th the acquiescence
of king Yudhishthira and Bhima, and the twins (viz., Nakula and Sahadeva)
who in prowess resembled Yama himself. She also made many presents unto
the Brahmanas, and bestowed upon them many kine, O perpetuator of Yadu's
race. Then the Vrishni dame (Kunti), comforted a little, addressed the
daughter of Virata, saying,--'O faultless daughter of Virata, thou
shouldst not indulge in grief. For the sake of thy husband, O thou of
rotund hips, protect the child in thy womb.'--Having said these words, O
thou of great splendour, Kunti ceased. With her permission I have brought
Subhadra here. It was even thus, O giver of honours, that thy daughter's
son met with his death. Cast off thy burning grief, O irresistible one.
Indeed, do not set thy heart on sorrow."'"

SECTION LXII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having heard these words of his son Vasudeva, that
descendant of Sura, of righteous soul, casting off his grief, made
excellent obsequial offerings (unto Abhimanyu). Vasudeva also performed
those rites for the ascension (to Heaven) of his high-souled nephew, that
hero who was ever the darling of his sire (Vasudeva). He duly fed six
millions of Brahmanas, endued with great energy, with edibles possessed
of every recommendation. Presenting many clothes unto them, Krishna
gratified the thirst for wealth of those Brahmanas. Wonderful were the
heaps of gold, the number of kine and of beds and clothes, that were then
given away. The Brahmanas loudly declared--"Let (Krishna's wealth)
increase." Then Vasudeva of Dasarha's race, and Valadeva, and Satyaki,
and Satyaka, each performed the obsequial rites of Abhimanyu. Exceedingly
afflicted with grief, they failed to attain comfort. The same was the
case with the sons of Pandu in the city called after the elephant.
Deprived of Abhimanyu, they failed to obtain peace of mind. The daughter
of Virata, O monarch, for many days, totally abstained from all food,
exceedingly afflicted by grief on account of the death of her husband. At
this all her relatives became plunged into excess of grief. They all
feared that the embryo in her womb might be destroyed. Then Vyasa,
ascertaining the state of things by his spiritual vision, came there. The
highly intelligent Rishi, endued with great energy, arrived (at the
palace), addressed Pritha of large eyes, as also Uttara herself,
saying,--"Let this grief be abandoned. O famous lady, a son endued with
mighty energy will be born to thee, thro