Thus accusted, Janamejaya replied to the sage, saying,-You chastise one who deserves to be chastised. You censure one who is worthy of being censured.

You blame me and my acts. I beg you to be kind to me! All my acts have been sinful. I burn, however, with repentance as if I am in the midst of burning fire.

Remembering my deeds, I am cheerless. Indeed, I am much afraid of Yama.

How can I live without taking out that dart from my heart! O Shaunaka, suppressing all your anger, instruct me now!

Formerly I used to show a great reverence to Brahmanas. I solemnly say that I shall once more show.the same respect to them. Let not my family be extinct. Let not the family in which I am born be reduced to the dust.

It is not proper that they who have injured Brahmanas and have for that, on account of Védic injunctions, forfeited all claim to the I arn respect of the world and to social intercourse with their fellowmen, should have any one who will continue the name of their family.

I am overwhelmed with despair. I, therefore, repeat my promises. I pray you to protect me like sages who always protect the poor.

Abstaining from sacrifices, sinful persons never attain to heaven. Leaving (this world), they have to pass their time in hell like the degraded tribes of Pulindas and Khasas.

Ignorant as I am, give me wisdom like a learned preceptor to his pupil or like a father to his son. Be pleased with ine, O Shaunaka!

Shaunaka said What wonder is there that an ignorant wight should do many improper acts? Knowing this, a really wise person is never angry with foolish creatures.

By getting upon the top of wisdom's palace, one grieves for others, his own self being then too pure to be grieved by others. For his wisdom one surveys all creatures in the world like a person on a mountain-top seeing people below.

The person who is censured by good men, who hates good men and who hides himself from their view, never acquires any blessing and never understands the fitness of acts.

You know the energy and the nobility of the Brahmana as laid down in the Veda and other scriptures. Act now in such a way that you may have tranquillity of heart and let Brahmanas be your refuge. If the Brahmanas do not be angry with you, you will, forsooth, enjoy happiness in heaven. If, again, you repent for sins, your sight will be clear and you will succeed in seeing righteousness.

Janamejaya said, I am repenting for my sins. I will never again try to suppress virtue. I wish to obtain blessedness. Be you pleased with me.

Shaunaka said Removing arrogance and pride, O king, I wish you to respect me. Do good to all creatures, always remembering the dictates of virtue.

I am not blaming you from fear or narrowness of mind or covetousness. Listen now, with these Brahmanas here, to the words of truth.

I do not ask for anything. I shall, however, instruct you in the ways of virtue. All persons will croak and bray and cry fie on me.

They will even call me sinful. My kinsmen and friends will renounce me. However, hearing the words I speak, my kinsmen and friends will surely succeed in vigorously crossing the difficulties of life.

The wise will understand me aright. Know, O child, what are my views, O Bharata, regarding the Brahmanas. Do you act in such a way that they may, through my efforts, obtain every blessing! Do you also, O king, promise that you will not again injure the Brahmanas.

Janamejaya said I swear, touching even your feet, that I shall never again, in thought, word, or deed, harm the Brahmanas.