, the fear of extinction of our race, that we are
suspended in this hole. Possessed of means, we fare like unfortunates that
have none! O excellent one, who art thou that thus sorrowest as a friend
on our account? We desire to learn, O Brahmana, who thou art that standest
by us, and why, O best of men, thou sorrowest for us that are so
unfortunate.'
"Jaratkaru said, 'Ye are even my sires and grandsires; I am that Jaratkaru!
O, tell me, how I may serve you.'
"The fathers then answered, 'Try thy best, O child, to beget a son to
extend our line. Thou wilt then, O excellent one, have done a meritorious
art for both thyself and us. Not by the fruits of virtue, not by ascetic
penances well hoarded up, acquireth the merit which one doth by becoming a
father. Therefore, O child, by our command, set thy heart upon marriage
and offspring. Even this is our highest good.'
"Jaratkaru replied, 'I shall not marry for my sake, nor shall I earn
wealth for enjoyment, but I shall do so for your welfare only. According
to this understanding, I shall, agreeably to the Sastric ordinance, take a
wife for attaining the end. I shall not act otherwise. If a bride may be
had of the same name with me, whose friends would, besides, willingly give
her to me as a gift in charity, I shall wed her duly. But who will give
his daughter to a poor man like me for wife. I shall, however, accept any
daughter given to me as alms. I shall endeavour, ye sires, even thus to
wed a girl! Having given my word, I will not act otherwise.
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