SECTION CCVI

“Markandeya said, ’Continually reflecting upon that wonderful discourse of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and looked very much like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle ways of morality and virtue, he said to himself, ’I should accept with reverence what the lady hath said and should, therefore, repair to Mithila.  Without doubt there dwelleth in that city a fowler of soul under complete control and fully acquainted with the mysteries of virtue and morality.  This very day will I repair unto that one endued with wealth of asceticism for enquiring of him about virtue.’  His faith in her was assured by her knowledge of the death of the she-crane and the excellent words of virtuous import she had uttered.  Kausika thus reflecting with reverence upon all she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity.  And he traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be adorned with the flags of various creeds.  And he beheld that beautiful town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and festivities and furnished with splendid gateways.  It abounded with palatial residences and protected by walls on all sides; it had many splendid buildings to boast of.  And that delightful town was also filled with innumerable cars.  And its streets and roads were many and well-laid and many of them were lined with shops.  And it was full of horses and cars and elephants and warriors.  And the citizens were all in health and joy and they were always engaged in festivities.  And having entered that city, that Brahmana beheld there many other things.

And there the Brahmana enquired about the virtuous fowler and was answered by some twice-born persons.  And repairing to the place indicated by those regenerate ones, the Brahmana beheld the fowler seated in a butcher’s yard and the ascetic fowler was then selling venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of the large concourse of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood at a distance.  But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come to him, suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the fowler said, ’I salute thee, O holy one!  Welcome art thou, O thou best of Brahmanas!  I am the fowler.  Blessed be thou!  Command me as to what I may do for thee.  The word that the chaste woman said unto thee, viz., Repair thou to Mithila, are known to me.  I also know for what purpose thou hast come hither.’  Hearing these words of the fowler that Brahmana was filled with surprise.  And he began to reflect inwardly, saying, ‘This indeed, is the second marvel that I see!’ The fowler then said unto the Brahmana, saying, ’Thou art now standing in place that is scarcely proper for thee, O sinless one.  If it pleasest thee, let us go to my abode, O holy one!’