Bharata sent for the officers in charge of the stables and issued necessary instructions; joyfully they rose and hastened to execute the orders. They equipped the horses with gorgeous saddles; noble steeds of varied colours stood there in their majesty.

They were all beautiful and surpassingly lightfooted; they trod the ground as lightly as though it were red-hot iron. They belonged to various breeds, which were more than one could tell; they would fly in the air, as it were, outstripping the wind itself.

Gallant princes, who were of the same age as Bharata, mounted them. They were all handsome and bedecked with jewels and had bows and arrows in their hands, with heavy quivers fastened to the waist.

They were slender, elegant and dashing youths, chosen and skilled warriors all; and with each rider were two footmen, clever at sword-play.

The champions, who were all staunch in fight and had taken a vow of chivalry, sallied forth and halted outside the city; the clever fellows put their steeds through various paces and rejoiced to hear the sound of drum and tabor.

The charioteers had made their cars equally gorgeous with flags and banners, gems and ornaments. They were also provided with lovely whisks and little tinkling bells and in splendour outshone the chariot of the sun.

Innumerable were the black-eared horses, which the charioteers yoked to their chariots. They were all so beautiful and richly caparisoned that even sages would be enraptured at the sight.