kinds of stones.  Those chambers were adorned also with nets of pearls interspersed with jewels and gems of different species.  Diverse kinds of beautiful objects capable of stealing the heart and the eye, surrounded that palace.  That delightful retreat was inhabited by numerous Rishis.  Beholding these beautiful sights all around, the Rishi began to think where he would take shelter.  Proceeding then to the gate of the mansion, he uttered these words:—­Let those that live here know that a guest has come (desirous of shelter).  Hearing the voice of the Rishi, a number of maidens came out together from that palace.  They were seven in number, O King, of different styles of beauty, all of them were exceedingly charming.  Every one of those maidens upon whom the Rishi cast his eyes, stole his heart.  The sage could not, with even his best efforts, control his mind.  Indeed, at the sight of those maidens of very superior beauty, his heart lost all its tranquillity.  Seeing himself yielding to such influences, the Rishi made a vigorous effort and possessed as he was of great wisdom he at last succeeded in controlling himself.  Those damsels then addressed the Rishi, saying,—­Let the illustrious one enter.  Filled with curiosity in respect of those exceedingly beautiful damsels as also of that palatial mansion, the regenerate Rishi entered as he was bidden.  Entering the mansion he beheld an old lady, with indications of decrepitude, attired in white robes and adorned with every kind of ornament.  The Rishi blessed her, saying,—­Good be to you.—­The old lady returned his good wishes in proper form.  Rising up, she offered a seat to the Rishi.  Having taken his seat, Ashtavakra said,—­Let all the damsels go to their respective quarters.  Only let one stay here.  Let that one remain here who is possessed of wisdom and who has tranquillity of heart.  Indeed, let all the others go away at their will.—­Thus addressed, all those damsels circumambulated the Rishi and then left the chamber.  Only that aged lady remained there.  The day quickly passed and night came.  The Rishi seated on a splendid bed, addressed the old lady, saying,—­O blessed lady, the night is deepening.  Do thou address thyself to sleep.  Their conversation being thus put a stop to by the Rishi, the old lady laid herself down on an excellent bed of great splendour.  Soon after, she rose from her bed and pretending to tremble with cold, she left it for going to the bed of the Rishi.  The illustrious Ashtavakra welcomed her with courtesy.  The lady however, stretching her arms, tenderly embraced the Rishi, O foremost of men.  Beholding the Rishi quite unmoved and as inanimate as a piece of wood, she became very sorry and began to converse with him.  There is no pleasure, save that which waits upon Kama (desire), which women can derive from a person of the other sex.  I am now under the influence of desire.  I seek thee for that reason.  Do thou seek me in return.  Be cheerful, O learned Rishi,