irtue. Vali hath fallen off from all these. Formerly, he
was devoted to the Brahmanas. He was truthful and had controlled his
passions. Latterly, however, he began to cherish feelings of animosity
towards the Brahmanas and touched clarified butter with soiled
hands.[847] Formerly, he was always engaged in the performance of
sacrifices. At last, blinded by ignorance and afflicted by Time he began
to boast before all persons, saying that his adorations towards me were
ceaseless. Deserting him (for these faults) I shall henceforth, O Sakra,
dwell in thee. Thou shouldst bear me without heedlessness, and with
penances and prowess.'

"'"Sakra said, 'O thou that dwellest amid lotuses, there is not a single
person among gods, men, and all creatures, that can bear thee for ever.'

"'"Sree said, 'Truly, O Purandara, there is none among gods, Gandharvas,
Asuras, or Rakshasas, that can bear me for ever.'

"'"Sakra said, 'O auspicious lady, tell me how I should conduct myself so
that thou mayst dwell in me always. I shall certainly obey thy behests.
It behoveth thee to answer me truly.'

"'"Sree said, 'O chief of the deities, I shall tell thee as to how I may be
enabled to dwell in thee always. Divide me into four parts according to
the ordinance laid down in the Vedas.'

"'"Sakra said, 'I shall assign the habitations according to their strength
and power in bearing thee. As regards myself, I shall always take care, O
Lakshmi, that I may not offend thee in any way. Amongst men, the earth,
that progenitrix of all things, bear them all. She shall bear a fourth
part of thyself. I think she hath the strength to do it.'

"'"Sree said, 'Here, I yield up a quarter of myself. Let it be established
on the earth. Do thou, after this, make a proper disposition, O Sakra,
for my second quarter.'

"'"Sakra said, 'The waters, among men, in their liquid form, do various
services to human beings. Let the waters bear a fourth part of thy
person. They have the strength to bear a portion of thine.'

"'"Sree said, 'I yield up another quarter of mine that is to be established
in the waters. Do thou, after this, O Sakra, assign a proper place for my
third quarter.'

"'"Sakra said, 'The Vedas, the sacrifices, and the deities are all
established in Fire. Fire will bear thy third quarter, when it is placed
therein.'

"'"Sree said, 'Here I yield up my third quarter which is to be placed in
Fire. Do thou, O Sakra, after this, assign a proper place f