04.024
the festival of cow sequestration
Vaiśampāyana said.
O lord of the people, after considering as very extraordinary the killing of Kīcaka along with his brothers, the common people were astonished. (04-24-1)
In that city, throughout the country, there was talk everywhere, for because of his valor, Kīcaka was indeed the king's favorite and a great-souled man. (04-24-2)
He was a striker and a coveter of others' wives, evil-minded. He, the wicked-souled and evil man, was indeed slain by the Gandharvas. (04-24-3)
Thus they spoke, O great king, destroyer of the enemy's army. In every region, people spoke of Kīcaka, who was hard to overpower. (04-24-4)
Then, the spies dispatched by Dhārtarāṣṭra, after searching many villages, kingdoms, and cities.
Having carried out what was ordered and shown by command, and having resolved their concerns, they turned back—those men proceeded towards Nagapura. (04-24-6)
There, having seen the king, the Kaurava, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, together with Droṇa, Karṇa, Kṛpa, and also with the great-souled Bhīṣma.
Gathered together with his brothers and also the Trigartas and mighty chariot-warriors, to Duryodhana seated in the middle of the hall, they spoke these words. (04-24-8)
O king of men, our utmost effort has always been made in searching for the Pāṇḍavas in that great forest. (04-24-9)
In a deserted place, thick with wild animals, surrounded by many kinds of trees and creepers, dense with entangled vines, and covered by various bushes. (04-24-10)
And we do not know by which path the sons of Pṛthā, steadfast and strong, have gone, searching for footprints here and there. (04-24-11)
On mountain peaks, lofty places, various regions, and in populous countries, villages, and towns. (04-24-12)
O king, the Pāṇḍavas have been searched for many times, but we truly do not know them or their complete whereabouts, they are lost. Blessings to you, O best of men. (04-24-13)
But the paths of the chariots are being searched, O best of charioteers. For a certain period, O lord of men, we are following the charioteers. (04-24-14)
O scorcher of foes, the charioteers, having duly sought out and ascertained the truth, returned to Dvāravatī, except for the Pāṇḍavas. (04-24-15)
O king, neither the Pāṇḍavas nor Kṛṣṇā, the devoted wife, are there; they are all completely destroyed. Salutations to you, O best of the Bharatas. (04-24-16)
Indeed, we do not know the whereabouts or abode of those great-souled ones, nor do we know the actions done or the activity of the Pāṇḍavas. Therefore, O king of men, instruct us as to what should be done next, O lord of the people. (04-24-17)
While searching for the Pāṇḍavas, what more can we do? And look upon this our dear, fortunate, and auspicious speech. (04-24-18)
O king, by whom the Trigartas were overcome with great strength—it was by Kīcaka, the charioteer of the king of Matsya, a man of great soul. (04-24-19)
He has been slain and lies fallen by the gandharvas at night, O Bhārata. The evil-souled one, unseen, is together with his brothers, O Acyuta. (04-24-20)
Having heard this pleasant news—the defeat of the enemies—but being one whose purpose is accomplished, O Kauravya, now do whatever should follow. (04-24-21)
