As Shantanu, the son of Pratipa, ever acted with the interests of his race at heart and as Bhishma, who had taken a divine vow, ever acted with the interests of his race at heart,
प्रातीपः शान्तनुस्तात कुलस्यार्थ यथा स्थितः। यथा देवव्रतो भीष्मः कुलस्यार्थं स्थितोऽभवत्॥