illiterate and
perverse, do not, O Kauravya, bathe in _tirthas_. But thou art ever of a
virtuous disposition and conversant with morality and firm in thy
promises. Thou wilt surely be able to free thyself from the world. For,
O son of Pandu, thou art even as king Bhagiratha, or Gaya, or Yayati, or
any one, O son of Kunti, that is like them.'

"Yudhishthira answered, 'I am so overwhelmed with delight, O Brahmana,
that I cannot find words to answer thee. Who can be more fortunate than
he who is remembered even by the lord of the celestials? Who can be more
fortunate than he who hath been favoured with thy company, who hath
Dhananjaya for a brother, and who is thought of by Vasava himself? As to
thy words, O illustrious one, in respect of a trip to the _tirthas_, my
mind had already been made up at the words of Dhaumya. O Brahmana, I
shall start, at whatever hour thou mayst be pleased to appoint, on the
proposed journey to _tirthas_. Even this is my firm resolve!'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Lomasa then said unto Yudhishthira, who had
made up his mind to start on the proposed journey, 'O mighty king, be
thou light as regards thy retinue, for by this thou wilt be able to go
more easily!'

"Yudhishthira then said, 'Let those mendicants and Brahmanas and _Yogis_
that are incapable of bearing hunger and thirst, the fatigues of travel
and toil, and the severity of winter, desist. Let those Brahmanas also
desist that live on sweetmeats, and they also that desire cooked viands
and food that is sucked or drunk as well as meat. And let those also
remain behind that are dependent on cooks. Let those citizens that have
followed me from motives of loyalty, and whom I have hitherto kept on
proper stipends, repair to king Dhritarashtra. He will give them their
allowances in due time. If, however, that king refuses to grant them
proper allowances, the king of the Panchalas will, for our satisfaction
and welfare, give them these.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "And thereupon oppressed with grief, the
citizens and the principal Brahmanas and Yatis set out for Hastinapura.
And out of affection for Yudhishthira the just, the royal son of Amvika
received them properly, and gratified them with proper allowances. And
the royal son of Kunti, with only a small number of Brahmanas, abode for
three nights at Kamyaka, cheered by Lomasa."

SECTION XCIII

Vaisampayana said, "Those Brahmanas then, that had been dwelling (with
him) in the woods, beh