creator (of the
universe), thou art of vast proportions. Thou art Jiva. Thou art subtle.
Thou art the Supreme and eternal Soul. Do thou, O lotus-eyed one, rescue
me, O foremost of all beings! Do thou, give me permission, O Krishna, to
depart from this world, O thou that art Supreme felicity, O foremost of
all beings! The sons of Pandu should ever be protected by thee. Thou art,
indeed, already their sole refuge. Formerly, I spoke to the foolish
Duryodhana of wicked understanding that thither is Righteousness where
Krishna is, and that there is victory where Righteousness is. I further
counselled him that relying on Vasudeva as his refuge, he should make
peace with the Pandavas. Indeed, I repeatedly told him, 'This is the
fittest time for thee to make peace!' The foolish Duryodhana of wicked
understanding, however, did not do my bidding. Having caused a great
havoc on earth, at last, he himself laid down his life. Thee, O
illustrious one, I know to be that ancient and best of Rishis who dwelt
for many years in the company of Nara, in the retreat of Vadari. The
celestial Rishi Narada told me this, as also Vyasa of austere penances.
Even they have said unto me that. Thyself and Arjuna are the old Rishis
Narayana and Nara born among men. Do thou, O Krishna, grant me leave, I
shall cast off my body. Permitted by thee, I shall attain to the highest
end!"

"'Vasudeva said, "I give thee leave, O Bhishma! Do thou, O king, attain to
the status of the Vasus, O thou of great splendour, thou hast not been
guilty of a single transgression in this world. O royal sage, thou art
devoted to thy sire. Thou art, therefore, like a second Markandeya! It is
for that reason that death depends upon thy pleasure even as thy slave
expectant of reading thy pleasure!"'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having said these words, the son of Ganga once
more addressed the Pandavas headed by Dhritarashtra, and other friends
and well-wishers of his, "I desire to cast off my lifebreaths. It
behoveth you to give me leave. Ye should strive for attaining to truth.
Truth constitutes the highest power. Ye should always live with Brahmanas
of righteous conduct, devoted to penances, ever abstaining from cruel
behaviour, and who have their souls under control!" Having said these
words unto his friends and embraced them all, the intelligent Bhishma
once more addressed Yudhishthira, saying, "O king, let all Brahmanas,
especially those that are endued with wisdom, let them