in the denominations of the daughters of Angiras (p. 153), yet it seems probable that it is not altogether fabulous, but that the persons, in some instances, had a real existence; the genealogies originating in imperfectly preserved traditions of the families of the first teachers of the Hindu religion, and of the descent of individuals who took an active share in its propagation.

CHAPTER XI.

Legend of Dhruva, the son of Uttánapáda: he is unkindly treated by his father's second wife: applies to his mother: her advice: he resolves to engage in religious exercises: sees the seven Rishis, who recommend him to propitiate Vishnu.

PARÁSARA continued. I mentioned to you that the Manu Swayambhuva had two heroic and pious sons, Priyavrata and Uttánapáda. Of these two the latter had a son, whom he dearly loved, Uttama, by his favourite wife, Suruchi. By his queen, named Suníti, to whom he was less attached, he also had a son, called Dhruva. Observing his brother Uttama on the lap of his father, as he was seated upon his throne, Dhruva was desirous of ascending to the same place; but, as Suruchi was present, the Raja did not gratify the desire of his son, respectfully wishing to be taken on his father's knee. Beholding the child of her rival thus anxious to be placed on his father's lap, and her own son already seated there, Suruchi thus addressed the boy: "Why, child, do you vainly indulge in such presumptuous hopes? You are born from a different mother, and are no son of mine, that should aspire you inconsiderately to a station fit for the excelleut Uttama alone. It is true you are the son of the Raja: but I

1 The Matsya, Brahma, and Váyu Puráñas speak of but one wife of Uttánapáda, and call her Súnŕitá. They say, also, that she had four sons: Apaspati (or Vasu), Áyushmat, Kirttimat, and Dhruva. The Bhagavata, Padma, and Náradíya have the same account as that of the text.

have not given you birth. This regal throne, the seat of the king of kings, is suited to my son only. Why should you aspire to its occupation? Why idly cherish such lofty ambition, as if you were my son? Do you forget that you are but the offspring of Suníti?"

The boy, having heard the speech of his step-mother, quitted his father, and repaired, in a passion, to the apartment of his own mother; who, beholding him vexed, took him upon her lap, and, gently smiling, asked him what was the cause of his anger, who had displeased him, and if any one, forgetting the respect due to his father, had behaved ill to him. Dhruva, in reply, repeated to her all that the arrogant Suruchi had said to him, in the presence of the king. Deeply distressed by the narrative of the boy, the humble Suníti, her eyes dimmed with tears, sighed, and said: "Suruchi has rightly spoken. Thine, child, is an unhappy fate. Those who are born to fortune are not liable to the insults of their rivals. Yet be not afflicted, my child. For who shall efface what thou hast formerly done, or shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone? The regal throne, the umbrella of royalty, horses, and elephants are his whose virtues have deserved them. Remember this, my son, and be consoled. That the king favours Suruchi is the reward of her merits in a former existence. The name of wife alone belongs to such as I, who have not equal merit. Her son is the progeny of accumulated piety, and is born as Uttama. Mine has been born as Dhruva, of inferior moral worth. Therefore, my son, it is not proper for you to grieve. A wise man will be contented with that degree which appertains to him. But, if you continue to feel hurt

at the words of Suruchi, endeavour to augment that religious merit which bestows all good. Be amiable; be pious; be friendly; be assiduous in benevolence to all living creatures. For prosperity descends upon modest worth, as water flows towards low ground."

Dhruva answered: "Mother, the words that you have addressed to me, for my consolation, find no place in a heart that contumely has broken. I will exert myself to obtain such elevated rank, that it shall be revered by the whole world. Though I be not born of Suruchi, the beloved of the king, you shall behold my glory, who am your son. Let Uttama, my brother, her child, possess the throne given to him by my father. I wish for no other honours than such as my own actions shall acquire, such as even my father has not enjoyed."

Having thus spoken, Dhruva went forth from his mother's dwelling. He quitted the city, and entered an adjoining thicket, where he beheld seven Munis, sitting upon hides of the black antelope, which they had taken from off their persons, and spread over the holy Kusa grass. Saluting them reverentially, and bowing humbly before them, the prince said: "Behold, in me, venerable men, the son of Uttánapáda, born of Suníti. Dissatisfied with the world, I appear before you." The Rishis replied: "The son of a king, and but four or five years of age, there can be no reason, child, why you should be dissatisfied with life. You cannot be in want of anything, whilst the king, your father, reigns. We cannot imagine that you suffer the pain of separation from the object of your affections;

nor do we observe, in your person, any sign of disease. What is the cause of your discontent? Tell us, if it is known to yourself."

Dhruva then repeated to the Rishis what Suruchi had spoken to him; and, when they had heard his story, they said to one another: "How surprising is the vehemence of the Kshatriya nature, that resentment is cherished even by a child, and he cannot efface from his mind the harsh speeches of a step-mother! Son of a Kshatriya, tell us, if it be agreeable to thee, what thou hast proposed, through dissatisfaction with the world, to accomplish. If thou wishest our aid in what thou hast to do, declare it freely: for we perceive that thou art desirous to speak."

Dhruva said: "Excellent sages, I wish not for riches; neither do I want dominion. I aspire to such a station as no one before me has attained. Tell me what I must do, to effect this object; how I may reach an elevation superior to all other dignities." (The Rishis severally thus replied.) Maríchi said: "The best of stations is not within the reach of men who fail to propitiate Govinda. Do thou, prince, worship the undecaying (Achyuta)." Atri said: "He with whom the first of spirits, Janárdana, is pleased, obtains imperishable dignity. I declare unto you the truth." Angiras said: "If you desire an exalted station, worship that Govinda in whom, immutable and undecaying, all that is exists.” Pulastya said: "He who adores the divine Hari, the supreme soul, supreme glory, who is the supreme Brahma, obtains what is difficult of attainment, eternal liberation." "When that Janárdana", observed Kratu, "who, in sacrifices, is the soul of sacrifice, and who, in