engaged in making thy sacrifice, like unto that of the slayer of Vritra, are of splendour equal to that of the sun. There now remains nothing for them to know, and gifts made to them become inexhaustible (in merit). It is my conviction that here is no Ritwikas in all the worlds who is equal to thy Ritwikas Dwaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritwikas competent for their duties, travel over the earth. The high-souled bearer or libation (viz., Agni), called also Vibhavasu and Chitrabhanu, having gold for his vital seed and having his path marked by black smoke, blazing up with flames inclined to the right, beareth these thy libations of clarified butter to the gods! In this world of men there is no other monarch equal to thee in the protection of subjects. I am ever well pleased with thy abstinence. Indeed, thou art either Varuna, or Yama, the god of Justice! Like Sakra himself, thunderbolt in hand, thou art, in this world, the protector of all creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as thou, and no monarch who is thy equal in sacrifice. Thou art like Khatwanga, Nabhaga, and Dilipa ! In prowess thou art like Yayati and Mandhatri. In splendour equal to the sun, and of excellent vows, thou art O monarch like Bhishma ! Like Valmiki thou art of energy concealed! Like Vasishtha thou hast controlled thy wrath I Like Indra is thy lordship! Thy splendour also shines like that of Narayana ! Like Yama art thou conversant with the dispensation of justice! Thou art like Krishna adorned with every virtue ! Tbou art the home of the good fortune that belongs to the Vasus ! Thou art also the refuge of the sacritices ! In strength thou art equal to Dam vodvava! Like Rama (the son of Jamajagni) chou art conversant with the scriptures and arms! In energy thou art equal to Aurva and Trita. Thou inspirest terror by thy looks like Bhagiratha 1"
Sauti said, "Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz., the king, che Sudasyas, tbe Ritwikas and the sacrificial fire. And king Janamejaya beholding the signs and indications manifested all around, addres-ed them as follows."
Thus ends the fifty-fifth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
SECTION LVI
(Astika Parva continued)
Janamejaya said, "Though this one is but a boy, he speaks yet like a wise old man. He is not a boy but one wise and old, I think, I desire to bestow on him a boon. Therefore, ye Brahmanas, give me the necessary permission l'"
