Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/287

Rh hear them.' Sharmishta replied, 'O thou of sweet smiles, that Rishi, in [sic]ascetism and energy is resplendent as the Sun himself. Beholding him, I had not, indeed, the power to make these enquiries!' then said, 'If this is true, if, indeed, thou hast obtained thy child from such a superior Brahmana, then, O Sharmishta, I have no cause of anger.

Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus talked and laughed with each other, they separated, returning to the palace with the knowledge imparted to her by Sharmishta. And, O king, Yayati also begat in  two sons called Yadu and Turvasu who were like Indra and Vishnu. And Sharmishta the daughter of Vrishaparva became mother by the royal sage of three sons in all, named Drahyu, Anu, and Puru.

"And, O king, it so came to pass that one day of sweet smiles accompanied by Yayati went into a solitary part of the woods (in the king's extensive park.) And there she saw three children of celestial beauty playing with perfect trustfulness. And  asked in surprise, 'Whose children are these, O king, so handsome, and so like unto the children of the celestials? In splendour and beauty they are like thee I think.

Vaisampayana continued, "And Devayani without waiting for a reply from the king, asked the children themselves, 'Ye children, what is your lineage? Who is your father? Answer me truly. I desire to know all.' Those children then pointed to the king with their fore-finger and spoke of Sharmishta as their mother.

"And having said so, the children approached the king to clasp his knees. But the king dared not caress them in the presence of . The boys then left the place weeping in grief and going towards their mother. And the king, at this conduct of the boys became very much abashed. But, marking the affection of the children for the king, learnt the secret and [sic]addresing Sharmishta said, 'How hast thou dared to do me an injury, being as thou art dependent on me? Dost thou not fear to have recourse once more to that Asura usage of thine?'