strious Rishi's stomach, with a
sound that was as loud, O child, as the roar of the clouds. And Ilwala
repeatedly said, 'Come out, O Vatapi!' Then that best of
Munis--Agastya--bursting out in laughter, said, 'How can he come out? I
have already digested that great Asura.' And beholding his brother
already digested, Ilwala became sad and cheerless and joining his hands,
along with his ministers, addressing the Rishi (and his companions),
said, 'What for have ye come hither, and what can I do for you?' And
Agastya smilingly answered Ilwala, saying, 'We know thee, O Asura, to be
possessed of great power and also enormous wealth. These kings are not
very wealthy while my need also of wealth is great. Give us what thou
canst, without injuring others.' Thus addressed Ilwala saluted the Rishi
and said, 'If thou say what it is that I mean to give, then will I give
you wealth.' Hearing this Agastya said, 'O great Asura, thou hast even
purposed to give unto each of these kings ten thousand kine and as many
gold coins. And unto me thou hast purposed to give twice as much, as also
a car of gold and a couple of horses fleet as thought. If thou enquirest
now, thou wilt soon learn that your car is made of gold.' Thereupon, O
son of Kunti, Ilwala made enquiries and learnt that the car he had
intended to give away was really a golden one. And the Daitya then with a
sad heart, gave away much wealth and that car, unto which were yoked two
steeds called Virava and Surava. And those steeds, O Bharata, took those
kings and Agastya and all that wealth to the asylum of Agastya within the
twinkling of an eye. And those royal sages then obtaining Agastya's
permission, went away to their respective cities. And Agastya also (with
that wealth) did all that his wife Lopamudra had desired. And Lopamudra
then said, 'O illustrious one, thou hast now accomplished all my wishes.
Beget thou a child on me that shall be possessed of great energy.' And
Agastya replied unto her, saying, 'O blessed and beauteous one, I have
been much gratified with thy conduct. Listen thou unto me as regards the
proposal I make in respect of thy offspring. Wouldst thou have a thousand
sons, or a century of sons each equal to ten, or ten sons equal each to
an hundred, or only one son who may vanquish a thousand?' Lopamudra
answered, 'Let me have one son equal unto a thousand, O thou endued with
wealth of asceticism! One good and learned son is preferable to many evil
ones.'"

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