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did the autumnal Full Moon so delightful to the eyes of people rise up and why was it eclipsed by the mouth of Rābu ( demon Rāhu ) with sharp molar teeth? Why was the sprout of Kalpavraksa (the Wishing Tree) adorning the territories of the earth produced and why was it dug out by the root by the foresthog? Why did Vidyāsiddha-greatly prominent in the three worlds ard disinterestedly affectionate-form friendship with me, and why did he disappear in such a short time? I understand that his deplorable condition resulted from my own ill luck. It is a fact that the branches of the tree cut asunder by an axe, dry up ! bad a wish that he will be able to fulfil my much-desired ob jects, but Cruel Fate has frustrated all my desires. So, bow can I maintalu my body, soiled by the mud of this digraceful blemisb, and miserable to people like a poison-tree". Thinking thus he began to cry at the top of his voice :--"Ah ! the ocean of extremely wonderful gem-lik: virtues. Ah! the ocean of the disinterested essence of compassion. Ah ! fortunata in having enjoyment with excellent female fairies. Ab I competent in taking a boon from goddess Kātyāyani by satisfying her by an extraordinary adventure. Why did you, thus suddenly, disappear from from my range of vision ? Give an answar to me-an ill-fated person. Do such misfortunes overtake even persons like yourself? Ah! wicked God of Death! Are you intent on getting rid of pre-eminent persons from this world, ali at a time?". Having lamented thus, Gobhadra, desirous of drowning himself into the waters of che Ganges made his clothes tight on his body, me. nded his braid of hair, and with an anjali he began to entrect Ehăgiratbī thus :-O Goddess I divine river ! you have kidnapped my most excellent brother, and with the desire of following him I am also falling into your current of waters, because it is an old saying that fire is the only remedy for one burnt by fire" With these words, as soon as, he was attempting a fall from the high bank, he was seized by some nāstika-vādis (unbelievers) who asked him," O silly man ! why do drown yourself in this way ?" Gobhadra then narrated the whole account commencing with his departure from his town and ending with hle attempt for a fall into the waters of the Ganges; on hearing which, they
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