Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/139

Rh very lean-fleshed as if merged into their own bodies. And they were so weak that they were much afflicted when sunk in the water that collected in an indentation on the road caused by the hoof of a cow. And Purandara, proud of his strength, beheld them with surprise, and laughing at them in derision soon left them behind, insulting them besides by passing over their heads. And those Rishis were at this possessed with rage and sorrow. And they made preparations for a great act at which Indra was terrified. Hear thou, O Saunaka, of the wish for the accomplishment of which those vow-observing, wise, and excellent ascetics poured clarified butter on the sacrificial fire with loudly uttered mantras! 'There shall be another Indra of all the gods, capable of going everywhere at will and of mustering at will any measure of energy, imparting fear unto the (present) king of the gods. By the fruit of our ascetic penances, let one arise, an hundred times greater than Indra in courage and strength, fleet as the mind, and fierce withal.' And the king of the gods, he of hundred sacrifices, having come to know of this, became very much alarmed and sought the protection of the vow-observing Kasyapa. And the Prajapati, Kasyapa, hearing everything from Indra went to the Valakhilyas and asked them if their act had been successful. And those truth-speaking Rishis replied to him, saying, 'Let it be as thou sayest.' And the Prajapati, Kasyapa, pacifying them, spake unto them as follows:—'By the word of Brahma, this one hath been made the lord of the three worlds. Ye ascetics, ye also have been striving to create another Indra! Ye excellent ones, it behoveth ye not to falsify the word of Brahma! Let not also this purpose for (accomplishing) which ye are striving be rendered futile. Let there spring an Indra (Lord) of winged creatures, endued with excess of strength. Be gracious unto Indra who is a suppliant before ye!' And the Valakhilyas, thus addressed by Kasyapa, after reverencing that first of Munis, the Prajapati, Kasyapa, spake unto him.

"The Valakhilyas said, 'O Prajapati, this essay of us all is for an Indra. Indeed, this essay hath been also meant for a son being born unto thee. Let this successful act then be