Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/283

Rh blazing fire of spreading flames.' then told the monarch, 'O thou bull amongst men, why dost thou, indeed, say that a Brahmana should be more avoided than an angry snake of virulent poison or a blazing fire of spreading flames?' The monarch answered, 'The snake but killeth only one. The sharpest weapon slayeth but a single person. The Brahmana, if angry, destroyeth whole cities and kingdoms. Therefore, O timid one, do I deem a Brahmana as more to be avoided than either. I cannot hence wed thee, O amiable one, unless thy father bestoweth thee on me!' then said, 'Thou art, indeed, chosen by me. And, O king, it is understood then that thou wilt accept me if my father bestoweth me on thee. Thou need'st not fear to accept my poor self if bestowed on thee. Thou dost not, indeed, ask for me.

Vaisampayana continued, " After this, quickly sent a maid-servant to her father. The maid represented to Sukra everything as it had happened. And as soon as he had heard all, Bhargava came and saw Yayati. And beholding Bhargaya come, Yayati, that lord of the earth, bowing down worshipped and adored that Brahmana, and stood with joined hands in expectation of his commands.

"And then said, 'This, O father, is the son of Nahusha. He took hold of my hand when I was in distress, I bow to thee. Bestow me unto him. I shall not wed any other person in the world!' Sukra exclaimed, 'O thou of splendid courage, thou hast, indeed, been accepted as her husband by this my dear daughter! I bestow her on thee. Therefore, O son of Nahusha, accept her as thy wife!'

"Yayati then said, 'I beseech the boon, O Brahmana, that by so doing, the sin of begetting a mixed caste might not touch me!' Sukra, however, assured him by saying, 'I shall absolve thee from sin. Ask thou the boon that thou desirest! Fear not to wed her. I grant thee absolution! Maintain virtuously thy wife—the slender-waisted ! Transports of happiness be thine in her company. This other maiden, Vrishaparva's daughter Sharmishta, should ever be regarded by thee. But thou shalt not summon her to thy bed!

Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sukra, Yayati 32