DRAUPADI'S SWAYAMVARA

The brahmanas went in groups to witness the swayamvara and the Pandavasmingled with them in the guise of brahmanas. After a long march the party reached the beauti- ful city of Drupada and billeted themselves in the house of a potter as obscure brahmanas of no note.

Though Drupada and Drona wereoutwardly at peace, the former never could forget or forgive the humiliation he had suffered at the latter's hands. Drupada's one wish was to give his daughter in marriage to Arjuna.

Drona loved Arjuna so dearly that he could hardly look upon his pupil's father-in-law as his deadly foe; and if there were a war, Drupada would be all the stronger forbeing Arjuna's father-in-law. When he heard the news of the destruction of the Pandavas at Varanavata, he was plunged in sorrow but was relieved by a later rumour that they had escaped.

The marriage hall was beautifullydecorated and built amidst a finely laid-out group of new guest-houses designed to accommo- date the swayamvara suitors and guests. Attractive sights and sports had been arranged for public entertainment and there were glorious festivities for fourteen days continuously.

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