ds of his,
and knowing the evil he intended to do, and acquainted also with the
prowess of Vasishtha that was unrivalled on earth, she repaired to
Vasishtha and informed him of what the intelligent Vishvamitra had said
unto her. Fearing the curse of both, she trembled repeatedly. Indeed, her
heart was on the grievous curse (that either of them might pronounce on
her). She stood in terror of both. Seeing her pale and plunged in
anxiety, the righteous-souled Vasishtha, that foremost of men, O king,
said these words unto her.

"Vasishtha said, 'O foremost of rivers, save thyself! O thou of rapid
current, bear me away, otherwise Vishvamitra will curse thee. Do not feel
any scruple.' Hearing these words of that compassionate Rishi, the river
began to think, O Kauravya, as to what course would be best for her to
follow. Even these were the thoughts that arose in her mind: 'Vasishtha
showeth great compassion for me. It is proper for me that I should serve
him.' Beholding then that best of Rishis, (Vasishtha) engaged in silent
recitation (of mantras) on her bank, and seeing Kusika's son
(Vishvamitra) also engaged in homa, Sarasvati thought, 'Even this is my
opportunity.' Then that foremost of rivers, by her current, washed away
one of her banks. In washing away that bank, she bore Vasishtha away.
While being borne away, O king, Vasishtha praised the river in these
words: 'From the Grandsire's (manasa) lake thou hast taken thy rise, O
Sarasvati! This whole universe is filled with thy excellent waters!
Wending through the firmament, O goddess, thou impartest thy waters to
the clouds! All the waters are thee! Through thee we exercise our
thinking faculties! Thou art Pushti and Dyuti, Kirti, and Siddhi and Uma!
Thou art Speech, and thou art Svaha! This whole universe is dependent on
thee! It is thou that dwellest in all creatures, in four forms!' Thus
praised by that great Rishi, Sarasvati, O king, speedily bore that
Brahmana towards the asylum of Vishvamitra and repeatedly represented
unto the latter the arrival of the former. Beholding Vasishtha thus
brought before him by Sarasvati, Vishvamitra, filled with rage, began to
look for a weapon wherewith to slay that Brahmana. Seeing him filled with
wrath, the river from fear of (witnessing and aiding in) a Brahmana's
slaughter, quickly bore Vasishtha away to her eastern bank once more. She
thus obeyed the words of both, although she deceived the son of Gadhi by
her act. Seeing that b