Deva-rishis viewed the feasting, sweet gandharvas woke the song,
Apsaras like gleams of sunlight on the greensward tripped along,
Kinnaras and kim-purushas mingled in the holy rite,
Siddhas of austerest penance stood around the sacred site!
Vyasa's great and gifted pupils, who the Vedas have compiled,
Gazed upon the aswa-medha, on the wondrous yajna smiled!
From the bright ethereal mansions heavenly rishi Narad came,
Chetra-sena woke the music, singer of celestial fame,
Cheered by more than mortal music Brahmans to their task incline,
And Yudhishthir's fame and virtue with a brighter lustre shine!
IV
Sacrifice of the Horse
Birds and beasts thus immolated, dressed and cooked, provide the food,
Then before the sacred charger priests in rank and order stood,
And by rules of Veda guided slew the horse of noble breed,
Placed Draupadi, Queen of yajna, by the slain and lifeless steed,
Hymns and gifts and pure devotion sanctified the noble Queen,
Woman's worth and stainless virtue, woman's pride and wisdom keen!