ingly anxious, resembles that with which I have been filled in
consequence of these words uttered by thee.[1931] Like a person with
upturned gaze I have heard what has fallen from thy lips and am
reflecting upon their import. With these wise words of thine thou hast
truly instructed me! Yes, I shall do what thou hast commanded me to do.
Thou mayst go tomorrow at dawn, passing the night happily with me and
dispelling thy fatigue by such rest. Behold, the rays of the divine Surya
have been partially dimmed and the god of day is proceeding in his
downward course!'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Hospitably waited upon by that Brahmana, the learned
guest, O slayer of foes, passed that night in the company of his host.
Indeed, both of them passed the night happily, conversing cheerfully with
each other on the subject of the duties of the fourth mode of life, viz.,
Sannyasa (Renunciation). So engrossing was the nature of their
conversation that the night passed away as if it were day. When morning
came, the guest was worshipped with due rites by the Brahmana whose heart
had been eagerly set upon the accomplishment of what (according to the
discourse of the guest) was regarded by him to be beneficial for himself.
Having dismissed his guest, the righteous Brahmana, resolved to achieve
his purpose, took leave of his kinsmen and relatives, and set out in due
time for the abode of that foremost of Nagas, with heart steadily
directed towards it."'"

SECTION CCCLVII

"'Bhishma said, "Proceeding by many delightful forests and lakes and
sacred waters, the Brahmana at last arrived at the retreat of a certain
ascetic. Arrived there, he enquired of him, in proper words, about the
Naga of whom he had heard from his guest, and instructed by him he
pursued his journey. With a clear idea of the purpose of his journey, the
Brahmana then reached the house of the Naga. Entering it duly, he
proclaimed himself in proper words, saying,--'Ho! who is there! I am a
Brahmana, come hither as a guest!'--Hearing these words, the chaste wife
of the Naga, possessed of great beauty and devoted to the observance of
all duties, showed herself. Always attentive to the duties of
hospitality, she worshipped the guest with due rites, and welcoming him,
said, 'What can I do for you?'

"'"The Brahmana said, 'O lady, I am sufficiently honoured by thee with the
sweet words thou hast said unto me. The fatigue of my journey has also
been dispelled. I desire, O blessed