'The duty of disciples is to wait with
reverence upon their preceptor accomplishing his bidding; that of
Brahmanas is to study the Vedas and bear them in memory; that of servants
is to obey the commands of their masters; that of the king is to protect
his people by cherishing the good and chastising the wicked. It is said
that the duties of a Kshatriya embrace the protection of all creatures
from wrong and oppression. The duty of the Sudra is to serve with
humility persons of the three regenerate orders, viz., Brahmanas,
Kshatriyas and Vaisyas. The religion of the house-holder, O chief of the
Nagas, consists in doing good to all creatures. Frugality of fare and
observance of vow in due order, constitute merit (for persons of all
classes) in consequence of the connection that exists between the senses
and the duties of religion.[1933] "Who am I? Whence have I come? What are
others to me and what am I to others?"--these are the thoughts to which
the mind should ever be directed by him who leads that course of life
which leads to Emancipation. Chastity and obedience to the husband
constitute the highest duty of the wife. Through thy instruction, O chief
of the Nagas, I have learnt this well. I, therefore, that am well
conversant with my duty, and that have thee for my husband--thee that art
devoted to righteousness,--O, why shall I, swerving from the path of
duty, tread along the path of disobedience and sin? During thy absence
from home, the adorations to the deities have not fallen off in any
respect. I have also, without the slightest negligence, attended to the
duties of hospitality towards persons arrived as guests in thy abode.
Fifteen days ago a Brahmana has come here. He has not disclosed his
object to me. He desires to have an interview with thee. Dwelling the
while on the banks of the Gomati he is anxiously expecting thy return. Of
rigid vows, that Brahmana is sitting there, engaged in the recitation of
the Vedas. O chief of the Nagas, I have made a promise to him to the
effect that I would despatch thee to him as soon as thou wouldst come
back to thy abode. Hearing these words of mine, O best of Nagas, it
behoveth thee to repair thither. O thou that hearest with thy eyes, it
behoveth thee to grant unto that regenerate person the object that has
brought him hither!'"'"[1934]

SECTION CCCLX

"'"The Naga said, 'O thou of sweet smiles, for whom hast thou taken that
Brahmana? Is he really a human being or is he