tant clash with other's weapons and kept in a case of gold, bright
as fire? Whose is this beautiful scimitar of sable blade covered with
golden bosses, capable of cutting through the bodies of adversaries,
whose touch is as fatal as that of a venomous snake which is
irresistible and exciteth the terror of foes? Asked by me, O Vrihannala,
do thou answer me truly. Great is my wonder at the sight of all these
excellent objects.'"

[43] Indian insects of a particular kind.

[44] Most editions read _chapas_ which is evidently wrong. The
correct reading is _avapas_, meaning quiver. The Burdwan Pandits
give this latter reading.

[45] Some read _chandrargha-darsanas_. The correct reading is
_chandrardha-darsanas_.

[46] Most editions read _hema-punkha_ and _silasita_ in the
instrumental plural; the correct reading is their nominative
plural forms.

[47] _Sayaka_ means here, as explained by Nilakantha, a sword,
and not a shaft.

SECTION XLIII

"Vrihannala said, 'That about which thou hath first enquired is Arjuna's
bow, of world-wide fame, called _Gandiva_, capable of devastating
hostile hosts. Embellished with gold, this _Gandiva_, the highest and
largest of all weapons belonged to Arjuna. Alone equal unto a hundred
thousand weapons, and always capable of extending the confines of
kingdoms, it is with this that Partha vanquisheth in battle both men and
celestials. Worshipped ever by the gods, the _Danavas_ and the
_Gandharvas_ and variegated with excellent colours, this large and
smooth bow is without a knot or stain anywhere. Shiva held it first for
a thousand years. Afterwards Prajapati held it for five hundred and
three years. After that Sakra, for five and eighty years. And then Soma
held it for five hundred years. And after that _Varuna_ held it for a
hundred years. And finally Partha, surnamed _Swetavahana,_[48] hath held
it for five and sixty years.[49] Endued with great energy and of high
celestial origin, this is the best of all bows. Adored among gods and
men, it hath a handsome form. Partha obtained this beautiful bow from
Varuna. This other bow of handsome sides and golden handle is Bhima's
with which that son of Pritha, that chastiser of foes, had conquered the
whole of the eastern regions. This other excellent bow of beautiful
shape, adorned with images of _Indragopakas_, belongeth, O Virata's son,
to king Yudhishthira. This other weapon with golden suns of bl