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ANANTANATHACARITRA
119
commended as 'Lord of half of Bharata.' Every one talks like a panegyrist. Is there a truthful person anywhere? On the contrary, an intelligent man must be ashamed at being praised by beggars from avariciousness and certainly must not believe them. Among the strong even there are the most strong, and the most great among the great. In this world the earth is seen to have many jewels.”
Madhu, with inner rage like the sami 186 with fire inside, at once biting his lip, said to Nārada: “What river, pray, in this half of Bharata is greater than the Gangā, what mountain is greater than Vaitādhya, and who more powerful than I? Name him whom you think more powerful than I, that I may show you his strength instantly, like a śarabha that of a young elephant. Have you been insulted by some one, drunk or crazy, whose slaughter you wish to cause today under the pretext of praise, Brāhman?"
Then Nārada said, “I do not go near drunk or crazy men. How, pray, could they have insulted me? You said today in your council, 'I am lord of half of Bharata.' Do not say that again. For it is laughable. O king, have you never heard, even by hearsay from the people, of the two sons, Suprabha and Puruşottama, of Soma in Dvārakā ? Very strong, long-armed, full of affection for each other, hard to endure, like wind and fire incarnate, with one arm they lift up the earth with oceans and mountains, like Śakra and Iśāna descended here from heaven from curiosity. While Bharata is occupied by them, like a forest by a lion, why do you trumpet from ignorance, like an elephant blind from rutting?"
Both of his eyes red from anger, as if he wished a battle instantly, grinding teeth against teeth, King Madhu said: "If what you said is true, then Yama is invited by me to play at will today, as well as you to see a battle.
166 124. One of the two trees used to kindle the sacred fire.
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