This one is dear to me, I am also dear
to him.' Influenced by considerations like these, a person of
intelligence, freely and with alacrity, make gifts unto a friend. (Such
gifts are regarded as made from free choice.) 'The person that solicits me
is poor. He is, again, gratified with a little. 'From considerations such
as these, one should always make gifts unto the poor, moved by pity.
(Gifts made from such considerations are regarded as made from pity.)
These are the five kinds of gift. They enhance the giver's merits and
fame. The Lord of all creatures (Brahman himself) has said that one
should always make gifts according to one's power."'"

SECTION CXXXIX

"'Yudhishthira said, "O grandsire, thou art possessed of great wisdom.
Indeed, thou art fully conversant with every branch of learning. In our
great race thou art the only individual that swellest with all the
sciences. I desire to hear from thee discourses that are interwoven with
Religion and Profit, that lead to felicity hereafter, and that are
fraught with wonder unto all creatures. The time that has come is fraught
with great distress. The like of it does not generally come to kinsmen
and friends. Indeed, save thee, O foremost of men, we have now none else
that can take the place of an instructor. If, O sinless one, I with my
brothers deserve the favour, it behoveth thee to answer the question I
desire to ask thee. This one is Narayana who is endued with every
prosperity and is honoured by all the kings. Even he waits upon thee,
showing thee every indulgence and honouring thee greatly. It behoveth
thee to discourse unto me, through affection, for my benefit as also for
that of my brothers, in the presence of Vasudeva himself and of all these
kings."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these words of king Yudhishthira,
Bhishma, the son of the river called after Bhagiratha, filled with joy in
consequence of his affection for the monarch and his brothers, said what
follows.'[559]

"'Bhishma said, "I shall certainly recite to thee discourses that are
delightful, on the subject, O king, of the puissance of this Vishnu as
displayed in days of yore and as I have heard (from my preceptors).
Listen to me also as I describe the puissance of that great god who has a
bull for his device. Listen to me as I narrate also the doubt that filled
the mind of the spouse of Rudra and that of Rudra himself. Once on a time
the righteous souled Krishna observed a vow extend