varied and extensive. As experience can seldom be gained but by travelling
in regions remote from one's home, so salvation can never be attained
except by acting according to principles that are very high, compared with
the ordinary level of our desire and propensities. I regard peace of mind
as the highest object here, for from that quality may proceed my
prosperity. In my judgment, if I undertake to celebrate this sacrifice, I
shall never win the highest reward. O Janardana, endued with energy and
intelligence, these that have been born in our race think that some one
amongst them will at one time become the foremost amongst all Kshatriyas.
But, O exalted one, we also were all frightened by the fear of Jarasandha
and, O sinless one, by the wickedness of that monarch. O thou invincible
in battle, the might of thy arm is my refuge. When, therefore, thou taken
fright at Jarasandha's might, how should I regard myself strong in
comparison with him? Madhava, O thou of the Vrishni race, I am repeatedly
depressed by the thought whether Jarasandha is capable or not of being
slain by thee, by Rama, by Bhimasena, or by Arjuna. But what shall I say,
O Keshava? Thou art my highest authority on everything.'

"On hearing these words, Bhima well-skilled in speech said,--'That king
who is without exertion, or who being weak and without resources entereth
into hostility with one that is strong, perisheth like an ant-hill. It may
be generally seen, however, that even a king that is weak may vanquish an
enemy that is strong and obtain the fruition of all his wishes, by
wakefulness and by the application of policy. In Krishna is policy, in
myself strength, in Arjuna triumphs. So like the three (sacrificial) fires
that accomplish a sacrifice, we shall accomplish the death of the king of
Magadha.'

"Krishna then said,--'One that is immature in understanding seeketh the
fruition of his desire without an eye to what may happen to him in future.