food is placed before him at the proper time, or that which is felt by an old man when after long coveting he gets a son, or that which is experienced by one when meeting with a dear friend or relative about whom one had become exceedingly anxious, resembles that with which I have been filled in consequence of these words uttered by thee.[1931] Like a person with upturned gaze I have heard what has fallen from thy lips and am reflecting upon their import.  With these wise words of thine thou hast truly instructed me!  Yes, I shall do what thou hast commanded me to do.  Thou mayst go tomorrow at dawn, passing the night happily with me and dispelling thy fatigue by such rest.  Behold, the rays of the divine Surya have been partially dimmed and the god of day is proceeding in his downward course!”

“Bhishma continued, ’Hospitably waited upon by that Brahmana, the learned guest, O slayer of foes, passed that night in the company of his host.  Indeed, both of them passed the night happily, conversing cheerfully with each other on the subject of the duties of the fourth mode of life, viz., Sannyasa (Renunciation).  So engrossing was the nature of their conversation that the night passed away as if it were day.  When morning came, the guest was worshipped with due rites by the Brahmana whose heart had been eagerly set upon the accomplishment of what (according to the discourse of the guest) was regarded by him to be beneficial for himself.  Having dismissed his guest, the righteous Brahmana, resolved to achieve his purpose, took leave of his kinsmen and relatives, and set out in due time for the abode of that foremost of Nagas, with heart steadily directed towards it.’”

SECTION CCCLVII

“Bhishma said, ’Proceeding by many delightful forests and lakes and sacred waters, the Brahmana at last arrived at the retreat of a certain ascetic.  Arrived there, he enquired of him, in proper words, about the Naga of whom he had heard from his guest, and instructed by him he pursued his journey.  With a clear idea of the purpose of his journey, the Brahmana then reached the house of the Naga.  Entering it duly, he proclaimed himself in proper words, saying,—­Ho! who is there!’ I am a Brahmana, come hither as a guest!—­Hearing these words, the chaste wife of the Naga, possessed of great beauty and devoted to the observance of all duties, showed herself.  Always attentive to the duties of hospitality, she worshipped the guest with due rites, and welcoming him, said, ‘What can I do for you?’

“The Brahmana said, ’O lady, I am sufficiently honoured by thee with the sweet words thou hast said unto me.  The fatigue of my journey has also been dispelled.  I desire, O blessed lady, to see thy excellent lord.  This is my high object.  This is the one object of my desire.  It is for this reason that I have come today to the residence of the Naga, thy husband.’

“The wife of the Naga said, ’Reverend sir, my husband has gone to drag the car of Surya for a month.  O learned Brahmana, he will be back in fifteen days, and will, without doubt show himself unto thee.  I have thus told thee the reason of my husband’s absence from home.  Be that as it may, what else is there that I can do for thee?  Tell me this!’