of the various gifts that Nahusha had made, as also his penances and religious observances though hurled down on the earth, O king, he succeeded in retaining his memory.  He then began to propitiate Bhrigu with a view to the working out of the course.  Agastya also, filled with compassion, joined Nahusha in pacifying Bhrigu for bringing about an end of the course.  At last Bhrigu felt compassion for Nahusha and provided’ for the working out of the course.’

’Bhrigu said, ’There will appear a king (on earth) of the name of Yudhishthira, the foremost of his race.  He will rescue thee from this curse.’  Having said this, the Rishi vanished in the very sight of Nahusha.  Agastya also, of mighty energy, having thus accomplished the business of the true Indra, that performer of a hundred sacrifices, returned to his own asylum, worshipped by all members of the regenerate order.  Thou hast, O king, rescued Nahusha from Bhrigu’s curse.  Verily, rescued by thee, he ascended to the region of Brahman in thy sight.  As regards Bhrigu, having hurled Nahusha on the earth, he went to the region of Brahman and informed the Grandsire of it.  The Grandsire, having called Indra back, addressed the deities, saying.  ’Ye deities, through the boon I had granted him, Nahusha had obtained the sovereignty of heaven.  Deprived, however, of that sovereignty by the enraged Agastya, he has been hurled on the earth.  Ye deities, ye will not succeed in living without a chief.  Do ye, therefore, once more install Indra in the sovereignty of Heaven.’  Unto the Grandsire, O son of Pritha, who said so unto them, the deities filled with joy, replied, saying, ‘So be it!’ The divine Brahman then, O best of monarchs, installed Indra in the sovereignty of heaven.  Made once more the chief’ of the deities, Vasava began to shine in beauty and resplendence.  Even this is what occurred in days of yore through the transgression of Nahusha.  In consequence, however, of the merits he had acquired through acts of the kind I have mentioned Nahusha succeeded in once more regaining his lost position.  Hence, when evening comes, persons leading the domestic mode of life should give lights.  The giver of lights is sure to acquire celestial sight after death.  Verily, givers of light become as resplendent as the full moon.  The giver of lights becomes endued with beauty of form and strength for as many years as correspond with the number of twinkles for which the lights given by him burn or blaze.’"[448]

SECTION CI

“Yudhishthira said, ’Where do those foolish, wretched, and sinful men go, O chief of men, that steal or misappropriate such articles as belong to Brahmanas?’

“Bhishma said, ’I shall, in this connection, O Bharata, recite to thee the old narrative of a conversation between a Chandala and a low Kshatriya.’[449]

“The person of the royal order said, ’Thou seemest, O Chandala, to be old in years, but thy conduct seems to be like that of a boy!  Thy body is besmeared with the dust raised by dogs and asses, but without minding that dust thou art anxious about the little drops of vine milk that have fallen upon thy body!  It is plain that such acts as are censured by the pious are ordained for the Chandala.  Why, indeed, dost thou seek to wash off the spots of milk from thy body?’[450]