then Karna's deprivation by Indra of his ear-rings; then the presentation to Karna by the gratified Indra of a Sakti (missile weapon) which had the virtue of killing one only person against whom it might be hurled; then the story called Aranya in which Dharma (the god of justice) gave advice to his son (Yudhish-thira); in which, besides, is recited how the Pandavas after having obtained a boon went towards the west. These are all included in the third Parva called Aranyaka, consisting of two hundred and sixty-nine sections. The number of slokas is eleven thousand six hundred and sixty four.
"The extensive Parva that comes next is called Vairata. The Pandavas arriving at the dominions of Virata saw in a cemetery on the outskirts of the city a large shami tree whereon they kept their weapons. Here hath been recited their entry into the city and abode there in disguise. Then the slaying by Bhima of the wicked Kichaka who senseless with lust, had sought Draupadi for his embraces; the appointment by prince Duryodhana of clever spies, and their despatch to all sides for tracing the Pandavas; the failure of these to discover the mighty sons of Pandu; the first seizure of Virata's kine by the Trigartas and the terrific battle that ensued; the capture of Virata by the enemy and his rescue by Bhima-sena; the release also of the kine by the Pandava (Bhima); the seizure of Virata's kine again by the Kurus; the defeat in battle of all the Kurus by the single-handed Arjuna; the release of the king's kine; the bestowal by Virata of his daughter Uttara for Arjuna's acceptance in behalf of his son by Subhadra—Abhimanyu the destroyer of foes. These are the contents of the extensive fourth Parva—the Vairata. The great Rishi Vyasa has composed in this sixty seven sections. The number of slokas is two thousand fifty.
"Listen then to (the contents of) the fifth Parva which must be known as Udyoga. While the Pandavas, desirous of victory, were residing in the place called Upaplavya, Duryodhana and Arjuna both went at the same time to Vāsudeva, and said 'you should render us assistance in this war.' The high-souled Krishna, upon these words being uttered, replied 'O ye first of men, a counsellor in myself who will not fight
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