“The Chandala said, ’Only the five kinds of five-clawed animals are clean food for Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, as laid down in the scriptures.  Do not set thy heart upon what is unclean (for thee).’

“Viswamitra said, ’The great Rishi Agastya, while hungry, ate up the Asura named Vatapi.  I am fallen into distress.  I am hungry.  I shall therefore, eat that haunch of dog’s meat.’

“The Chandala said, ’Do thou seek some other alms.  It behoves thee not to do such a thing.  Verily, such an act should never be done by thee.  If however, it pleases thee, thou mayst take away this piece of dog’s meat.’

“Viswamitra said, ’They that are called good are authorities in matters of duty.  I am following their example.  I now regard this dog’s haunch to be better food than anything that is highly pure.’

“The Chandala said, ’That which is the act of an unrighteous person can never be regarded as an eternal practice.  That which is an improper act can never be a proper one.  Do not commit a sinful act by deception.’

“Viswamitra said, ’A man who is a Rishi cannot do what is sinful.[432] In the present case, deer and dog, I think, are same (both being animals).  I shall, therefore, eat this dog’s haunch.’

“The Chandala said, “Solicited by the Brahmanas, the Rishi (Agastya) did that act.  Under the circumstances it could not be a sin.  That is righteousness in which there is no sin.  Besides, the Brahmanas, who are the preceptors of three other orders, should be protected and preserved by every means.’

“Viswamitra said, ’I am a Brahmana.  This my body is a friend of mine.  It is very dear to me and is worthy of the highest reverence from me.  It is from the desire of sustaining the body that the wish is entertained by me of taking away that dog’s haunch.  So eager have I become that I have no longer any fear of thee and thy fierce brethren.’

“The Chandala said, ’Men lay down their lives but they still do not set their hearts on food that is unclean.  They obtain the fruition of all their wishes even in this world by conquering hunger.  Do thou also conquer thy hunger and obtain those rewards.’

“Viswamitra said, ’As regards myself, I am observant of rigid vows and my heart is set on peace.  For preserving the root of all religious merit, I shall eat food that is unclean.  It is evident that such an act would be regarded as righteous in a person of cleansed soul.  To a person, however, of uncleansed soul, the eating of dog’s flesh would appear sinful.  Even if the conclusion to which I have arrived be wrong, (and if I eat this dog’s meat) I shall not, for that act, become one like thee.’

“The Chandala said, ’It is my settled conclusion that I should endeavour my best to restrain thee from this sin.  A Brahmana by doing a wicked act falls off from his high state.  It is for this that I am reproving thee.’

“Viswamitra said, ’Kine continue to drink, regardless of the croaking of the frogs.  Thou canst lay no claim to what constitutes righteousness (and what not).  Do not be a self-eulogiser.’