wielding the rod of chastisement, the strong would then have preyed on the weak after the manner of fishes in the water.  In hath been heard by us that men, in days of old, in consequence of anarchy, met with destruction, devouring one another like stronger fishes devouring the weaker ones in the water.  It hath been heard by us that a few amongst them then, assembling together, made certain compacts, saying, ’He who becomes harsh in speech, or violent in temper, he who seduces or abducts other people’s wives or robs the wealth that belongs to others, should be cast off by us.’  For inspiring confidence among all classes of the people, they made such a compact and lived for some time.  Assembling after some time they proceeded in affliction to the Grandsire, saying, ’Without a king, O divine lord, we are going to destruction.  Appoint some one as our king.  All of us shall worship him and he shall protect us.’  Thus solicited, the Grandsire asked Manu.  Manu, however, did not assent to the proposal.

“Manu said, ’I fear all sinful acts.  To govern a kingdom is exceedingly difficult, especially among men who are always false and deceitful in their behaviour.’

“Bhishma continued, ’The inhabitants of the earth then said unto him, ’Do not fear.  The sins that men commit will touch those only that commit them (without staining thee in the least).  For the increase of thy treasury, we will give thee a fiftieth part of our animals and precious metals and a tenth part of our grain.  When our maidens also will become desirous of wedding, we shall, when the question comes up, give thee the most beautiful ones among them.  Those amongst men who will become the foremost of all in the use of weapons and in riding animals and driving vehicles, shall proceed behind thee like the deities behind Indra.  With thy strength enhanced in this way, and becoming invincible and possessed of great prowess, thou wilt be our king and protect us happily like Kuvera protecting the Yakshas and the Rakshasas.  A fourth part of the merit which men will earn under thy protection will be thine.  Strengthened by that merit so easily obtained by thee, do thou protect us, O king, like He of a hundred sacrifices protecting the deities.  Like the Sun scorching everything with his rays, go out for winning victories.  Crush the pride of foes and let righteousness always triumph (in the world).’  Thus addressed by those inhabitants of the earth, Manu, possessed of great energy, proceeded, accompanied by a large force.  Of high descent, he seemed then to blaze with prowess.  Beholding the might of Manu, like the gods eyeing the might of Indra, the inhabitants of the earth became inspired with fear and set their hearts upon their respective duties.  Manu then made his round through the world, checking everywhere all acts of wickedness and setting all men to their respective duties, like a rain-charged cloud (in its mission of beneficence).’