for not foregoing your previous resolution. Know that I am the embodiment
of the Northern point of the compass. Thou hast seen the lightness of the
female character. Even women that are aged are tortured by the desire of
sexual union. The Grandsire himself and all the deities with Indra have
been pleased with thee. The object for which thy illustrious self has
come here (is known to me). O foremost of regenerate persons, thou hast
been despatched higher by the Rishi Vadanya--the father of thy bride--in
order that I may instruct thee. Agreeably to the wishes of that Rishi I
have already instructed thee. Thou wilt return home in safety. Thy
journey back will not be toilsome. Thou wilt obtain for wife and girl
thou hast chosen. She will bear thee a son. Through desire I had
solicited thee, thou madest me the very best answer. The desire for
sexual union is incapable of being transcended in the three worlds. Go
back to thy quarters, having achieved such merit. What else is there that
thou wishest to hear from me? I shall discourse on it, O Ashtavakra, in
accordance with the truth. I was gratified by the Rishi Vadanya in the
first instance for thy sake, O regenerate ascetic For the sake of
honouring him, I have said all this to thee.'

"Bhishma continued, 'Hearing these words of hers, the regenerate
Ashtavakra joined his hands in a reverential attitude. He then solicited
the lady for her permission to go back. Obtaining the permission he came
back to his own asylum. Resting himself for some time at home and
obtaining the permission of his kinsmen and friends, he then in a proper
way, proceeded, O delighter of the Kurus, to the Brahmana Vadanya.
Welcomed with the usual enquiries by Vadanya, the Rishi Ashtavakra, with
a well-pleased heart, narrated all that he had seen (in course of his
sojourn to the North). He said,--Commanded by thee I proceeded to the
mountains of Gandhamadana. In the regions lying to the north of these
mountains I beheld a very superior goddess. I was received by her with