Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/492

Vaisampayana said, "Those mighty charioteers—the heroic Pandavas—then went, O king, from forest to forest, killing deer and many animals (for their food). And in course of their wanderings they saw the countries of the Matsyas, the Trigartas, the Panchalas, and then of the Kichakas, and also many beautiful woods and lakes therein. And they all had matted locks on their heads and were attired in barks of trees and the skins of animals. Indeed, with Kunti in their campany, those illustrious heroes were in the garb of ascetics. And those mighty charioteers sometimes proceeded in haste, carrying their mother on their backs; and sometimes they proceeded in disguise, and sometimes again with great celerity. And they used to study the Ric and the other Vedas (treating of the Deity and his attributes), and also all the Vedangas as well as the science of morals and politics. And the Pandavas, conversant with the science of morals, met, in course of their wanderings, their grand-father (Vyasa). And saluting the illustrious Krishna-Dwaipayana, those oppressors of all enemies, with their mother, stood before him with joined hands.

"Vyasa then said, 'Ye princes, I knew in my mind before about this affliction of ye in that ye have been exiled so unjustly by the sons of Dhrita-rashtra. Knowing this, I have come unto ye, desirous of doing ye some great good. Do not grieve for what hath befallen ye. Know that all this is for your happiness. Undoubtedly, both the sons of Dhrita-rashtra and ye all are equal in my sight. But men are always partial to those who are in misfortune or of tender years. It is therefore that my affection for ye is greater now. And in consequence of that affection I desire to do ye good. Listen to me! Not far off before ye is a delightful town where no danger can overtake ye. Live ye there in disguise waiting for my return!'"

Vaisampayana continued, "And Vyasa the son of Satya-vati, thus comforting the Pandavas, led them into the town