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76
Tales from Indian Mythology
rishis, greater than the gods, and I presume you are greater than the rishis too. So I want you to meet me in a manner worthy of your supremacy. Can you, therefore, arrive at my abode in state, in a palanquin borne by the Seven Sages?"
"That is all ? Oh, that is nothing. I can command not only the Seven Sages but Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesa to do anything for me.”
"The Seven Sages will do for the present. So I shall be expecting you on Friday evening. Of course, you know where I live these days—at Brihaspati's humble home.”
"Sachi, I am impressed by your affection and admiration for me. Let me thank you for suggesting a method by which I can demonstrate my supremacy over the Seven Sages. I shall be seeing you on Friday evening. You may go now." He sent her back with an escort. Hardly had she left when he summoned the Seven Sages and explained to them how he had decided to meet Sachi Devi on the following Friday evening. They were shocked to be told that they were to be his palanquin-bearers. "Nahusha, this is the limit,” they said. "Who knows, he may not come back," observed the impulsive, irascible Agastya. "You impudent mendicants ! I shall have none of your nonsense in future. Go and have proper rehearsal for your new duties. Get away.”
It was Friday evening. The palanquin was huge and heavy, and the saptarishis nearly collapsed under its weight. But, inside, Nahusha, comfortably seated, was sporting with his moustache. Now he would flog his holy palanquin bearers as though they were beasts of burden, now he would flatter them, now he would throw away some of his superfluous ornaments
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