thy abstinence. Indeed, thou art either Varuna, or Yama the god of justice! Like Sakra himself with thunderbolt in hand, thou art, in this world, the protector of all creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as thou, and no monarch who is thy equal in sacrifice. Thou art like Khatwanga, Nabhaga, and Dilipa, in prowess like Yayati and Mandhta, in splendour equal to the measure of the sun's, a monarch like Subrata Vishma! Like Valmiki thou art of energy concealed! Like Vashishta hast thou controlled thy wrath! Like Indra is thy lordship! Thy splendour also shines like that of Narayana! Like Yama art thou conversant with the judgments of justice! Thou art like Krishna decked with every virtue! Thou art the home of the good fortune that belongeth to the Vasus! Thou art also the refuge of the sacrifices! In strength art thou equal to Damvodvava (Indra)! Like Rama (the son of Jamadagni) art thou conversant with the Shastras and arms! In energy art thou equal to Aurva and Trita. Thou inspirest terror by thy looks like Bhagiratha!"
Sauti said, "Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all,—the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwijas, and the sacrificial fire. And king Janamejaya, beholding the signs and indications manifested all round, addressed them as follows."
And thus ends the fifty-fifth Section in the Astika of the Adi Parva.
Section LVI.
( Astika Parva continued. )
Sauti continued, "Janmejaya said, 'Though this one is but a boy he speaks yet like a wise old man. He is not a boy but wise and old do I think. I desire to confer on him a boon. Therefore, ye Brahmanas, give me the necessary permission.'
"The Sadasyas said, 'A Brahmana, though a boy, deserves the respect of kings. He again who is learned does more so. This boy deserves the fulfilment of every desire from thee, but not before Takshaka comes with speed.'"
Sauti continued, "The king, being inclined to grant the Brahmana a boon, said, 'Ask thou the boon.' The Hota, how-
