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THE RETURN TO MATHURA 201 King was slain. Meanwhile, the eight youngei brothers of Kansa rose in his defence, and would, if they could, have slain Krishna with their own hands. But each, as he threw himself forward, was met by Bolarama with a blow of his club that laid him dead.

Then came a scene of weeping. Even those who had hated Kansa were struck with consternation and pity, and all the royal women came, each to lament at the side of her dead husband. But Krishna and Bolarama went forward quietly to find their parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, and when they had struck off their fetters — still worn at Kansa's orders, though they sat amongst the royal guests — they touched their feet with their heads, as dutiful children. But Devaki and Vasudeva, it is said, recognising these sons of theirs as the Lord Himself, stood before them with folded hands, until there fell upon their minds once more the veil of Maya, and they could forget their greatness, to offer them the love and tenderness of long-lost parents*