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190 Vaisampayana continued. "Bhargava having said so much cut short his speech. The Danavas were surprised and went away to their homes, Kacha, too, having stayed with his preceptor for a full thousand years, then prepared to return to the abode of the celestials. after having obtained his preceptor's permission."

Thus ends the seventy-sixth section in the Sambhava Parva of the Adi Parva.

Vaisampayana said. "After the expiration of the period of bis vow, Kacha, having obtained his preceptor's leave, was about to return to the abode of the celestials, when Devayani, addressing him, said,-'0 grandson of the Rishi Angiras, in conduct and birth, in learning, asceticism and humility, thou shinest most brightly! As the celebrated Rishi Angiras is honoured and regarded by my father, so is thy father regarded and worshipped by me! O thou of ascetic wealth knowing this, listen to what I say ! Recollect my conduct towards thee during period of thy yow (Brahmacharyya). Thy vow hath now been over. It behoveth thee to fix thy affections on me. O accept my hand duly with ordained mantras.'”

"Kacha replied, 'Thou art to me an object of regard and worship even as thy father! O thou of faultless feature, thou art, indeed even an object of greater reverence 1 Tbou art dearer than life to the high. souled Bhargava, O amiable one 1 As the daughter of my preceptor. thou art ever worthy of my worship ! As my preceptor Sukra, thy father is ever deserving of my regards, so art, thou 'O Devayani ! Therefore, it behoveth thee not to say so l' Hearing this Devayani replied, 'Thou, too, art the son of my father's preceptor's son 1 Therefore, O best of Brabmanas, thou art deserving of my regards and worship! O Kacha, when thou wert slain so many times by the Asuras, recollect to-day the affection I showed for thee! Remembering my friendship and affection for thee, and, indeed, my devoted regard also, o virtuous one, it behoveth thee not to abandon me without any fault I I am truly devoted to thee !"

"Hearing all this, Kacba said, 'O thou of virtuous vows, do not urge me into such a sinful course! O thou of fair eye-brows, be graceful unto me! Beautiful one, thou art to me an object of greater regard than my preceptor ! Full of virtuous resolves, large-eyed one