Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/267

Rh into life, these fought with the gods. The Asuras also slew on the field of battle many of the celestials. But the open-minded Vrihaspati could not revive them, because he knew not the science called Sanjivani (re-vivification) which Kavya endued with great energy knew so well. And the gods were, therefore, entertaining a fear of the learned Usana, then went to Kacha, the eldest son of Vrihaspati, and spoke unto him, saying, 'We pay court to thee, therefore be king to us and do us a service that we regard as very great. That knowledge which resides in Sukra—that Brahmana of immeasurable prowess, make thy own as soon as thou canst. Thou shalt then be a sharer with us in all sacrificial offerings. Thou shalt find the Brahmana in the court of Vrishaparva. He always protects the Danavas but never us their opponents. Thou art his junior in age, and therefore capable of adoring him with reverence. Thou canst also adore, the favorite daughter of that high-souled Brahmana. Indeed, thou alone art capable of conciliating them both by worship. There is none else that can do so. By gratifying with thy conduct, liberality, sweetness, and general behaviour, thou canst certainly obtain that knowledge.' The son of Vrihaspati, thus solicited by the gods, then saying 'So be it,' went to where Vrishaparva was. And, O king, Kacha, thus sent by the gods, soon wended into the capital of the chief of the Asuras, and beheld Sukra there. And beholding him he thus spoke unto him:—'Accept me as thy disciple. I am the grand-son of the Rishi Angiri and son of Vrihaspati himself. By name am I known as Kacha. Thyself becoming my preceptor, I shall practise the Brahmacharya mode of life for a thousand years. Command me then, O Brahmana!'

"And Sukra (hearing this) said, 'Welcome art thou, O Kacha! I accept thy speech. I will treat thee with regard; for by so doing it, it is Vrihaspati who is being regarded.

Vaisampayana continued, "And Kacha, commanded by Kavya or Usana himself called also Sukra, then saying, 'So be it', took the vow he had spoken of. And, O Bharata, accepting the vow as he had said, at the proper time, Kacha 30