Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/344

O king, passing many forests, rivers, hills, and woods abounding with trees, he arrived (at the capital) in no time. Of immeasurable prowess in war, the son of the ocean-going Ganga, having slain numberless foes in battle without a scratch on his own person, brought the daughters of the king of Kashi unto the Kurus, as tenderly if they were his daughters-in-law or younger sisters, or daughters. And Bhisma of mighty arms, impelled by the desire of benefiting his brother, having by his prowess brought them thus, then offered those maidens possessing every accomplishment unto Vichittra-virya. Conversant with the dictates of virtue, the son of Shantanu, having achieved such an extraordinary feat according to (kingly) custom, then began to make preparations for his brother's wedding. And when everything about the wedding had been settled by Bhisma in consultation with Satyavati, the eldest daughter of the king of Kashi, softly smiling, told him these words: 'In my heart I had chosen the king of Sauva for my husband. He had, in his heart accepted me for his wife. This was also agreeable to my father. In the swyamvara I would have also chosen him as my lord. Thou art conversant with all the dictates of virtue! Knowing all this, do as thou likest.' Thus addressed by that maiden in the persence of the Brahmanas, the heroic Bhisma began to reflect upon what should be done. Conversant as he was with the rules of virtue, having consulted with Brahmanas possessing the mastery of the Vedas, he permitted Amvā the eldest daughter of the ruler of Kashi to do as she liked. But he bestowed with due rites the two other daughters, Amvikā and Amvalikā, on his younger brother Vichittra-virya. And though Vichittra-virya was virtuous and abstemious, yet proud of youth and beauty he soon became lustful after his marriage. And both Amvikā and Amvalikā were of tall stature, and of the complexion of heated gold. And their heads were covered with black curly hair, and their fingernails were high and red. And their hips were fair and round, and their breasts full and high. And endued with every auspicious mark, the amiable young ladies considered themselves wedded to a husband who was everyway worthy of themselves.