possessed of great intelligence, like Himalayan lions eyeing cattle-folds.
And the arms of those warriors, O king, besmeared with sandal paste,
looked like the trunks of sala trees. The people of Magadha, beholding
those heroes looking like elephants, with necks broad like those of trees
and wide chests, began to wonder much. Those bull among men, passing
through three gates that were crowded with men, proudly and cheerfully
approached the king. And Jarasandha rising up in haste received them with
water to wash their feet with, and honey and the other ingredients of the
Arghya--with gifts of kine, and with other forms of respect. The great
king addressing them said,--'Ye are welcome'! And, O Janamejaya, both
Partha and Bhima remained silent at this. And addressing the monarch
Krishna said,--'O king of kings these two are now in the observance of a
vow. Therefore they will not speak. Silent they will remain till midnight.
After that hour they will speak with thee!' The king then quartering his
guests in the sacrificial apartments retired into his private chambers.
And when midnight arrived, the monarch arrived at the place where his
guests attired as Brahmanas were. For, O King, that ever victorious
monarch observed this vow which was known throughout the Worlds that as
soon as he should hear of the arrival of Snataka Brahmanas at his place,
should it be even at midnight, he would immediately, O Bharata, come out
and grant them an audience. Beholding the strange attire of his guests
that best of kings wondered much. For all that, however, he waited on them
respectfully. Those bulls among men, those slayers of all foes, on the
other hand, O thou best of the Bharata race, beholding king Jarasandha,
said,--'Let salvation be attained by thee, O king, without difficulty.'
And, O tiger among kings, having said this unto the monarch, they stood
looking at each other. And, O king of kings, Jarasandha then said unto
those sons of Pandu and him of the Yadu race, all disguised as Brahmanas--
'Take your seats.' And those bulls among men sat themselves down, and like
the three priests of a great sacrifice blazed forth in their beauty. And