But the terror of the Rishi's curse at last prevailed. And
having obtained from him a precious boon, I could not refuse his
solicitations. The Rishi by his energy brought me under his complete
control, and gratified his desire then and there, having first enveloped
the region in a thick fog. Before this there was a revolting fishy odour
in my body; but the Rishi dispelled it and gave me my present fragrance.
The Rishi also told me that by bringing forth his child in an island of
the river, I would still continue (to be) a virgin. And the child of
Parasara so born of me in my maidenhood hath become a great Rishi endued
with large ascetic powers and known by the name of Dwaipayana (the island-
born). That illustrious Rishi having by his ascetic power divided the
Vedas into four parts hath come to be called on earth by the name of Vyasa
(the divider or arranger), and for his dark colour, Krishna (the dark).
Truthful in speech, free from passion, a mighty ascetic who hath burnt all
his sins, he went away with his father immediately after his birth.
Appointed by me and thee also, that Rishi of incomparable splendour will
certainly beget good children upon the wives of thy brother. He told me
when he went away, 'Mother, think of me when thou art in difficulty.' I
will now call him up, if thou, O Bhishma of mighty arms so desirest. If
thou art willing, O Bhishma, I am sure that great ascetic will beget
children upon Vichitravirya's field.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Mention being made of the great Rishi, Bhishma
with joined palms said, 'That man is truly intelligent who fixes his eyes
judiciously on virtue, profit, and pleasure, and who after reflecting with
patience, acteth in such a way that virtue may lead to future virtue,
profit to future profit and pleasure to future pleasure.
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