come back.  Therefore, let this energy of thine be neutralised by thy own energy.  Actuated by compassion for all created beings find some means so that, O Grandsire, these living creatures may not burn.  Oh, let not these living creatures perish with even their descendants thus destroyed.  Thou hast appointed me as the presider over the consciousness of all living creatures, O lord of all the lords of the universe.  All this mobile and immobile universe of life, O lord of the universe, hath sprung from thee.  Pacifying thee, O god of gods, I beg of thee that living creatures may repeatedly come back into the world, undergoing repeated deaths.’

“Narada continued, ’Hearing these words of Sthanu, the divine Brahman of restrained speech and mind himself suppressed that energy of his within his own heart.  Suppressing that fire that had been devastating the universe, the illustrious Brahman, adored of all, and possessed of illimitable puissance, then arranged for both birth and death in respect of all living creatures.  After the Selfborn had withdrawn and suppressed that fire, there came out, from all the outlets of his body, a lady attired in robes of black and red, with black eyes, black palms, wearing a pair of excellent ear-rings, and adorned with celestial ornaments.  Having sprung from Brahman’s body, the lady took her station on his right.  The two foremost of deities thereupon looked at her.  Then, O king, the puissant Selfborn, the original cause of all the worlds, saluted her and said, ’O Death, slay these creatures of the universe.  Filled with anger and resolved to bring about the destruction of created beings, I have called thee.[1110] Do thou, therefore, commence to destroy all creatures foolish or learned.  O lady, slay all created beings without making exception in anybody’s favour.  At my command thou wilt win great prosperity.’  Thus addressed, the goddess, Death, adorned with a garland of lotuses, began to reflect sorrowfully and shed copious tears.  Without allowing her tears, however, to fall down, she held them, O king, in her joined palms.  She then besought the Self-born, impelled by the desire of doing good to mankind.’”

SECTION CCLVIII

“Narada said, ’The large-eyed lady, controlling her grief by an effort of her own, addressed the Grandsire, with joined hands and bending in an attribute of humility like a creeper.  And she said, ’How, O foremost of speakers, shall a lady like me that has sprung from thee proceed to accomplish such a terrible feat,—­a feat, that is, which is sure to inspire all living creatures with dread?  I fear to do aught that is iniquitous.  Do thou appoint such work for me as is righteous.  Thou seest that I am frightened.  Oh, cast a compassionate glance upon me.  I shall not be able to cut off living creatures,—­infants, youths, and aged ones,—­who have done me no injury.  O lord of all creatures, I bow to thee, be gratified with me.  I shall not be able