SECTION CLXXV
(Chaitra-ratha Parva continued)
"The Gandharva continued.Saying this, Tapati of faultless features ascended the skies. The monarch thereupon again fell down on the earth. His ministers and followers searching for him throughout the forest at length came upon him lying on that solitary spot, and beholding that excellent king, that mighty bowimnan, thus lying forsaken on the ground like a rainbow dropped from the firmanent, his minister-inchief became like one burnt by a flame of fire. Advancing hastily with affection and respect, the minister raised that best of monarchs lyiog prostrate on the ground and deprived of his senses by desire. Old in wisdom as in age, old in achievements as in policy, the minister. after having raised the prostrate monarch, became easy (in mind). Addressing the king in sweet words that were also for his good, he said,
Blest be thou, O sinless one! Fear not, o tiger among kings 1-The minister thought that the monarch, that great feller of hostile ranks in battle, had been lying on the ground overcome with hunger, thirst, and fatigue. The old man then sprinkled over the crownless head of the monarch water that was cold and rendered fragrant with lotuspetals. Slowly regaining his consciousness, the mighty monarch sent away all his attendants with the exception of his minister only. After those attendants bad retired at his command, the king sat upon the mountain-breast. Having purifed himself duly, the king sat upon that chief of mountains, and began, with joined hands and upturned face, to worship Suryya. King Samvarana, that smiter of all foes, thought also of his chief priest Vasistha, that best of Rishis. The king continued to sit there day and night without intermission. The Brahmana sage Vasistha came there on the twelfth day: that great Rishis of soul under perfect command knew at once by his ascetic power that the monarch had lost bis senses in consequence of Tapati. And, that virtuous and best of Munis, as soon as he knew this, desirous of benefitting the monarch who was ever observant of vows, addressed him and gave him every assurance. The illustrious Rishis, in the very sight of that monarch, ascended upward to interview Suryya, himself possessed of the splendour of that luminary. The Brahmana then approached with joined hands the god of a thousand rays and introduced himself cheeriully unto him, saying I am Vasistha. Then Vivasvat of great energy said unto that best of Rishis Welcome art thou, O great Rishi ! Tell me what is in thy mind.
