Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/212

198 "The monarch replied, 'During my vow of Brahmacharyya, the whole Vedas entered my ears! I am known as Yayati, a king's son and myself a king.' Devayani then enquired, 'O king, what has thou come here for? Is it to gather lotuses or to angle or to hunt ? Yayati said, 'O amiable one, thirsty from the pursuit of deer, I have come hither in search of water ! I am very fatigued, I await but your commands to leave this spot !

"Devayani answered, 'With my two thousand damsels and my waiting-maid Sarmishta, I wait but your commands ! Prosperity to thee. Be thou my friend and lord 1

"Yayati, thereupon, replied, Beautiful one, I do not deserve thee! Thou art the daughter of Sukra far superior to me! Thy father cannot bestow thee even on great king! To this Devayani said :-'Brahmanas had before this been united with the Kshattriyas, and Kshattriyas with Brahmans. Thou art the son of Rishi and thyself a Rishi. Therefore, O son of Nahusha, marry me!' Yayati, however, replied --'O thou of the handsomest features, the four orders have, indeed, sprung from one body. But their duties and purity are not the same, the Brahman being truly superior to all ! Devayani answered, 'This hand of mine hath never been touched before by any man save thee! Therefore, do I accept thee for my lord! How, indeed, shall any other man touch my hand which had before been touched by thyself who art a Rishi?' Yayati then said, 'The wise know that a Brahmana is more to be avoided than an angry snake of virulent poison, or a blazing fire of spreading flames. Devayani then told the monarch,-'O bull amongst men, why dost thou. indeed, say that Brahmana should be more avoided than an angry snake of virulent poison or a blazing fire of spreading flames 7 The monarch answered. The snake killeth only one. The sharpest weapon slayeth but a single person. The Brahmana, when angry destroyeth whole cities and kingdoms! Therefore, O timid one, do I deem a Brahmana as more to be avoided than either. I cannot hence wed thee, O amiable one, unless thy father bestoweth thee on me! Devayani then said. - Thou art, indeed, chosen by me. And, O king, it is understood that thou wilt accept me if my father bestoweth me on thee. Thou needst not fear to accept my poor self bestowed on thee. Thou dost not, indeed, ask for me!'

Vaisampayana continued, -"After, this. Devayani quickly sent a maid-servant to her father. The maid represented to Sukra everyching as it had happened. And as soon as he had heard all, Bhargava came and saw Yayati. And be holding Bhargava come, Yayati, that lord of bowing down, worshipped and adored that Brah mana, and stood with joined hands in expectation of his commands.