Kunti and all his brothers also, Yudhishthira
of great intelligence, accompanied by Krishna and Vidura of great wisdom,
as also by Yuyutsu and Yuyudhana, and by his other relatives and
followers forming a large train, proceeded, his praises hymned the while
by eulogists and bards. The sacrificial fires of Bhishma were also borne
in the procession. Thus accompanied, the king set out from his city like
a second chief of the deities. Soon he came upon the spot where the son
of Santanu was still lying on his bed of arrows. He beheld his grandsire
waited upon with reverence by Parasara's son Vyasa of great intelligence,
by Narada, O royal sage, by Devala and Asita, and also by the remnant of
unslain kings assembled from various parts of the country. Indeed, the
king saw that his high-souled grandsire, as he lay on his heroic bed, was
guarded on all sides by the warriors appointed for that duty. Alighting
from his car, King Yudhishthira with his brothers saluted his grandsire,
the chastiser of all foes. They also saluted the Rishis with the
island-born Vyasa at their head. They were saluted in return by them.
Accompanied by his priests each of whom resembled the grandsire Brahman
himself, as also by his brothers, Yudhishthira of unfading glory then
approached that spot whereon Bhishma lay on his bed of arrows surrounded
by these reverend Rishis. Then king Yudhishthira the just, at the head of
his brothers, addressed that foremost one of Kuru's race, viz., the son
of the River Ganga, as he lay on that bed of his, saying, "I am
Yudhishthira, O king! Salutations to thee, O son of the River Janhavi! If
thou hearest me still, tell me what I am to do for thee! Bearing with me
thy sacrificial fires, I have come here, O king, and wait upon thee at
the hour indicated! Preceptors of all branches of learning, Brahmanas,
Ritwiks, all my brothers, thy son, viz., king Dhritarashtra of great
energy, are all here with my counsellors as also Vasudeva of great
prowess. The remnant of unslain warriors, and all the denizens of
Kurujangala, are also here. Opening thy eyes, O chief of Kuru's race, do
thou behold them! Whatever should be done on this occasion has all been
arranged and provided for by me. Indeed, at this hour which thou hadst
indicated, all things have been kept ready!"

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by Kunti's son of great
intelligence, the son of Ganga opened his eyes and saw all the Bharatas
assembled there and standing