SECTION 41

SECTION 41

"Sisupala said,--"That mighty king Jarasandha who desired not to fight with Krishna, saying 'He is a slave,' was worthy of my greatest esteem. Who will regard as praiseworthy the act which was done by Kesava, as also by Bhima and Arjuna, in the matter of Jarasandha's death? Entering by an improper gate, disguised as a Brahmana, thus Krishna observed the strength of king Jarasandha. And when that monarch offered at first unto this wretch water to wash his feet, it was then that he denied his Brahmanahood from seeming motives of virtue. And when Jarasandha, asked Krishna and Bhima and Dhananjaya to eat, it was this Krishna that refused that monarch's request. If this one is the lord of the universe, as this fool representeth him to be, why doth he not regard himself as a Brahmana? This, however, surpriseth me greatly that though thou leadest Kauntheyas away from the path of the wise, they yet regard thee as honest. Or, perhaps, this is scarcely a matter of surprise in respect of those that have thee, womanish in disposition and bent down with age, for their counsellor in everything."

"Vaisampayana continued,--Hearing these words of Sisupala, harsh both in import and sound, Bhimasena became angry. And his eyes, naturally large became still more extended and red as copper under the influence of that rage. When Bhimasena began to grind his teeth in rage, the monarchs beheld his face resembling that of Death himself, prepared to swallow every creature. And as Bhima was about to leap up impetuously, Bhishma caught him like Mahadeva seizing Mahasena (the celestial generalissimo). And, Bhima's wrath was soon appeased by Bhishma, with various kinds of counsel. And Bhima, could not disobey Bhishma's words, like the ocean that never transgresseth even when swollen with the waters of the rainy season its continents. But, even though Bhima was angry, the brave Sisupala depending on his own manhood did not tremble in fear. And though Bhima was leaping up impetuously every moment, Sisupala bestowed not a single thought on him. The powerful king of Chedi beholding Bhima in such rage, laughingly said,--'Release him, O Bhishma! Let all the monarchs behold him scorched by my prowess like an insect in fire.' Hearing these words of the ruler of the Chedis, Bhishma, spoke unto Bhima these words."