began to take his leave.

"'Yudhishthira said, "Gladdened by auspicious blessings, we shall return
to the capital. Indeed, O king, having received thy permission, we shall
leave this retreat, freed from every sin." Thus addressed by the
high-souled king Yudhishthira the just, that royal sage, viz.,
Dhritarashtra, blessed Yudhishthira and gave him permission. The king
comforted Bhima, that foremost of all persons endued with great strength.
Endued with great energy and great intelligence, Bhima showed his
submissiveness to the king. Embracing Arjuna and clasping those foremost
of men, viz., the twins also, and blessing them repeatedly, the Kuru king
gave them permission to depart. They worshipped the feet of Gandhari and
received her blessings also. Their mother Kunti then smelt their heads,
and dismissed them. They then circumambulated the king like calves, when
prevented from sucking their dams. Indeed, they repeatedly walked round
him, looking steadfastly at him.[60] Then all the ladies of the Kaurava
household, headed by Draupadi, worshipped their father-in-law according
to the rites laid down in the scriptures, and took his leave. Gandhari
and Kunti embraced each of them, and blessing them bade them go. Their
mothers-in-law instructed them as to how they should conduct themselves.
Obtaining leave, they then departed, with their husbands. Then loud
sounds were heard, uttered by the charioteers that said,--"Yoke,
yoke,"--as also of camels that grunted aloud and of steeds that neighed
briskly. King Yudhishthira, with his wives and troops and all his
kinsmen, set out for Hastinapura.'"

SECTION XXXVII

(Naradagamana Parva)

"Vaisampayana said, 'After two years had elapsed from the date of the
return of the Pandavas (from the retreat of their sire), the celestial
Rishi, Narada, O king, came to Yudhishthira. The mighty-armed Kuru king,
that foremost of speakers, viz., Yudhishthira, having duly worshipped
him, caused him to take a seat. After the Rishi had rested awhile, the
king asked him, saying,--"It is after a long time that I behold thy holy
self arrived at my court. Art thou in peace and happiness, O learned
Brahmana? What are those countries which thou hast passed through? What
shall I do to thee? Do thou tell me. Thou art the foremost of regenerate
ones, and thou art our highest refuge."

"'Narada said, "I have not seen thee for a long while. Hence it is that I
have come to thee from my ascetic retreat. I