Devayani, on hearing this speech of her father, said, ’O father, I know, also what the difference is between anger and forgiveness as regards the power of each.  But when a disciple behaveth disrespectfully, he should never be forgiven by the preceptor if the latter is really desirous of benefiting the former.  Therefore, I do not desire to live any longer in a country where evil behaviour is at a premium.  The wise man desirous of good, should not dwell among those sinfully inclined men who always speak ill of good behaviour and high birth.  But there should one live,—­indeed, that hath been said to be the best of dwelling places,—­where good behaviour and purity of birth are known and respected.  The cruel words uttered by Vrishaparvan’s daughter burn my heart even as men, desirous of kindling a fire, burn the dry fuel.  I do not think anything more miserable for a man in the three worlds than to adore one’s enemies blessed with good fortune, himself possessing none.  It hath been indeed said by the learned that for such a man even death would be better.’”

SECTION LXXX

(Sambhava Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana said, ’Then Kavya, the foremost of Bhrigu’s line, became angry himself.  And approaching Vrishaparvan where the latter was seated, began to address him without weighing his words, ‘O king,’ he said, ’sinful acts do not, like the Earth, bear fruit immediately!  But gradually and secretly do they extirpate their doers.  Such fruit visiteth either in one’s own self, one’s son, or one’s grandson.  Sins must bear their fruit.  Like rich food they can never be digested.  And because ye slew the Brahmana Kacha, the grandson of Angiras, who was virtuous, acquainted with the precepts of religion, and attentive to his duties, while residing in my abode, even for this act of slaughter—­and for the mal-treatment of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparvan, I shall leave thee and thy relatives!  Indeed, O king, for this, I can no longer stay with thee!  Dost thou, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar?  Thou makest light of thy offence without seeking to correct it!’.

“Vrishaparvan then said, ’O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed want of virtue, of falsehood, to thee.  Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell in thee.  Be kind to me!  O Bhargava, if, leaving us, thou really goest hence, we shall then go into the depths of the ocean.  Indeed, there is nothing else for us to do.’

“Sukra then replied, ’Ye Asuras, whether ye go into the depths of the ocean or fly away to all directions.  I care little.  I am unable to bear my daughter’s grief.  My daughter is ever dear to me.  My life dependeth on her.  Seek ye to please her.  As Vrihaspati ever seeketh the good of Indra, so do I always seek thine by my ascetic merits.’

“Vrishaparvan then said, ’O Bhargava, thou art the absolute master of whatever is possessed by the Asura chiefs in this world-their elephants, kine and horses, and even my humble self!’