Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/149

Rh will cast off this body of mine, so that companionship with them I may avoid, even in another state of life.'

"And the Grand-father spake unto Shesha who had said so, 'O Shesha, I know the behavious of all thy brothers, and their great danger owing to their offence against their mother. But, O Snake, a remedy hath been provided by me even before-hand. It behoveth thee not to grieve for thy brothers. O Shesha, ask then of me the boon that thou desirest. I have been highly gratified with thee and I will grant thee to-day a boon. O thou best of snakes, it is fortunate that thy heart hath been set on virtue. Let thy heart be more and more firmly set on virtue.'

"And Shesha replied, 'O divine Grand-father, this is the boon that is desired by me, that my heart may always joy in virtue and in blessed ascetic penances, O Lord of all!'

"And Brahma said, 'O Shesha, I am exceedingly gratified by this thy self-denial and love of peace. But by my command, let this act be done by thee for the good of my creatures! Holding properly and well this Earth with her mountains and forests, her seas and towns and retreats for enjoyments, so unsteady, remain thou, O Shesha, so that she may be steady!'

"And Shesha said, 'O divine lord of all creatures, grantor of boons, O lord of the Earth, lord of every created thing, lord of the universe, I will, even as thou sayest, hold the Earth steady. Therefore, O lord of all creatures, place thou that on my head.'

"And Brahma said, 'O best of snakes, go thou underneath the Earth. She will herself give thee a crevice to pass through. And, O Shesha, by holding this Earth thou shalt certainly do what is prized by me very greatly.

Sauti continued, "And then the elder brother of the king of the snakes entering by a hole passed to the other side of the Earth, and holding her, supports with his head the goddess Earth with her belt of seas going all round.

"And Brahma said, 'O Shesha, best of snakes, thou art the god Dharma, because alone, with thy huge body, thou sup-