ORIENTAL SERIES.

MA HA-BHARA TA. 1 87
eheat. Yudhi-shftiira lost his all : his wealth, his palace, his king-
dom, his brothers, himself, and, last of all, their wife. Draupadi
was brought into the assembly as a slave, and when she rushed
out she was dragged back again by her hair by DuA-sasana, an
insult for which Bhima vowed to drink his blood. Dur-yodhana
also insulted her by seating her upon his thigh, and Bhima
vowed that he would smash that thigh. Both these vows he
afterwards performed. Through the interference and commands
of Dhnta-rashfra the possessions of Yudhi-sh&ira were restored
to him. But he was once more tempted to play, upon the con-
dition that if he lost he and his brothers should pass twelve
years in the forest, and should remain incognito during the
thirteenth year. He was again the loser, and retired with his
brothers and wife into exile. In the thirteenth year they en-
tered the service of the king of Virata in disguise
Yudhi-shhira
as a Brahman skilful as a gamester ; Bhima as a cook ; Arjuna
as a eunuch and teacher of music and dancing; Nakula as a
horse-trainer ; and Saha-deva as a herdsman. Draupadi also took
service as attendant and needlewoman of the queen, Su-deshna.
The five princes each assumed two names, one for use among
themselves and one for public use. Yudhi-shhira was Jaya in
private, Kanka in public ; Bhima was Jayanta and Ballava ;
Arjuna was "Vijaya and Bnhan-nala ;
Nakula was Jaya-sena and
Granthika; Saha-deva was Jayad-bala and Arishfa-nemi, aVaisya.
The beauty of Draupadi attracted Kichaka, brother of the queen,
and the chief man in the kingdom. He endeavoured to seduce
her, and Bhima killed him. The relatives of Kichaka were about
to burn Draupadi on his funeral pile, but Bhima appeared as a
wild Gandharva and rescued her. The brothers grew in favour,
and rendered great assistance to the king in repelling the attacks
of the king of Trigartta and the Kauravas. The time of exile being
expired, the princes made themselves known, and Abhimanyu,
son of Arjuna, received Uttara, the king's daughter, in marriage.
The ParaZavas now determined to attempt the recovery of
their kingdom. The king of Viratfa became their firm ally, and
preparations for the war began. Allies were sought on all sides.
Krishna and Bala-rama, being relatives of both parties, were re-
luctant to fight. Krishna conceded to Arjuna and Dur-yodhana
the choice of himself unarmed or of a large army. Arjuna chose
and Dur-yodhaua joyfully accepted the army. Krishna