army or his son or some other respected leader, succeeds in
winning regions of felicity like mine. One should never grieve for a hero
slain in battle. A slain hero, if nobody grieves for him, goes to heaven
and earns the respect of its denizens. Men do not desire to dedicate (for
his salvation) food and drink. Nor do they bathe (after receiving the
intelligence), nor go into mourning for him. Listen to me as I enumerate
the felicity that is in store for such a person. Foremost of Apsaras,
numbering by thousands, go out with great speed (for receiving the spirit
of the slain hero) coveting him for their lord. That Kshatriya who duly
observes his duty in battle, acquires by that act the merit of penances
and of righteousness. Indeed, such conduct on his part conforms with the
eternal path of duty. Such a man obtains the merits of all the four modes
of life. The aged and the children should not be slain; nor one that is a
woman; not one that is flying away; nor one that holds a straw in his
lips[293]; nor one that says, "I am thine." Having slain in battle
Jambha, Vritra, Vala, Paka, Satamaya, Virochana, the irresistible
Namuchi, Samvara of innumerable illusions, Viprachitti,--all these sons
of Diti and Danu, as also Prahlada, I myself have become the chief of the
celestials.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Hearing these words of Sakra and approving of them,
king Amvarisha comprehended how warriors succeed, (by battle as their
means) in compassing success for themselves (in respect of winning
regions of beatitude in heaven)."'"

SECTION XCIX

"'Bhishma said, "In this connection is cited the old story of the battle
between Pratardana and the ruler of Mithila. The ruler of Mithila, viz.,
Janaka, after installation in the sacrifice of battle, gladdened all his
troops (on the eve of fight). Listen to me, as I recite the story.
Janaka, the high souled king of Mithila, conversant with the truth of
everything, showed both heaven and hell unto his own warriors. He
addressed them, saying, 'Behold, these are the regions, endued with great
splendour, for those that fight fearlessly. Full of Gandharva girls,
those regions are eternal and capable of granting every wish. There, on
the other side, are the regions of hell, intended for those that fly away
from battle. They would have to rot there for eternity in everlasting
ingloriousness. Resolved upon casting away your very lives, do ye conquer
your foes. Do not fall into inglorious hell