________________
INTRODUCTION
xxix
thrash. This success of the princes was a matter of joy to all (ii. 31-7).
Coming out of the gymnasium and strolling in the courtyard Kļşņa described the various scenes which greeted his eyes in that town of Mathurā. Thus follows a picture of that town in the mouth of Krşņa who describes in poetical terms various scenes such as the lofty palaces, the extensive moat, the bright mansions, the amorous pleasures of loving couples, the dancing peacock, the singing and dancing parties, the disputes of grammarians etc. Kļşņa is so much pleased by seeing that town that he waxed very eloquent and described Mathurā as the heaven itse f Then in the evening he retired to his place of residence (ii 38-60).
Early in the morning, at the appointed hour, the bards begin to sing eloquently just to wake up Krşna and their songs inform Kșžsa in an ornate style decked with various poetic embellishments how it is dawning, how the darkness is passing away, how the lotuses are blooming and the Cakravāka birds uniting again, how the rising sun is producing various scenes etc. (iii. 1-20).
Krşņa left his bed even before the bards pour out their verses, and offered his twilight worship. Putting on brilliant dress and attracting the attention of young ladies along the roads Rāma and Kļņa proceeded towards the city-gate (iii. 21-6). Ambaştha, with the elephant Kuvalayāpīda, tried to stop them at the gate ; but Krşņa sent that elephant as well as its master to the grave after putting a vigorous and successful fight. With the tusks in their hands as trophies they were an object of pleasant sight for all the people. As desired by Kaṁsa there ensued an unfair duel in which Kịşma occupied himself with Cāņūra and Rāma with Muşţika. People felt that it was an unequal duel, because Rāma and Krşna were just boys while their partners were heavy wrestlers. There was a thrilling
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
