with benefit
to that Brahmana, 'The wise have ordained expiation for one guilty of
Brahmanicide, or of drinking alcohol or of stealing, or of neglecting all
meritorious vows. There is no expiation, however, for one that is
ungrateful.[1278] Expectation hath a child named Iniquity. Ire, again, is
regarded to be a child of Envy. Cupidity is the child of Deceit.
Ingratitude, however, is barren (and hath no offspring).' After this, that
Brahmana, stretched on a bed of Kusa grass, and penetrated with the
energy of Kundadhara, beheld all living beings in a dream. Indeed, in
consequence of his absence of passion, penances, and devotion, that
Brahmana of cleansed soul, standing aloof from all (carnal) enjoyments,
beheld in the night that effect of his devotion to Kundadhara. Indeed, O
Yudhishthira, he beheld the high-souled Manibhadra of great effulgence
stationed in the midst of the deities, employed in giving his orders.
There the gods seemed to be engaged in bestowing kingdoms and riches upon
men, induced by their good deeds, and in taking them away when men fell
off from goodness.[1279] Then, O bull of Bharata's race, Kundadhara of
great effulgence, bending himself low, prostrated himself on the ground
before the gods in the presence of all the Yakshas. At the command of the
gods the high-souled Manibhadra addressed the prostrate Kundadhara and
said, 'What does Kundadhara want?' Thereupon Kundadhara replied, 'If,
indeed, the gods are pleased with me, there, that Brahmana reverences me
greatly. I pray for some favour being shown to him, something, that is,
that may bring him happiness.' Hearing this, Manibhadra, commanded by the
gods, once more said unto Kundadhara of great intelligence these words,
'Rise, rise up, O Kundadhara! Thy suit is successful. Be thou happy. If
this Brahmana be desirous of wealth, let wealth be given to him, that is,
as much wealth as this thy friend desires. At the command of the gods I
shall give him untold wealth.' Kundadhara, then, reflecting upon the
fleeting and unreal character of the status of humanity, set his heart, O
Yudhishthira, upon inclining the Brahmana to penances. Indeed, Kundadhara
said, 'I do not, O giver of wealth, beg for wealth on behalf of this
Brahmana. I desire the bestowal of another favour upon him. I do not
solicit for this devotee of mine mountains of pearls and gems or even
the whole earth with all her riches. I desire, however, that he should be
virtuous. Let his heart