Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/469

to place before them food and drink and beds and carpets, all of the first and most handsome kind. And the Pandavas, dressed in costly attire, continued to live there, adored by Purochana and the people having their homes in Varanavata.

"After the Pandavas had thus lived for ten nights, Purochana spoke to them of the mansion (he had built) called 'The blessed home,' but in reality the cursed house. Then those tigers among men attired in costly dress, entered that mansion at Purochana's word, like Guhyakas entering the palace (of Shiva) on the Kylasa mount. The foremost of all virtuous men—Yudhish-thira—inspecting the house said unto Bhima that it was really built of inflammable materials. And scenting the smell of fat mixed with clarified butter and preparations of lac, he said unto Bhima, 'O thou oppressor of all enemies, this house is truly built of inflammable materials! Indeed, it is apparent that such is the case! The enemy, it is evident, by the aid of trusted artists well-skilled in the construction of houses have finely built this mansion, after procuring hemp, resin, health, straw, and bamboos all soaked in clarified butter. This wicked wretch, Purochana, acting under the instructions of Duryo-dhana, stayeth here with the object of burning me to death when he seeth me trustful. But, O son of Pritha, Vidura of great intelligence knew this danger and, therefore, hath apprised me of it beforehand. Knowing it all, that youngest uncle of ours, ever wishing our good, from affection hath told us that this house so full of danger hath been constructed by the wretches under Duryo-dhana acting in secrecy.'

"Hearing this, Bhima replied, 'If, sir, you know this house to be so inflammable, it would then be well for us to return thither where we had taken up our quarters first.' Yudhish-thira replied, 'It seemeth to me that we should rather continue to live here in seeming unsuspiciousness but all the while with caution and our senses wide awake, and seeking for some certain means of escape. If Purochana findeth from our countenances that we have fathomed his designs, acting with haste he may suddenly burn us to death. Indeed, Purochana careth little for obloquy or sin. The