Page:Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic.djvu/160

The fish replied, “A flood will sweep away
All creatures ; I will rescue thee from that.'
' But how shall I preserve thee ? ' Manu said.
The fish rejoined, 'So long as we are small.
We are in constant danger of destruction,
For fish eat fish ; so keep me in a jar.

THE MATSYA AVATARA.

When I outgrow the jar, then dig a trench,
And place me there; when I outgrow the trench
Then take me to the ocean—I shall then
Be out of reach of danger.' Having thus
Instructed Manu, straightway rapidly
The fish grew larger i then be spake again :