te my
husband.' The monarch, however, without listening to her cries cruelly
devoured her husband like a tiger devouring its desirable prey. Possessed
with wrath at this sight, the tears that that woman shed blazed up like
fire and consumed everything in that place. Afflicted with grief at the
calamity that overtook her lord, the Brahmani in anger cursed the royal
sage Kalmashapada, 'Vile wretch, since thou hast today cruelly devoured
under my very nose my illustrious husband dear unto me, even before my
desires have been gratified, therefore shall thou, O wicked one afflicted
by my curse, meet with instant death when thou goest in for thy wife in
season. And thy wife, O wretch, shall bring forth a son uniting herself
with that Rishi Vasishtha whose children have been devoured by thee. And
that child, O worst of kings, shall be the perpetuator of thy race.' And
cursing the monarch thus, that lady of Angira's house bearing every
auspicious mark, entered the blazing fire in the very sight of the
monarch. And, O thou oppressor of all foes, the illustrious and exalted
Vasishtha by his ascetic power and spiritual insight immediately knew
all. And long after this, when the king became freed from his curse, he
approached his wife Madayanati when her season came. But Madayanati
softly sent him away. Under the influence of passion the monarch had no
recollection of that curse. Hearing, however, the words of his wife, the
best of kings became terribly alarmed. And recollecting the curse he
repented bitterly of what he had done. It was for this reason, O thou
best of men, that the monarch infected with the Brahmani's curse,
appointed Vasishtha to beget a son upon his queen.'"

SECTION CLXXXV

(Chaitraratha Parva continued)

"Arjuna asked, 'O Gandharva, thou art acquainted with everything. Tell
us, therefore, which Veda-knowing Brahmana is worthy to be appointed as
our priest.'

"The Gandharva replied, 'There is in these woods a shrine of the name of
Utkochaka. Dhaumya, the younger brother of Devala is engaged there in
ascetic penances. Appoint him, if ye desire, your priest."

"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Arjuna, highly pleased with everything that had
happened, gave unto that Gandharva, his weapon of fire with befitting
ceremonies. And addressing him, the Pandava also said, 'O thou best of
Gandharvas, let the horses thou givest us remain with thee for a time.
When the occasion cometh, we will take them from thee. Blest be t