Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

"The"Thou"But""Myths of the Hindus & Buddhistssilence as if she had been made of stone. In this way she"did more than was human and made heaven itself hotwith her austerities.her to desist.The old saints near whomEvery one beggedshe lived, and embassies constantly sent by her father, allbegged her to surrender her resolve and live a life ofgreater ease. But to none of these would she listen, and onlywent on with redoubled energy practising her asceticisms.Then she began to seek out pilgrimages, and went fromone sacred river to another, performing the while the mostdifficult of vows. On one occasion as she bathed, MotherGanges herself, who was known to have been the motherof Bhlshma, addressed her, and asked her the cause of allthese penances. But when the poor lady replied that allher efforts were bent toward the destruction of Bhlshmathe spirit of the Ganges rebuked her severely, and toldher the terrible consequences of vows of hatred. Yet stillthe Princess Amba did not desist. Until he was slainwhom she had come to be "neither woman northroughman," she would not know peace and she would notstop.At last Shiva, the Great God, appeared before her, drawnby the power of her prayers and penances, and standingover her with the trident in his hand, he questioned her asto the boon she sought.defeat of Bhlshma ! answered Amba, bowingjoyfully at his feet, for she knew that this was the endof the first stage in the execution of her purpose.shalt slay him," said the Great God. Then Amba,filled with joy, and yet overcome with amazement, said :how, being a woman, can I achieve victory in battle ?It is true that my woman s heart is entirely stilled. Yet Ibeg of thee, O thou who hast the bull for thy cognizance,1 80