Page:Nagananda (Boyd 1872).djvu/28

Rh by the young Brahmans; whilst a verse of the Sáma Veda is recited by a parrot, who has learnt it from constantly hearing it. Come, then, we will enter and look about us.

[They enter.

Oh, the tranquil charms of an ascetic grove! The basins at the foot of the young trees are kept full by the daughters of the hermits. Its fuel is cut fresh and fresh by the reciting pupils, whilst the detail of the doubtful passages of the Veda is constantly discussed by the Munis, who delight in the task. Even these trees, taught respect for a guest, seem to utter a sweet welcome with the murmuring of bees, and make, so to speak, an obeisance with their heads bowed down with fruit; sprinkling a rain of flowers, they present me, as it were, a propitiatory offering. Hence this ascetic grove is well suited for a dwelling place. I think we shall have peace while living here.

What is this, friend? The deer, with their necks a little bent, the mouthfuls of darbha grass falling half-chewed from their motionless mouths, their eyes tranquilly closed in complete content, seem to listen with one ear pricked up.

Friend, you have seen correctly; for these antelopes, their bodies bent sideways, stopping the noise of