"Virata replied, 'I will grant thee whatever boon thou mayst desire. Do
thou rule the Matsyas.--I shall remain in submission to thee. Even
cunning gamblers are liked by me. Thou, on the other hand, art like a
god, and deservest a kingdom.'

"Yudhishthira said, 'My first prayer, O lord of earth, is that I may not
be involved in any dispute (on account of dice) with low people.
Further, a person defeated by me (at dice) shall not be permitted to
retain the wealth (won by me). Let this boon be granted to me through
thy grace.'

"Virata replied, 'I shall certainly slay him who may happen to displease
thee, and should he be one of the twice-born ones, I shall banish him
from my dominions. Let the assembled subjects listen! Kanka is as much
lord of this realm as I myself. Thou (Kanka) shalt be my friend and
shalt ride the same vehicles as I. And there shall also be at thy
disposal apparel in plenty, and various kinds of viands and drinks. And
thou shalt look into my affairs, both internal and external. And for
thee all my doors shall be open. When men out of employ or of strained
circumstances will apply to thee, do thou at all hours bring their words
unto me, and I will surely give them whatever they desire. No fear shall
be thine as long as thou residest with me.'"

Vaisampayana said, "Having thus obtained an interview with Virata's
king, and received from him boons, that heroic bull among men, began to
live happily, highly regarded by all. Nor could any one discover him as
he lived there."


SECTION VIII