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LIFE AND DEATH OF THE SONS OF SAGARA
167
Natyamala, and the nine treasure-divinities, Naisarpa, etc.--these gods were conquered like men by our father.
This land of six divisions, like six sets of enemies, was conquered by our father, whose prestige is unlimited, by himself alone. You have left nothing suitable for strength of arm to be done, by doing which we can say 'We are your sons.' Since this entire earth has been conquered by the father, let our sonship be by wandering at our own free will. So with the father's favor we wish to wander at will like forest-elephants over the earth like the palace-courtyard."
He granted their affectionate request. Among the great the request of another is not in vain, to say nothing of that of sons. Then they bowed to their father and went to their own houses, and had drums beaten announcing an auspicious procession.
Unfavorable omens (63-72)
Then portents and unfavorable omens took place, disturbing them though firm, and indicating misfortunes. The sun's disc was filled with a hundred comets, like the door to Rasatala (a hell) with a multitude of snakes. The moon's disc with its center cut out looked like an ivory ear-ornament newly carved. The earth shook like a creeper rocked by the wind; and showers of hail like showers of gravel took place. There was a rain of dust like powder from a dried cloud; and a favorable wind became like a cruel, furious enemy. Inauspicious jackals stood on the right and howled freely; and owls also stood there and hooted as if in rivalry with them. Kites whirled in the sky in circles, down and up, imitating the play of the flying wheel of time. Rutting elephants became free from mada at that time, and streams became waterless as if it were summer. Lines of smoke issued from the mouths of neighing horses, very terrifying, like serpents from holes. They disregarded all these portents and unfavorable omens. For necessity is authority for men, though wise.
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