to tranquillity, and becomes free from every anxiety. That thirst (for
earthly things) which is difficult of being cast off by men of foolish
understanding, which wanes not with the wane of the body, and which is
regarded as a fatal disease (by men of knowledge), one who succeeds in
casting off is sure to find felicity. The man of virtuous soul, by
beholding his own behaviour that has become bright as the moon and free
from evil of every kind, succeeds in happily attaining to great fame both
here and hereafter.' Hearing these words of the king, the Brahmana became
filled with joy, and applauding what he heard, Mandavya betook himself to
the path of Emancipation."'"

SECTION CCLXXVII

"'Yudhishthira said, "Time, that is fraught, with terror unto all
creatures, is running his course. What is that source of good after which
one should strive? Tell me this, O grandsire!"

"'Bhishma said, "In this connection is cited the old narrative of a
discourse between a sire and a son. Listen to it, O Yudhishthira! Once on
a time, O son of Pritha, a regenerate person devoted only to the study of
the Vedas had a very intelligent son who was known by the name of
Medhavin. Himself conversant with the religion of Emancipation, the son
one day asked his father who was not conversant with that religion and
who was engaged in following the precepts of the Vedas, this question.

"'"The son said, 'What should a man of intelligence do, O sire, knowing
that the period of existence allotted to men runs fast away? Tell me this
truly and in proper order, O father, so that, guided by thy instructions
I may set myself to the acquisition of virtue.'

"'"The sire said, 'Having studied the Vedas all the while observing the
duties of Brahmacharya, O son, one should then desire for offspring for
the sake of rescuing one's sires. Having established one's fire then and
performing the sacrifices that are ordained, one should then retire into
the woods and (having lived as a forest-recluse) one should then become a
Muni (by casting off everything and calmly waiting for dissolution).'

"'"The son said, 'When the world is thus assailed and thus besieged on all
sides, and when such irresistible (bolts) are falling in every direction,
how can you speak so calmly?'

"'"The sire said, 'How is the world assailed? By what is it besieged? What
are those irresistible bolts that are falling on every side? Dost thou
frighten me with thy words?'

"'"The son s