Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/132

98 indeed, I shall fetch it to-day for emanciapating my mother from her bondage. My mother had commanded me, saying,—Eat thou the Nishadas.—I have eaten them by thousands but my hunger is not appeased. Therefore, O worshipful one, point out to me some other food, by eating which, O master, I may be strong enough to bring away amrita by force. Thou shouldst indicate some food wherewith I may appease my hunger and thirst.'

"And Kasyapa replied, 'This lake thou seest is very sacred. It hath been heard of even in the heavens. There an elephant with face downwards doth continually drag a tortoise his elder brother. I shall speak to you in detail of their hostility in former life. I will tell you in full of their enmity in another life. Hear from me the truth, in proof whereof are they both (in this place.)

There was of old a great Rishi of the name of Vibhavasu. He was exceedingly wrathful. He had a younger brother of the name of Supritika who also was a great ascetic. And the great sage Supritika was averse to keep his wealth joint with his brother's. And Supritika would always speak of partition. After a certain time his brother Vibhavasu told Supritika,—It is from great foolishness that persons blinded by love of wealth always desire to make a partition of their patrimony. And after effecting a partition they fight with each other. Then again, enemies in the guise of friends cause an estrangement between ignorant and selfish men after they become separated in their wealth; and pointing out faults confirm their quarrels so that they soon fall one by one. And downright ruin very soon overtakes the separated. For these reasons, the wise never speak well of partition amongst brothers who when divided regard not the most authoritative Shastras and are always in fear of each other. But as thou Supritika, without regarding my advice, impelled by desire of separation always wishest to make an arrangement about your property, thou must become an elephant.—And Supritika, thus cursed, then spake unto Vibhavasu:—Thou also must become a tortoise moving in the interior of the waters.—

And thus on account of wealth those two fools, Supritika