ak persecute the strong. Repairing thither I shall force thee to
yield up this elephant to me!'

"'"Dhritarashtra said, 'Only those persons, that intoxicated with pride,
conduct themselves towards their eldest sister and father and mother as
towards foes, have to repair, O great ascetic, to such a region. I shall
repair to a higher region. Indeed, Dhritarashtra shall not have to go
thither!'

"'"Gautama said, 'The region, called Mandakini, of king Vaisravana is
attained by those highly blessed persons for whom are every joy and
comfort. There Gandharvas and Yakshas and Apsaras live (gladdening all
the denizens with enchanting dances and music). Repairing even thither, O
king, I shall force thee to yield up this elephant to me!'

"'"Dhritarashtra said, 'Those persons who regard hospitality to guests as a
vow, who are observant of good vows (having other objects), who give
shelter to Brahmanas, and who eat what remains after distribution among
all those that are dependent upon them, adorn the region called Mandakini
of Kuvera. (I shall not go thither, for a higher region is reserved for
me)!'

"'"Gautama said, 'If thou repairest to those delightful woods decked with
flowers, that stand on the summit of Meru, that echo with melodious voice
of Kinnaris, and that are graced with beautiful Jamvus of wide-spreading
branches, I shall proceed even thither and force thee to yield up this
elephant to me!'

"'"Dhritarashtra said, 'Those Brahmanas that are endued with mild
dispositions, that are devoted to truth, that are possessed of great
learning in the scriptures, that are compassionate unto all creatures,
that study the Puranas with all the histories, that pour libations on the
sacred fire and make gifts of honey unto the Brahmanas, repair to such
regions, O great Rishi! I shall repair to a region that is higher. Indeed
Dhritarashtra shall not go thither. If thou art acquainted with any other
well-known region of felicity, speak unto me, for I shall repair even
thither!'

"'"Gautama said, 'If thou proceedest to the woods owned by Narada and held
dear by him, that are adorned with flowers and that echo with the
melodious songs of the prince of Kinnaras, and that are the eternal abode
of Gandharvas and Apsaras, I shall follow thee thither and force thee to
yield up this elephant to me!'

"'"Dhritarashtra said, 'They who never solicit alms, they who cultivate
music and dancing, and always rove about in joy, proceed to such