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186 and entertaining a fear of the learned Usanas, then went to Kecha, the eldest son of Vrihaspati, and spoke unto him, saying.-'We pay court to thee, be kind to us and do us a service that we regard as very great! That knowledge which resides in Sukra, that Brahmana of immeasurable prowess, make thy own as soon as thou canst! Thou shalt find the Brahmana in the court of Vrisha parvan. He always protects the Danavas but never us, their opponents! Thou art his junior in age, and, therefore, capable of adoring him with reverence. Thou canst also adore Devayani, the fovourite daughter of that high-souled Brahmana! Indeed, thou alone art capable of propitiating them both by worship! There is none else that can do so! By gratifying Devayani with thy conduct, liberality, sweetness, and general behaviour, thou canst certainly obtain that knowledge I' The son of Vrihaspati, thus solicited by the gods, said-'So be it,' and went to where Vrishaparvan was. Kacha, thus sent by the gods, soon went to the capital of the chief of the Asuras, and beheld Sukra there. And bebolding him, he thus spoke unto him :-'Accept me as thy disciple! I am the grandson of the Rishi Angiras and son of Vribaspati ! By name I am known as Kacha 1 Thyself becoming my preceptor, I shall practise the Brahmacharyya mode of life for a thousand years. Command me then, O Brahmana!'"

"Sukra (hearing this) said, 'Welcome art thou, O Kacha ! 'I accept thy speech! I will treat thee with regard ; for by so doing, it is Vribaspati who will be regarded.'

Vaisampayana continued, "Kacha commanded by Kavya or Usanas himself, called also Sukra, then said, 'So be it,' and took the vow he had spoken of. And, O Bharata, accepting the vow of which he had spoken, at the proper time, Kacha began to conciliate regard fully both his preceptor and (his daughter) Devayani. Indeed, he began to conciliate both. And as be was young, by singing and dancing and playing on different kinds of instruments, he soon gratified Devayani who was herself in her youth. And, O Bharata, with his whole heart set upon it, he soon gratified the maiden Devayani who was then a young lady, by presents of flowers and fruits and services rendered with alacrity. And Devayani also with her songs and sweetness of manners used, while they were alone, to attend upon that youth carrying out his vow. And when five hundred years had thus passed of Kacha's yow, the Danavas came to learn his intention. And having no compunctions about slaying a Brahmana, they became very angry with him. And one day they saw Kacha in a solitary part of the woods engaged in tending (his preceptor's) kine. They then slew Kacha from their hatred of Vrihaspati and also from their desire of protecting the knowledge of reviving the