Said Jaimini: An answer ye have found
To all my questions; and indeed have filled
Me full of deepest interest. Oh! I long
To hear yet more! Alas! that saintly king!
What grief he suffered! Did he e'er attain
To any comfort answering to his woe?
Noblest of Birds! Oh tell me this, I pray.

The Holy Birds continued: Then the king,
O'ercome with grief and pain, hearing the words
Of Visvamitra, with his wife and son
Journeyed along, dragging his weary steps.
At length the holy place appeared in view--
The shrine of Siva; thus within himself,
He said: "Benares, sacred to the god,
Lies now before me; there shall I find rest,
For there man has no power." The king approached
The gates on foot: lo! at the entry stood
The Brahman Visvamitra. Mighty Saint!
The king, his hands in supplication joined,
With humble reverence, said: "Here is my life,
My wife, my son, I offer all to thee;
Accept, I pray, the offering! or choose
Whatever else thou wouldest!" But the sage
Replied: "The month is past! most saintly king!
Give me the present for the sacrifice--
The offering thou hast promised." "One half-day
As yet remains before the month be past,
Oh Brahman of surpassing piety,