"These [priests], radiant like the sun and fire, are seated [here] as [the sages once sat] at the sacrifice of the slayer of Vritra (Indra); no knowledge exists [able] to fathom them today; and may what is given to them never in any way perish. There is no priest equal to [Krishna] Dvaipayana (Vyasa) in the worlds — so I have determined; his disciples walk the earth, all priests skilled in their own tasks. The fire-eater, radiant, many-hued, golden-seeded, all-consuming, dark-pathed, with flame curling to the right, the blazing god of fire desires this offering of yours. There is no other king here in the world of the living equal to you, guardian of the subjects; by your steadfastness I am always pleased at heart; you are [as] King Dharmaraja Yama [himself]. As Shakra, bearing the vajra, visibly [present] here, protector in this world — so are you here for the subjects; you are honored by us as Indra among men in this world, and there is no other master of this sacrifice but you. You are like Khatvanga, Nabhaga, Dilipa, equal in might to Yayati and Mandhatri, equal in splendor to the radiance of the sun; like Bhishma you shine, faithful to your vows. Like Valmiki's is your hidden, firm steadfastness, like Vasishtha's is your restrained anger; your dominion I hold equal to Indra's, and your splendor shines like Narayana's. Like Yama — a master of the discernment of dharma, like Krishna — endowed with all virtues; you are an abode of riches, like [the host of] the Vasus, and a treasury of sacrifices. In strength you equal Dambhodbhava, like Rama — a master of weapons hurled and shot; equal in splendor to Aurva and Trita, [and] hard to look upon [in radiance], like Bhagiratha." The Suta said: "Thus praised, all became pleased — the king, the members of the assembly, the priests, and the [god of] fire; and King Janamejaya, seeing their favorable signs, then spoke."