Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/88

54 "Utanka, thus informed, reflected for a while and then said, 'Yes, it must be so. Having been in a hurry I performed my ablutions (after meal) in a standing posture.' Raja Paushya then said, 'Here is a transgression. Purification is not properly effected by one in a standing posture, nor by one while he is going along.' And Utanka having agreed to this, sat down with his face towards the East, and washed his face, hands, and feet thoroughly. And he then, without noise, sipped thrice of water free from scum and froth, and not warm, and just sufficient to reach his stomach and wiped his face twice. And he then touched with water the apertures of his organs (eyes, ears, &c. &c.) And having done all this, he once more entered the apartments of the women. And this time he saw the Rani. And as the Rani perceived him, she saluted him respectfully and said, 'Welcome, Sir, command me what I am to do.' And Utanka said unto her, 'it behoveth thee to give me those of thine. I beg them as a present for my preceptor.' And the Rani having been highly pleased with Utanka's conduct and, considering that Utanka as an object of charity could not be passed over, took off her and gave them to him. And she said, 'these are very much sought after by Takshaka, King of the Serpents. Therefore shouldst thou carry them with the greatest care.'

And Utanka being told this, said unto the Rani, 'Lady, be under no apprehension. Takshaka, Chief of the Serpents, is not able to overcome me.' And having said this, and taking leave of the Rani, he went back into the presence of Paushya, and said, 'Paushya, I am gratified.' Then Paushya said to Utanka, 'A fit object of charity can only be had at long intervals. Thou art a qualified guest, therefore do I desire to perform a sraddha. Tarry thou a little. And Utanka replied, 'Yea, I will tarry, and beg that the clean provisions that are ready may be soon brought in.' And the Raja having signified his assent, he entertained Utanka duly. And Utanka seeing that the food placed before him had hair in it, and also that it was cold, thought it unclean. And he said unto Paushya, 'Thou givest me food that is unclean, therefore shalt thou lose thy sight.' And Paushya in answer said, 'And because