when she was deserted by her mother.

KING.

'Deserted by her mother!' My curiosity is excited; pray let me
hear the story from the beginning.

ANASÚYÁ.

You shall hear it, Sir. Some time since, this sage of regal
caste, while performing a most severe penance on the banks of the
river Godávarí, excited the jealousy and alarm of the gods;
insomuch that they despatched a lovely nymph named Menaká to
interrupt his devotions.

KING.

The inferior gods, I am aware, are jealous[28] of the power which
the practice of excessive devotion confers on mortals.

ANASÚYÁ.

Well, then, it happened that Vi[s']wámitra, gazing on the
bewitching beauty of that nymph at a season when, spring being in
its glory--

[_Stops short, and appears confused_.

KING.