cepted by me as wife; but her father subsequently bestowed her on the false Bhrigu. Tell me truly if this fair one can be regarded as the wife of Bhrigu, for having found her alone I am resolved to bear her away by force from the hermitage. My heart burneth with rage when I reflect that Bhrigu hath got possession of this woman of slender waist first betrothed to myself.'"
Sauti continued:—"In this manner the Rakshasa asked the flaming god of fire again and again whether the lady was Bhrigu's wife. And the god was in fear to return an answer. 'Thou, O god of fire,' said he, 'resident continually within every creature, as witness of their merits and demerits. O thou respected one, then answer my question truly. Has not Bhrigu appropriated her who was chosen by me as my wife? Thou shouldst declare truly whether, therefore, she is my wife by first choice. After thy answer as to whether she is the wife of Bhrigu, I will bear her away from this hermitage even in thy sight. Therefore answer thou truly.'"
Sauti continued:—"The Seven-flamed god having heard these words of the Rakshasa became exceedingly distressed, being afraid of telling a falsehood and equally afraid of Bhrigu's curse. And the god at length made answer in words that came out slowly. 'This Pulomā was, indeed, first chosen by thee, O Rakshasa, but she was not taken by thee with holy rites and invocations. But this far-famed lady was bestowed by her father on Bhrigu in gift from desire of a blessing. She was not bestowed on thee! O Rakshasa, this lady was duly made by the Rishi Bhrigu his wife with Vedic rites in my presence. This is she—I know her. I dare not speak a falsehood. O thou best of Rakshasas, falsehood is never respected in this world.'"
Section VI.
( Pauloma Parva continued. )
Sauti said:—"O Brahmana, having heard these words of the god of fire, the Rakshasa assumed the form of a boar, and seizing the lady carried her away with the speed of the wind, even of thought. Then the child of Bhrigu residing in her body
