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192
MAHABHARATA

bling together, they spoke unto Him of a hundred sacrifices, saying, 'The time hath come for showing prowess. Slay thy foes, O Purandara And thus addressed, Maghavat, then accompanied by the celestials, set out, saying.-'So be it. But on his way he saw a number of damsels. These maidens were sporting in a lake in the gardens of the Gandharva Chitraratha. Changing bimself into wind, he soon mixed up the garments of those maidens which they had laid on the bank. A little while after, the maidens, getting up from the water. approached their garments that had, indeed, been mixed with one another. And it so happened that from the intermingled beap, the garments of Davayani were appropriated by Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, from ignorance that it was not hers. And, O king, thereupon, between them, Devayani and Sarmishta, then ensued a dispute, And Devayani said.-'O daughter of the Asura (chief), why dost thou take my attire, being as thou art my disciple ? Descitute of good behaviour, nothing good can happen to thee ! Sarmishta, however, quickly replied, 'Thy father occupying a lower seat, always adoreth with downcast looks, like a hired chanter of praises, my father, whether ye siteth at his ease or reclineth at full length! Thou art the daughter of one that begeteth, that chanteth the praises of others, of one that accepteth alms! I am the daughter of one who is adored, of one who bestoweth alms instead of ever accepting them! Beggarwoman as thou art, thou art free to strike thy breast, to use ill words, to vow enmity to me, to give way to thy wrath! Acceptress of alms, thou weepest tears of anger in vain ! If so minded, I can harm thee. but thou canst not. Thou desirest to quarrel. But know thou that I do not reckon thee as my equal l'" :

Vaisampayana continued.--"Hearing these words. Devayani became exceedingly angry and began to pull at her clothes. Sarmishta there. upon threw her into a well and went home. Indeed, the wicked Sarmishta believing that Devayani was dead, bent her steps homewards in a wrathful mood."

"After Sarmishta had left, Yayati the son of Nahusha soon came to that spot. The king had been out a-bunting. The couple of horses harnessed to his car and the other single horse with him were all fatigued. And the king himself thirsty. And the son of Nahusha saw a well that was by. And he saw that it was dry. But in looking down into it, he saw a maiden who in splendour was like a blazing fire. And beholding her within it, the blessed king addressed that girl of the complexion of the celestials soothing her with sweet words. And he said-'Who art thou, O fair one, of nails bright as burnished copper, and with ear-tings decked with celestial gems? Thou seemest to be