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The king could hardly believe his ears. "Where is that god
prince?" he asked. "I must see and thank the hero who rescued my son and beat
back my foes. I will give my daughter, Uttara, in marriage to him. Go and fetch him
in."
"He has disappeared for the time being," replied the prince,
"but I think be will come again either today or tomorrow." Uttara spoke thus
because Arjuna was indeed a prince of the gods and had also for the time being disappeared
in Brihannala.
In Virata's hall of assembly, all the leading citizens had gathered to
celebrate the king's victory and the prince's. Kanka, Valala the cook, Brihannala,
Tantripala and Dharmagranthi, who were responsible for the victories, arrived also and
entering the hall, to the surprise of everyone, sat among the princes unbid.
Some explained the conduct by saying that, after all, these humbler
folk had rendered invaluable service at a critical time and really deserved recognition.
Virata entered the court. On seeing Kanka sanyasin and the cook and the
others seated in places reserved for princess and the nobility the king lost his temper
and gave loud vent to his displeasure.
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