unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and dignity of
Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place filled with
lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and groves, and
rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms, and flowery
woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O Bharata, he beheld
herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud, resembling masses of pouring
clouds. And that graceful one went on with speed, beholding by the
wayside woods wherein there stood with their mates deer of quick
glances, holding the grass in their mouths. And fearless from prowess,
Bhimasena, as if invited by the breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever
fragrant with flowers, bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the
mountainous regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on
the way, he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before Bhima).
And having for his provisions on the journey the words of Draupadi,
Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the blooming
slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the meridian, he saw in
the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty river filled with fresh
golden lotuses. And being crowded with swans and Karandavas, and graced
with Chakravakas, the river looked like a garland of fresh lotuses put
on by the mountain. And in that river that one of great strength found
the extensive assemblage of Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising
sun, and delightful to behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought
within himself that his object had been gained, and also mentally
presented himself before his beloved worn out by exile."


SECTION CLII