Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

"and""Enough""Name".Mythsof the Hindus & Buddhistskingdom, then the whole ;but the rishi declared all toolittle. Then Nahusha was stricken with grief; but therecame a wild hermit from the woods who lived on rootsand fruit; he said to the king:I shall satisfy both theeand the rishi too; do what I bid, for I never speakin vain." Then said Nahusha :the sage s price ;save me in this case, save my kingdom and my race ;Chyavana, if he be angered, will destroy the Three Worlds,much more myself and allmy land. Be thou our raftacross the stormy sea."Then said the yogi: The Brahmans, O king, are foremostof the four estates of men; no value can be set uponthem, however great,for their value isbeyond telling.But kine also are of infinite value ; therefore, O lord ofmen, thou shouldst offer a cow in payment for the rishi."Then was Nahusha glad, and offered a cow in payment forChyavana. The rishi was appeased and said :Yea,king, now hast thou bought me at a fair price, for I knowno wealth exceeding that of kine. Even to speak of kineor hear them spoken of is a thing that cleanses fromall sin. Kine are faultless, the source and root of allprosperity, the chief ministrants at sacrifices, worshippedby every world, full of energy and givers of joy sinless is;that land where kine are glad. Kine are the stairs thatlead to Heaven ; they are adored in Heaven itself."Then the fishermen bestowed that cow upon the sagehimself and worshipped him, who in energy was likea blazingfire ;and he gavehis blessing to them, acceptingtheir offering."Goye to Heaven forthwith," said he,the fishes too."Greatly marvelled King Nahushawhen he saw the fishermen ascend to Heaven with thefishes. Then the two rishis bestowed on him numerousboons, until he cried :Then he worshipped37 21 "forO