And that son of Pandu trembled continually with fury; and still trembling with the fury and rapture that filled his heart on hearing Dhananjaya's words, he let out a terrible cry. And hearing that cry of his, all the bowmen trembled with fear, and horses and elephants were seen to void urine and dung. And then, turning to Keshava and telling him of his resolve, Arjuna, with Janardana's leave, returned, having first embraced him. And when all the kings had ceased to follow him, Janardana, with a joyful heart, set out on his way in his chariot, yoked with Shaibya, Sugriva and the others. And Vasudeva's horses, urged on by Daruka, sped forward, devouring the sky and drinking up the road. And on his way the mighty-armed Keshava met several rishis, radiant with brahmic splendor, standing on either side of the road. And presently, alighting from his chariot, Janardana respectfully greeted them. And, having duly bowed to them, he asked them, saying, "Is there peace in all the world? Is virtue duly practiced? And do the other three orders obey the brahmanas?" And, having duly bowed to them, the slayer of Madhu said again, "Where have you been crowned with success? Whither do you go, and to what end? What am I to do, and you? What has brought you to earth?" Thus addressed, the son of Jamadagni, friend of Brahma — that lord of gods and asuras — approached Govinda, the slayer of Madhu, embraced him and said, "The celestial rishis of pious deeds, the brahmanas well versed in the scriptures, and the royal sages, o Dashārha, and the venerable ascetics — these witnesses, o illustrious one, of the former exploits of gods and asuras — wish to see all the kshatriyas of the earth gathered from every quarter, together with the counselors seated in assembly, the kings, and yourself as the embodiment of truth, o Janardana. O Keshava, we shall go there to witness that magnificent spectacle. We are also eager, o Madhava, to hear those words full of virtue and benefit which you, o scourge of foes, will speak to the Kurus in the presence of all the kings. Indeed, Bhishma, Drona and the others, as well as the illustrious Vidura and you yourself, o tiger among the Yadavas — you shall all gather together in conclave! We desire, o Madhava, to hear the excellent, truthful and beneficial words that you shall utter, and theirs as well, o Govinda. Now you know our purpose, o mighty-armed one. We shall meet you again. Go there boldly, o hero. We hope to see you in the midst of the conclave, seated in the foremost place and gathering together all your energy and might."