And the more the king saw that auspicious and sacred asylum of Kasyapa
protected by that Rishi's ascetic virtues and possessing all the
requisites of a holy retreat, the more he desired to see it. In fact, he
was not satisfied with his short survey. And the slayer of heroes at last,
accompanied by his minister and his priest, entered that charming and
sacred retreat of Kasyapa inhabited all around by Rishis of ascetic wealth
and exalted vows.'"
SECTION LXXI
(Sambhava Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'The monarch then, as he proceeded, left even his
reduced retinue at the entrance of the hermitage. And entering quite alone
he saw not the Rishi (Kanwa) of rigid vows. And not seeing the Rishi and
finding that the abode was empty, he called loudly, saying, 'What ho, who
is here?' And the sound of his voice was echoed back. And hearing the
sound of his voice, there came out of the Rishi's abode a maiden beautiful
as Sri herself but dressed as an ascetic's daughter. And the black-eyed
fair one, as she saw king Dushmanta, bade him welcome and received him
duly. And, showing him due respect by the offer of a seat, water to wash
his feet, and Arghya, she enquired about the monarch's health and peace.
And having worshipped the king and asked him about his health and peace,
the maiden reverentially asked, 'What must be done, O king! I await your
commands.' The king, duly worshipped by her, said unto that maiden of
faultless features and sweet speech, 'I have come to worship the highly-
blessed Rishi Kanwa.
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