Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading at the same time to his infamy!  O thou possessed of splendour, I wish for fame in this world, even if it is to be purchased with life itself, for they that have fame enjoy the celestial regions, while they that are destitute of it are lost.  Fame keepeth people alive in this world even like a mother, while infamy killeth men even though they may move about with bodies undestroyed.  O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the wealth of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an ancient sloka sung by the Creator himself,—­In the next world it is fame that is the chief support of a person, while in this world pure fame lengthens life.  Therefore, by giving away my ear-rings and mail with both of which I was born I will win eternal fame!  And by duly giving away the same to Brahmanas according to the ordinance, by offering up my body (as a gift to the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by achieving feats difficult of performance, and by conquering my foes in fight, I will acquire nothing but renown.  And by dispelling on the field of battle the fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and relieving old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will win excellent fame and the highest heaven.  My fame is to be protected with the sacrifice of even my life.  Even this, know thou, is my vow!  By giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a Brahmana, I will, O god, acquire in this world the most exalted state.’”

SECTION CCLXLIX

“Surya said, ’Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy self and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy mother; O thou best of those that bear life, people desire renown (in this world) and lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to sacrifice their bodies.  But as thou desirest undying fame at the expense of thy life, she will, without doubt, snatch away thy life!  O bull among men, in this world, the father, the mother, the son, and other relatives are of use only to him that is alive.  O tiger among men, as regard kings, it is only when they are alive that prowess can be of any use to them.  Do thou understand this?  O thou of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of these only that are alive!  Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies have been reduced to ashes?  One that is dead cannot enjoy renown.  It is only when one is alive that one can enjoy it.  The fame of one that is dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse.  As thou reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou art a worshipper of mine!  They that worship me are always protected by me.  That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus!  Thinking again, O mighty-armed one, that this one revereth me with great reverence, I have been inspired with love for thee!  Do thou, therefore, act according