her to me in marriage as a gift in charity, I shall take her hand, according to rites. But who will give away his daughter to a poor man like myself? I shall accept, however, any daughter given to me in alms. I shall endeavour, O sires, to compass a union. I will abide by my word. I will raise offspring for your redemption, so that, O fathers, ascending to the celestial regions ye may joy as ye like.'"
So ends the thirteenth Section in the Astika of the Adi Parva.
Section XIV.
( Astika Parva continued. )
Sauti said, "That Brahmana of rigid vows then began to search for a wife, but found he none. One day he went into the forest, and recollecting the words of his ancestors, in a faint voice thrice begged for a bride. Thereupon rose before the Brahmana, Vasuki with his sister and offered for the former's acceptance the hand of the fair one. But the Dwija hesitated to accept her, thinking her not of the self-same name with himself. The great Jaratkaru thought within himself, 'I will take none save one who is my namesake.' Then the wise Jaratkaru of austere devotions asked the Snake, 'tell me truly, what is the name of this thy sister?'
"Vasuki replied, 'O Jaratkaru, the name of this my younger sister is Jaratkaru. Pray, accept this slender-waisted one for thy spouse. O best of Dwijas, it was to unite her with thee that I have brought her up. Therefore do thou take her!' Saying this he offered his beautiful sister to Jaratkaru who then espoused her with ordained rites."
So ends the fourteenth Section in the Astika of the Adi Parva.
Section XV.
( Astika Parva continued. )
Sauti said, "O foremost of the Brahm-(truth) knowing Rishis, the mother of the serpents had cursed them of old, saying,
