sacrifices, always search for loop-holes when this great sacrifice is
commenced. On the commencement of such a sacrifice a war may take place
destroying the Kshatriyas and even furnishing occasion for the destruction
of the whole Earth. A slight obstacle may involve the whole Earth in ruin.
Reflecting upon all this, O king of kings do what is for thy good. Be thou
watchful and ready in protecting the four orders of thy subjects. Grow,
thou in prosperity, and enjoy thou felicity. Gratify thou the Brahmanas
with gifts of wealth. I have now answered in detail all that thou hast
asked me. With thy leave I will now go to the city (Dwaravati) of that
Dasarhas.'"

Vaisampayana said,--"O Janamejaya, having said this unto the son of Pritha,
Narada went away, accompanied by those Rishis with whom he had come. And
after Narada had gone away, king Yudhishthira, O thou of the Kuru race,
began to think, along with his brothers, of that foremost of sacrifices
called Rajasuya."


SECTION XIII

Vaisampayana said,--"Yudhishthira, having heard these words of Narada,
began to sigh heavily. And, O Bharata, engaged in his thoughts about the
Rajasuya, the king had no peace of mind. Having heard of this glory of the
illustrious monarchs (of old) and being certain about the acquisition of
regions of felicity by performers of sacrifices in consequence of their
sacred deeds, and thinking especially of that royal sage Harischandra who
had performed the great sacrifice king Yudhishthira desired to make
preparations for the Rajasuya sacrifice. Then worshipping his counsellors
and others present at his Sabha, and worshipped by them in return, he
began to discuss with them about that sacrifice. Having reflected much,