Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/86

52 without neglect.' And having given these orders to Utanka, he went on his journey.

"So Utanka always mindful of the injunction of his preceptor took up his abode in the latter's house. And while Utanka was residing there, the females of his preceptor's house having assembled addressed him and said, 'O Utanka, thy mistress is in that season when connubial connection might be fruitful. Thy preceptor is absent; then stand thou in his place and do the needful.' And Utanka, thus addressed, said unto those women, 'It is not proper for me to do this at the bidding of women. I have not been enjoined by my preceptor to do aught that is improper.'

"After a while, his preceptor returned from his journey. And his preceptor having learnt all that had happened, became well pleased and, addressing Utanka, said, 'Utanka, my child, what favor shall I bestow on thee? I have been served by thee duly; therefore hath our friendship for each other increased. I therefore grant thee leave to depart. Go thou, and let all thy wishes be accomplished.'

"Utanka, thus addressed, replied, saying, 'Let me do something that you wish, for it hath been said,—He who bestoweth instruction contrary to usage, and he who receiveth it contrary to usage, one of the two dieth, and enmity springeth up between the two.—I, therefore, who have received thy leave to depart, am desirous of bringing thee some gratuity due to a preceptor.' His master upon hearing this replied, 'Utanka, my child, wait a while.' Sometime after, Utanka again addressed his preceptor, saying, 'Command me to bring that for gratuity which you desire.' And his preceptor then said, 'my dear Utanka, thou hast often told me of you desire to bring something by way of acknowledgement for the instruction thou hast received. Go then in and ask thy mistress what thou art to bring for gratuity. And bring thou that which she directs.' And thus directed by his preceptor, Utanka addressed his preceptress, saying, 'Madam, I have obtained my master's leave to go home, and I am desirous of bringing something agreeable to thee as gratuity for the instruction I have received, in order that I may not depart his debtor. Therefore, please to command me what