Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/279

 ( Sambhava Parva continued. )

Vaisampayana said, "Then Kavya the foremost of Bhrigu's line became angry himself. And approaching Vrishaparva where the latter was seated, began to address him without weighing his words. 'O king,' he said, 'sinful acts do not, like the earth, bear fruit immediately. But gradually and secretly do they cut away the roots of their doer. Such fruit is seen either in one's own self, in one's son, or in one's grandson. Sins must bear their fruit. Like rich food they can never be digested. And because ye slew the Brahmana Kacha, the grand-son of Angira, who was virtuous, acquainted with the precepts of religion, and attentive to his duties, while residing in my abode, even for this act of slaughter—unfit as he was for it—and for the mal-treatment of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparva, I shall leave thee and thy relatives. Indeed, O king, for this I can no longer stay with thee! Dost thou, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar? Thou makest little of thy offence without seeking to correct it.'

"Vrishaparva then said, 'O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed want of virtue or falsehooodfalsehood [sic] to thee! Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell in thee! Be graceful unto me! O Bhargava, if leaving us thou really goest hence, we shall then go into the depths of the ocean. Indeed, there is nothing else for us to do.'

"Sukra then replied, 'Ye Asuras, whether ye go into the depths of the ocean or fly away in all directions, I care little. I am unable to bear my daughter's grief. My daughter is ever dear to me. My life dependeth on her. Seek ye to please her. As Vrihaspati ever seeketh the good of Indra, so do I always seek thine by my ascetic merits.'

"Vrishaparva then said, 'O Bhargava, thou art the absolute master of whatever is possessed by the Asura chiefs in this world, their elephants, kine, and horses, of even my own self.'

"Sukra then answered, 'If it is true, O great Asura, that I am the lord of all the wealth of the Asuras, then go and gratify.