He had heard all that had taken place,
viz., that Takshaka, that first of snakes, would send that best of
monarchs to the presence of Yama (Death). And he thought, I would cure the
monarch after he is bit by that first of snakes. By that I may have wealth
and may acquire virtue also.' But that prince of snakes, Takshaka, in the
form of an old Brahmana, saw Kasyapa approaching on his way, his heart set
upon curing the king. And the prince of snakes then spake unto that bull
among Munis, Kasyapa, saying, 'Whither dost thou go with such speed? What,
besides, is the business upon which thou art intent?'
"And Kasyapa, thus addressed, replied, 'Takshaka, by his poison, will
today burn king Parikshit of the Kuru race, that oppressor of all enemies.
I go with speed, O amiable one, to cure, without loss of time, the king of
immeasurable prowess, the sole representative of the Pandava race, after
he is bit by the same Takshaka like to Agni himself in energy.' And
Takshaka answered, 'I am that Takshaka, O Brahmana, who shall burn that
lord of the earth. Stop, for thou art unable to cure one bit by me.' And
Kasyapa rejoined, 'I am sure that, possessed (that I am) of the power of
learning, going thither I shall cure that monarch bit by thee.'"
SECTION XLIII
(Astika Parva continued)
"Sauti said, 'And Takshaka, after this, answered, 'If, indeed, thou art
able to cure any creature bitten by me, then, O Kasyapa, revive thou this
tree bit by me.
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