Let us begin with the subtle science of poetic metres, as described by the sages. The establishment of the second foot’s break is achieved through a careful grasp, following earlier patterns present in the eighth, third, and second positions, depending on the arrangement. The symmetry of half a foot and the specific segment in the fifth ensure the metre’s original form remains intact. In the fourth position to the north, as well as in Madravatī and Madraka—both in the north and south—the prescribed measure is maintained. In this tradition, application comes first, followed by understanding; the pattern of the feet is taken from the established order, and there is no deviation from this path. The unity of application, O best of the twice-born, is twofold, but when many are combined, it is known as the ‘patākā-hariṇa’ arrangement. Of three metres, the proper one is chosen; there are eight possible combinations, known as sauvīra and also mūrcchanā. The one who excels beyond kuśatya is said to possess seven pure notes. Now, let us turn to the stories of kings and lineages. When Raivata departed from this world, all the virtuous people of Kuśasthalī were slain by the rākṣasas, leading to the city’s destruction. The hundred brothers of that noble, great-souled one, bound by the rākṣasas and seized by fear, fled in all directions. These kṣatriyas, scattered and terrified, dispersed, but from them arose a great lineage, O best of the twice-born. They became known everywhere as the Prayatās, the righteous ones. From Dhṛṣṭa came the bold Dhārṣṭaka kṣatriyas, renowned for their valor in battle. Together with their followers, three thousand of these great-souled kṣatriyas endured, along with Nabhāga, the mighty heir of Nabhaga. Nabhāga’s son was Ambarīṣa, whose son was Virūpa; from Virūpa came Pṛṣadaśva, and from him, Rathītara. Though born of kṣatriya lineage, these Rathītaras are remembered as descendants of Aṅgiras, foremost among brāhmaṇas with kṣatriya heritage. From Kṣuvata, Manu’s eldest, was born Ikṣvāku, famed for his generosity and blessed with a hundred sons. Of these, the eldest were Vikukṣi, Nemi, and Daṇḍa, and fifty others led by Śakuni. Forty-eight kings guarded the southern regions, while twenty of the foremost protected the south itself. Ikṣvāku then instructed Vikukṣi to perform the Ashtaka ceremony, saying, “Bring meat for the śrāddha, slay the animals, O mighty one. Today, the ancestral rite must be performed without fail.” Vikukṣi, following his father’s command, went hunting and slew thousands of animals. Weary from his exertions, he ate a hare before returning with the meat and his army. On his return, he asked the sage Vasishtha to consecrate the meat for the ritual. Vasishtha, following the king’s order, prepared the meat according to the sacred rite. But perceiving that it had been defiled, he addressed the king in anger: “O king, your son, by eating the hare, has defiled this meat. It is unfit for the ancestors’ offering.” He continued, “The hare was eaten earlier in the forest by your son, and thus this meat is impure for the ancestors, O best of kings.” Hearing this, Ikṣvāku was enraged and rebuked Vikukṣi: “I appointed you to perform the ancestral rites, yet you hunted and ate a hare before the ceremony. For this heartless act, I renounce you—go your own way.” Thus, at Vasishtha’s word, Ikṣvāku abandoned his son. After Ikṣvāku’s departure, Shashi obtained the earth and ruled Ayodhya with supreme righteousness, urged on by Vasishtha. His reign was marked by prosperity. In time, he departed from this world, having attained a lesser state. From this account, it is taught that one should not eat meat during the ritual. “Whoever eats meat here, I shall eat his meat there,” say the wise, thus declaring the true nature of meat. Shashi’s heir was Kakutstha, mighty in valor, born at a time when Indra took the form of a bull. In the ancient battle at Adibaka, he was called Kakutstha; his descendant, Prithuroma, also bore this name. Prithu’s son was Vrishadasva, from whom came Andhra, valiant and strong. Andhra’s lineage continued with Yavana, Ashva, and Shravastha, his son. King Shravasthaka was born, the founder of the city Shravasti; his heir was Brihadasva, famed among men. Brihadasva’s son was Kubala, who became known as Dhundhumara after slaying the great being Dhundhu. At this point, the sages, eager to learn more, asked, “O wise one, tell us in detail about the slaying of Dhundhu, and why Kubalāśva came to be known as the destroyer of Dhundhu.” Sūta replied: Brihadasva had twenty-one thousand sons, all skilled in every branch of knowledge, powerful, and difficult to overcome. All were righteous, performers of sacrifices, and generous with gifts. Among them, Kubalāśva stood out as the most valiant, heroic, and supremely righteous. Brihadasva installed Kubalāśva as king, transferred his royal fortune to him, and then retired to the forest. As Brihadasva, the great and righteous king, was departing, the sage Uttanka stopped him and said, “Before you go, you must perform an act of protection for me. O king, I cannot practice my austerities without fear.