The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 13.44.2

13.44.2

bhīṣma uvāca |
ayaṃ hi sarvadharmāṇāṃ dharmaścintyatamo mataḥ |
kīdṛśāya pradeyā syātkanyeti vasudhādhipa || 2 ||

"Yudhishthira said, "Tell me of that, O grandsire, which is the root of all duties, which is the root of kinsmen, of home, of the Pitris and of guests. I think this should be regarded as the foremost of all duties, (viz., the marriage of one's daughter). Tell me, however, O king, upon what sort of a person should one bestow one's daughter?'