And she said, 'Oh, the terrible, illuminating the whole
universe and burning the forest down, approacheth towards us, increasing
my woe. These infants with immature understanding, without feathers and
feet, and the sole refuge of our deceased ancestors, afflict me. Oh, this
fire approacheth, spreading fear all around, and licking with its tongue
the tallest trees. But my unfledged children are incapable of effecting
their escape. I myself am not capable of escaping, taking all these with
me. Nor am I capable of abandoning them, for my heart is distressed on
their account. Whom amongst my sons, shall I leave behind, and whom shall
I carry with me? What (act) should I do now that is consistent with duty?
What also do you, my infant sons, think? I do not, even by reflection, see
any way of escape for you. I shall even cover you with my wings and die
with you. Your cruel father left me some time before, saying, 'Upon this
Jaritari, because he is the eldest of my sons, will my race depend. My
second Sarisrikka will beget progeny for the expansion of my ancestors'
race. My third, Stamvamitra, will be devoted to asceticism, and my
youngest, Drona, will become the foremost of those acquainted with the
Vedas.' But how hath this terrible calamity overtaken us! Whom shall I
take with me? As I am deprived of judgment what should I do that is
consistent with duty? I do not see, by the exercise of my own judgment,
the escape of my children from the fire!'
"Vaisampayana said, 'Unto their mother indulging in these lamentations,
the infant ones said.
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