that of snakes of virulent poison, and some whose bite resembles that of sharks.  Some amongst them are capable of compassing by speech alone the destruction of those that are opposed to them; and some are competent to destroy by a glance only of their eyes.  Some, amongst them, as already said, are like snakes of virulent poison, and some of them are possessed of very mild dispositions.  The dispositions, O Yudhisthira, of the Brahmanas, are of diverse kinds.  The Mekalas, the Dravidas, the Lathas, the Paundras, the Konwasiras, the Saundikas, the Daradas, the Darvas, the Chauras, the Savaras, the Varvaras, the Kiratas, the Yavanas, and numerous other tribes of Kshatriyas, have become degraded into the status of Sudras through the wrath of Brahmanas.  In consequence of having disregarded the Brahmanas, the Asuras have been obliged to take refuge in the depths of the ocean.  Through the grace of the Brahmanas, the deities have become denizens of the happy regions of Heaven.  The element of space or ether is incapable of being touched.  The Himavat mountains are incapable of being moved from their site.  The current of Ganga is incapable of being resisted by a dam.  The Brahmanas are incapable of being subjugated.  Kshatriyas are incapable of ruling the Earth without cultivating the good will of the Brahmanas.  The Brahmanas are high-souled beings.  They are the deities of the very deities.  Do thou always worship them with gifts and obedient services:  if, indeed, thou wishest to enjoy the sovereignty of the whole Earth with her belt of seas.  The energy and might of Brahmanas, O sinless one, become abated in consequence of the acceptance of gift.  Thou shouldst protect thy race.  O king, from those Brahmanas that do not desire to accept gifts!’"[264]

(Anusasana Parva Continued in Volume XI)

 Section XXXVI

“Bhishma said, ’In this connection is cited the old history of the discourse between Sakra and Samvara.  Do thou listen to it, O Yudhishthira.  Once upon a time Sakra, assuming the guise of an ascetic with matted locks on his head and body smeared with ashes all over, rode on an ugly car and repaired to the presence of the Asura Samvara.’

“Sakra said, ’Through what conduct, O Samvara, hast thou been able to get at the head of all individuals of thy race?  For what reason do all people regard thee as superior?  Do thou tell me this truly and in detail.’

“Samvara said, ’I never cherish any ill-feelings towards the Brahmanas.  Whatever instructions they impart I accept with unquestioning reverence.  When the Brahmanas are engaged in interpreting the scriptures, I listen to them with great happiness.  Having heard their interpretations I never disregard them.  Nor do I ever offend against the Brahmanas in any way.  I always worship those Brahmanas that are endued with intelligence.  I always seek information from them.  I always worship their feet.  Approaching me with confidence, they always