Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

Mythsof the Hindus & Buddhistsname, on whom he had set his heart. And it came topass that when Bhishma s father, Shamtanu, was dead,Bhlshma set on the throne his own half-brother, Vichitravirya.And it was necessary that he should find asuitable marriage for this brother in order that theroyal succession might be duly secured. And he heardthat the bridal choice of the three daughters of the kingof Benares Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika was aboutto take place,and that all the kings and princes of theearth were bidden, their father having announced that hisdaughters should have for their dowry the courage of thebravest knight. So they were to be borne away by thatprince whose unaided might should win them from all therest. Nor did the king of Benares dream, when he madethis announcement, that his eldest daughter Amba wasalready secretly betrothed to a certain king, Shalwa byname ;nor did the princess think it necessary to speak toher father of the matter, for she made sure that her truestrengthened by her faith and the sure prospect oflove,immediate happiness, would overbear all obstacles and,displaying his prowess before the whole assembled world,would carry her off as the prize of victory. But alas ! whenBhlshma heard of this bridal tournament he decided thatthe opportunity was an excellent one to secure suitablequeens for the young Vichitravlrya, and he determined toseize the three maidens and do combat for them againstall comers.In accordance with this purpose, therefore, Bhlshma setout for the city of Benares as a simple gentleman withouta retinue. Arriving at the royal lists, he beheld the threemaidens, all unrivalled for beauty and richly robed andornamented, and before them, ranged on thrones and incars, under royal umbrellas and pearl-embroidered174