ongs to him in that way.

200. i.e., for ascertaining whether kingly duties are superior to those
laid down for the several modes of life.

201. Probably, in the sense of there being exceptions and limitations in
respect to them.

202. i.e., 'spread confusion on earth.'

203. The sense seems to be that having failed, after such comparison, to
resolve their doubts, they waited upon Vishnu.

204. The Bengal reading satwatah seems to be an error. The Bombay text
has saswatah.

205. Yama is explained by Nilakantha to mean Kshatriya dharmena.

206. Nilakantha thinks that Lingantargatam means omniscient. He is for
taking this verse to mean--'Listen now to those duties about which thou
askest my omniscient self.' Bhishma having acquired omniscience through
Krishna's boon, refers to it here. The interpretation seems to be very
far-fetched.

207. That object is Brahma.

208. i.e.. such a man acquires the merits of all the modes of life.

209. Dasadharmagatam is explained by Nilakantha as 'overcome with fear,
etc.' Keeps his eye on the duties of all men,' i.e., protects all men in
the discharge of their duties.

210. If this verse has a reference to kings, nyastadandah would mean one
who punishes without wrath.

211. In this and the preceding verse, Sattwa, without being taken as used
for intelligence, may be taken to mean 'the quality of goodness' as well.

212. Anidram is explained by Nilakantha as a kingdom where anarchy
prevails, sleeplessness being its certain indication.

213. The sense seems to be that men patiently bear the injuries inflicted
upon them by others, without seeking to right themselves by force,
because they can invoke the king to punish the offenders. If there were
no kings, immediate vengeance for even the slightest injuries would be
the universal practice.

214. i.e., becoming foremost and happy here, attains to blessedness
hereafter.

215. The Wind is said to be the charioteer of Fire, because whenever
there is a conflagration, the Wind, appearing aids in extending it.

216. i.e., no one should covet the possessions of the king.

217. Kalya means able or strong; anakrandam is 'without allies';
anantaram means, 'without friends'; and Vyasaktam is 'engaged at war with
another.'

218. Tatparah is explained by Nilakantha as Karshanaparah.

219. I follow Nilakantha in reading this verse.

220. Chaitya trees are those that are regarded holy and unto which
worship is offered by the peo