they had found a
powerful friend in Drupad, and had formed an alliance with him. It
was no longer possible to keep them from their rightful inheritance.
The Kuru kingdom was accordingly parcelled; Duryodhan retained the
eastern and richer portion with its ancient capital _Hastina-pura_ on
the Ganges; and the sons of Pandu were given the western portion on
the Jumna, which was then a forest and a wilderness. The sons of
Pandu cleared the forest and built a new capital _Indra-prastha_, the
supposed ruins of which, near modern Delhi, are still pointed out to
the curious traveller.

Yudhishthir, the eldest of the five sons of Pandu, and now king of
Indra-prastha, resolved to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice, which
was a formal assumption of the Imperial title over all the kings of
ancient India. His brothers went out with troops in all directions
to proclaim his supremacy over all surrounding kings. Jarasandha,
the powerful and semi-civilised king of Magadha or South Behar,
opposed and was killed; but other monarchs recognised the supremacy
of Yudhishthir and came to the sacrifice with tributes. King
Dhrita-rashtra and his sons, now reigning at Hastina-pura, were
politely invited to take a share in the performance of the sacrifice.

The portion translated in this Book forms Sections xxxiii. To xxxvi.
and Section xliv. of Book ii. of the original.

I

The Assemblage of Kings

Ancient halls of proud Hastina mirrored bright on Ganga's wave!
Thither came the son of Pandu, young Nakula true and brave,

Came to ask Hastina's monarch, chief of Kuru's royal race,
To partake Yudhishthir's banquet and his sacrifice to grace.

Dhrita-rashtra came in gladness unto Indra-prastha's town,
Marked its new-built tower and turret on the azure Jumna frown,

With him came preceptor Kripa, and the ancient Bhishma came,
Elders of the race of Kuru, chiefs and Brahmans known to fame.

Monarchs came from distant regions to partake the holy rite,
Warlike chiefs from court and castle in their arms accoutred bright,

Kshatras came with ample tribute for the holy sacrifice,
Precious gems and costly jewels, gold and gifts of untold price.

Proud Duryodhan and his brothers came in fair and friendly guise,
With the ancient Kuru monarch and Vidura, good and wise,

With his son came brave Suvala from Gandhara's distant land,
Car-borne Salya, peerless Karna, came with bow and spear and brand.

Came the priest and proud preceptor Drona skilled in