great Asura." And the mighty Rishi then sat
himself down on an excellent seat, and the prince of Asuras, Ilwala,
began to distribute the food smilingly. And Agastya ate up the whole of
the meat supplied by Vatapi (transformed into a ram). And after the
dinner was over, Ilwala began to summon his brother. But thereupon a
quantity of air alone came out of the illustrious Rishi's stomach, with
a sound that was as loud, O child, as the roar of the clouds. And Ilwala
repeatedly said, "Come out, O Vatapi!" Then that best of
Munis--Agastya--bursting out in laughter, said, "How can he come out? I
have already digested that great Asura." And beholding his brother
already digested, Ilwala became sad and cheerless and joining his hands,
along with his ministers, addressing the Rishi (and his companions),
said, "What for have ye come hither, and what can I do for you?" And
Agastya smilingly answered Ilwala, saying, "We know thee, O Asura, to be
possessed of great power and also enormous wealth. These kings are not
very wealthy while my need also of wealth is great. Give us what thou
canst, without injuring others." Thus addressed Ilwala saluted the Rishi
and said, "If thou say what it is that I mean to give, then will I give
you wealth." Hearing this Agastya said, "O great Asura, thou hast even
purposed to give unto each of these kings ten thousand kine and as many
gold coins. And unto me thou hast purposed to give twice as much, as
also a car of gold and a couple of horses fleet as thought. If thou
enquirest now, thou wilt soon learn that your car is made of gold."
Thereupon, O son of Kunti, Ilwala made enquiries and learnt that the car
he had intended to give away was really a golden one. And the Daitya
then with a sad heart, gave away much wealth and that car, unto which
were yoked two steeds called Virava and Surava. And those steeds, O
Bharata, took those kings and Agastya and all that wealth to the asylum
of Agastya within the twinkling of an eye. And those royal sages then
obtaining Agastya's permission, went away to their respective cities.
And Agastya also (with that wealth) did all that his wife Lopamudra had
desired. And Lopamudra then said, "O illustrious one, thou hast now
accomplished all my wishes. Beget thou a child on me that shall be
possessed of great energy." And Agastya replied unto her, saying, "O
blessed and beauteous one, I have been much gratified with thy conduct.
Listen thou unto me as regards the proposal