I shall not give the Soma to any one for drink. But, O thou of a
thousand eyes, after I have placed it down, thou, O lord of the heavens,
canst then, taking it up, instantly bring it away.' Indra then said, 'O
oviparous one, I am highly gratified with these words now spoken by thee.
O best of all rangers of the skies; accept from me any boon that thou
desirest.'
"Sauti continued, 'Then Garuda, recollecting the sons of Kadru and
remembering also the bondage of his mother caused by an act of deception
owing to the well-known reason (viz., the curse of Aruna), said, 'Although
I have power over all creatures, yet I shall do your bidding. Let, O Sakra,
the mighty snakes become my food.' The slayer of the Danavas having said
unto him, 'Be it so,' then went to Hari, the god of gods, of great soul,
and the lord of Yogins. And the latter sanctioned everything that had been
said by Garuda. And the illustrious lord of heaven again said unto Garuda,
'I shall bring away the Soma when thou placest it down.' And having said
so, he bade farewell to Garuda. And the bird of fair feathers then went to
the presence of his mother with great speed.
"And Garuda in joy then spake unto all the snakes, 'Here have I brought
the Amrita. Let me place it on some Kusa grass. O ye snakes, sitting here,
drink of it after ye have performed your ablutions and religious rites. As
said by you, let my mother become, from this day, free, for I have
accomplished your bidding.
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