. It was by this hero of fierce deeds
that Bhishma and Drona, along with Duryodhana, were vanquished. That
achievement is his and not mine.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of his, the mighty king of
the Matsyas, considering himself guilty of having offended Yudhishthira,
said unto Uttara in reply, 'I think the time hath come for me to
propitiate the sons of Pandu. And, if thou likest, I shall bestow my
daughter Uttara upon Arjuna.'

"Uttara said, 'Worthy of our adorations and worship and respect, the
time hath come for worshipping the illustrious sons of Pandu who deserve
to be worshipped by us.'

"Virata said, 'When brought under the foe's subjection in battle, it was
Bhimasena that rescued me. My kine also have been recovered by Arjuna.
It is through the might of their arms that we h