Bhishma said Having said these words to his dear wife, the king of the Nagas proceeded to in exposition of an interview with him. As wondered as to that the business could be that had brought him to the Naga city.

Arrived before him, O king of men, that foremost of Nagas, devoted by his nature to virtue, addressed his guest in sweet words, saying,-0 Brahmana, do not give way to anger. I address you in peace! Do not be angry! For whom have you come here? What is your object?

Coming to you, I ask you in love, O twiceborn one! Whom do you worship in this retired spot on the banks of the Gomati?

The Brahmana said Know that my name is Dharmaranya; and that I have come here for seeing the Naga Padamanabha, O foremost O all twice-born persons! With him I have some business!

I have heard that he is not at home and that, therefore, I am not now near his present habitation. Like a Chataka waiting in expectation of the clouds, I am waiting for him whom I consider as dear to me!

For removing all evil from him and bringing about what is good to him, I am engaged in reciting the Vedas till he comes and am in Yoga and passing my time happily!

The Naga said-Indeed, your conduct is highly good. Pious you are and devoted to the well being of all pious persons, O highly blessed Brahmana, every praise is due to you? You see the Naga with eyes of affection.

I am that Naga, O learned Rishi, whom you seek! Do you order me, as you wish, in respect of what is agreeable to you and what I should do for you!

Having heard from any wife that you are here, I have to come this spot, O twice-born one, for seeing you!

When you come here, you are certain to return hence with your object fulfilled. You should, O foremost of twice-born persons, cmploy me to any task with all confidence!

All of us have certainly been purchased by you with your merits, since you disregarding what is for your own good, has employed your time in seeking the well-being of ourselves!

The Brahmana said O highly blessed Naga, I have come here, actuated by the desire of seeing you! I have come here, ignorant as I am with all things, for asking you about something, O snake!

Relying on the Soul, I wish to attain to the Supreme Soul which is the end of the Individual Soul. I am neither attached to, nor dissociated from, the world.

You shine with the effulgence of your own merits covered by fame,-with an effulgence that is as sweet as that of the moon.

O you who subsist on air only, do you first answer a question that I wish to put to you! Afterwards I shall inform you of the object with which I have come here.