कृतमानो नृपतिना सोभ्युत्थानासनादिभिः
He was honored by the king with proper rising, seats, and the like—
त्वं तु मां नैव जानासि जाने त्वां हि रिपुंजयम्
But you do not know me; I, however, know you, O conqueror of foes—
परःशता मया दृष्टा राजानो भूरिदक्षिणाः
I have seen hundreds of other kings, generous with many gifts—
विनिष्कृतारिषड्वर्गाः सुशीलाः सत्त्वशालिनः
Who have cast off the six enemies, are of good conduct, and endowed with virtue—
दयादाक्षिण्यनिपुणाः सत्यव्रतपरायणाः
Skilled in compassion and generosity, devoted to the vow of truth—
जितरोषरयाः शूराः सौम्यसौंदर्यभूमयः
Who have conquered anger and passion, are valiant, and possess gentle beauty—
परं द्वित्राः पवित्रा ये राजर्षे तव सद्गुणाः
But among them, only two or three are truly pure, O royal sage, with your noble qualities—
प्रजानिजकुटुंबस्त्वं त्वं तु भूदेवदैवतः 4.2.52.
You are the protector of subjects and families; you are indeed the god among kings—
धन्यो मान्योसि च सतां पूजनीयोसि सद्गुणैः
You are blessed, honored, and worthy of worship by the virtuous for your noble qualities—
किं नः स्तुत्या तव नृप द्विजानामस्पृहावताम्
What need is there for us to praise you, O king, when the twice-born have no envy?
गोष्ठी तिष्ठत्वियं तावत्प्रस्तुतं स्तौमि सांप्रतम्
Let the assembly remain for now; I shall presently praise what has been proposed.
त्वया राजन्वती चैषाऽवनिः सर्वर्धिभाजनम्
By you, O King, this earth has become a vessel for all prosperity.
इयं च राजधानी ते कर्मभूमावनुत्तमा
And this royal city of yours is the most excellent field of action.
संचितं यद्धनं पुंभिर्नयसन्मार्गगामिभिः
The wealth that is accumulated by men who follow the path of righteousness—
महिमानं परं काश्याः कोपि वेद न भूपते
O King, who indeed knows the supreme greatness of Kāśī?
मन्ये धन्यतरोसि त्वं बहुजन्मशतार्जितैः
I think you are most fortunate, having gained it through hundreds of births.
विश्वेशानुग्रहेणैव त्वयैषा पाल्यते पुरी 4.2.52.
It is only by the favor of Viśveśa that you protect this city.
अन्यच्च ते हितं वच्मि यदि ते रोचतेऽनघ
Moreover, I shall tell you something beneficial, if it pleases you, O sinless one.
अन्यदेवधिया राजन्विश्वेशं पश्य मा क्वचित्
With no other thought, O King, behold Viśveśa at all times.
विप्रैरुदर्कमिच्छद्भिः शिक्षणीया यतो नृपाः
For kings who desire good results, instruction should be taken from the brāhmaṇas.
इति जोषं स्थितं विप्रं प्रत्युवाच नृपोत्तमः
Thus, as the brāhmaṇa remained silent, the best of kings replied to him.
दासोस्मि यज्ञसंभारान्नयमेको शतोऽखिलान्
I am your servant; bring together all the materials for the sacrifice, even a hundred times over.
यदस्ति मेखिलं तत्र सप्तांगेपि भवान्प्रभुः
Whatever I possess, in all seven limbs, you are the master of it.
राज्यं करोमि यद्ब्रह्मन्स्वार्थं तन्न मनागपि
O brāhmaṇa, whatever I do as king is not at all for my own sake.
राज्ञां क्रतुक्रियाभ्योपि तीर्थेभ्योपि समंततः
The performance of sacrifices by kings, and even the holy places, are all equal in every way.
प्रजासंतापजोवह्निर्वज्राग्नेरपि दारुणः
The fire of suffering among the people is more terrible than the thunderbolt or ordinary fire.
यदावभृथसिस्रासुर्भवेयं द्विजसत्तम 4.2.52.
O best of twice-born, when I am about to perform the concluding bath, then—
हवनं ब्राह्मणमुखे यत्करोमि द्विजोत्तम
O best of brāhmaṇas, whatever oblation I offer into the fire is through the mouth of the brāhmaṇa.
अभिलाषेषु सर्वेषु जागर्त्येको हृदीह मे
Of all desires, only one remains awake in my heart here.
अहो अहोभिर्बहुभिः फलितो मे मनोरथः
Ah, after many days and nights, my cherished wish has borne fruit.