Page:Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson Vol 9.djvu/9

 VISHNU PURANA.

BOOK IV. (continued).

CHAPTER VI.

Kings of the lunar dynasty. Origin of Soma or the Moon: he carries off Tara, the wife of Brihaspati: war between the gods and Asuras, in consequence : appeased by Brahma. Birth of Budha : married to Ila, daughter of Vaivaswata. Legend of his son Pururavas and the nymph Urvasi: the former institutes offerings with fire: ascends to the sphere of the Gandharvas.

MAITREYA. — You have given me, reverend (preceptor), an account of (the kings of) the dynasty of the Sun. I am now desirous to hear a description of the princes who trace their hneage from the Moon, and whose race is still celebrated for glorious deeds. Thou art able to relate it to me, Brahman, if thou wilt so favour me.

PARASARA. — You shall hear from me, Maitreya,* an account of the illustrious family of the Moon, which has produced (many celebrated) rulers of the earth, — a race adorned by (the regal qualities of) strength, valour, magnificence, prudence, f and activity, and enumerating, amongst its monarchs, Nahusha, Yayati,

note §. t Dyuti and sila.
 * Literally, "tiger of a sage," muni-sardula. See Vol. III., p. 118,