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slew the whole Kshouheenee of troops. Ram laughed exceedingly 

 when he came to Creeshna and saw the unfortunate plight to which 

 Rokcm was reduced, and said, it would have been a thousand times 

 better for him to have been slain in battle, when he would have 

 gone instantly to paradise, than to be reduced to such a disgrace- 

 ful figure ; for that even his own wife must now desert him as an 

 object of disgust and horror. Then turning to Rokemenee, he 

 said, " Be not angry with me, for JOY AND GRIEF ARE BORN 

 TWINS FROM THE WOMB OF ETERNITY." And now he ironically 

 remonstrated with Creeshna for his cruelty, while the warrior's best 

 attribute was mercy. In the mean time Rokem was tortured with 

 anguish ; and, in despair, reflected on the oath he had taken in 

 presence of all the rajahs, he himself being now a captive instead 

 of Ram and Creeshna ; and, dreading to . hew his face among his 

 friends, stayed where he was. Rajah Bhekhem presented to 

 Creeshna the accustomed presents for the marriage-portion, and 

 took leave. Thence Creeshna went to Dwaraka, where very great 

 rejoicings were made for his return. They had all heard the ac- 

 count of his carrying away Rokemenee in the presence of so many 

 crowned heads, and of the flight of Jarasandha and the other noble 

 warriors, as well as of the state to which Rokem had been reduced. 

 Devaci met Creeshna and Rokemenee at the palace, and con- 

 ducted them to the bridal apartments. 



Creeshna, about this period, from his great affection and friend- 

 ship for the Pandoos, returned to Hastanapoor, and they, like dead 

 men revived, went out to meet him. Creeshna acknowledging Ju- 

 dishter for his senior, went forward to salute him with his eyes fixed 

 on his feet, and laid his head at Judishter's feet and also at Bheema's, 

 and took Arjoon in his arms, while Nacul and Sahadeva kissed 

 Bhagavan's feet. After seeing the Pandoos, Creeshna waited upon 

 Koontee, who, covering his head and eyes, took him in her arms 



