Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/53

Rh fire god, and how in his wrath Agni had hidden himself from mankind.

On hearing their tale, the god Brahmadeva sent a messenger to call Agni the fire god to him. And Agni came into his presence and told Brahmadeva how Vrigu had cursed him without reason. But Brahmadeva answered Agni with soothing words. "The curse of Vrigu," said Brahmadeva, "cannot be removed. But I shall turn his curse into a blessing. Henceforth, Agni, all that is vile you will consume with your flames. But all that is pure will remain. Thus all that passes through fire will be purified." And Agni hearing these words was comforted. He no longer hid himself in a distant cave, but lived in his former dwelling. And mankind used Agni as of old in their sacrifices. The Immortals were happy because of the honour which they received and the rishis because they once again could offer sacrifices. And because of the happiness of the Immortals and the power of the rishis mankind grew daily happier. And in after years they spoke of this time as the golden age.

 

Now Vrigu's son Chyavana had a son named Sukanya and Sukanya begat in turn Pramati, and Pramati had a son whom he called Ruru. Not many years after Ruru was born it happened that Menaka, one of the dancing girls in the Court of the god Indra, fell in love with Visvavasu the King of the Gandharvas. King Visvavasu returned her love and Menaka bore to him