a thick fog. Before this there was a revolting fishy odor in my body. But the Rishi dispelling it gave me my present fragrance. The Rishi also told me that bringing forth his child on an island of the river, I would continue to be a virgin. And the child of Parashara so born of me in my maidenhood hath become a great Rishi endued with large ascetic powers and known by the name of Dwaipayana (the island-born.) That illustrious Rishi having, by his ascetic power, divided the Vedas into four parts hath come to be called on earth by the name of Vyasa (the divider or arranger,) and for the darkness of his color, Krishna (the dark.) Truthful in speech, and free from passion, a mighty ascetic who hath burnt all his sins, he went away with his father immediately after his birth. Appointed by me and thee also, that Rishi of incomparable splendour will certainly beget good children upon the wives of thy brother. He told me when he went away,—Mother, think of me, when thou art in difficulty.—I will now recollect him, if thou, O Bhisma of mighty arms, so desirest. If thou art willing, O Bhisma, I am sure that great ascetic will beget children in Vichittra-virya's field.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Mention being made of the great Rishi, Bhisma with joined palms said, 'That man is truly intelligent who fixes his eyes judiciously on virtue, profit, and pleasure; who after reflecting with patience acteth in such a way that virtue may lead to future virtue, profit to future profit, and pleasure to future pleasure. Therefore that which hath been said by thee, and which besides being beneficial to us is consistent with virtue, is certainly the best advice and hath my full approval.' And when Bhisma had said this, O thou of the Kuru race, Kali (Satyavati) thought of the Muni Dwaipayana. And Dwaipayana who was then engaged in interpreting the Vedas, learning that he was being thought of by his mother, came instantly unto her without anybody knowing it. Satyayati then duly saluted her son and embracing him with her arms bathed him with her tears, for the daughter of the fisherman wept copiously at the sight of her son after so long a time. And her first son, the great Rishi Vyasa, beholding her weeping, washed her with cool
