time he acquired spiritual vision.  He then reflected, saying unto himself, ’If, being gratified with anybody, I give him wealth, my speech would never be untrue.’[1281] With a face lighted up by smiles, he once more began to undergo severer austerities.  And once more, having won (higher) success, he thought that he could, by a fiat of the will, then create the very highest objects.  ’If, gratified with any person whatsoever I give him even sovereignty, he will immediately become a king, for my words will never be untrue.’  While he was thinking in this way, Kundadhara, induced by his friendship for the Brahmana and no less by the ascetic success which the Brahmana had achieved, showed himself, O Bharata (unto his friend and devotee).  Meeting with him the Brahmana offered him worship according to the observances ordained.  The Brahmana, however, felt some surprise, O king.  Then Kundadhara addressed the Brahmana, saying, ’Thou hast now got an excellent and spiritual eye.  Behold with this vision of thine the end that is attained by kings, and survey all the worlds besides.’  The Brahmana then, with his spiritual vision, beheld from a distance thousands of kings sunk in hell.’

“Kundadhara said, ’After having worshipped me with devotion thou didst get sorrow for thy share, what then would have been the good done to thee by me, and what the value of my favour?  Look, look for what end men desire the gratification of carnal enjoyments.  The door of heaven is closed unto men.’

“Bhishma continued, ’The Brahmana then beheld many men living in this world, embracing lust, and wrath, and cupidity, and fear, and pride, and sleep and procrastination, and inactivity.’

“Kundadhara said, ’With these (vices) all human beings are enchained.  The gods are afraid of men.  These vices, at the command of the gods, mar and disconcert on every side.[1282] No man can become virtuous unless permitted by the gods. (In consequence of their permission) thou hast become competent to give away kingdoms and wealth through thy penances.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Thus addressed, the righteous-souled Brahmana, bending his head unto that Cloud, prostrated himself on the ground, and said, ’Thou hast, indeed, done me a great favour.  Unconscious of the great affection shown by thee towards me, I had through the influence of desire and cupidity, failed to display good will towards thee.’  Then Kundadhara said unto that foremost of regenerate persons, ’I have forgiven thee,’ and having embraced him with his arms disappeared there and then.  The Brahmana then roamed through all the worlds, having attained to ascetic success through the grace of Kundadhara.  Through the puissance gained from virtue and penances, one acquires competence to sail through the skies and to fructify all one’s wishes and purposes, and finally attain to the highest end.  The gods and Brahmanas and Yakshas and all good men and Charanas always adore those that are virtuous but never those that are rich or given up to the indulgence of their desires.  The gods are truly propitious to thee since thy mind is devoted to virtue.  In wealth there may be a very little happiness but in virtue the measure of happiness is very great.’”