In consequence, however, of the substitution
of the two portions, O blessed lady, that which had been intended will
not happen. Thy mother will obtain a Brahmana child while thou wilt
obtain a son that will become a Kshatriya.' Thus addressed by her lord,
the highly blessed Satyavati prostrated herself and placing her head at
his feet, trembling, said, 'It behoveth thee not, O holy one, to speak
such words unto me, viz., 'Thou shalt obtain a wretch among Brahmanas
(for thy son).'
"Richika said, 'This was not intended by me, O blessed lady, in respect
of thee. A son of fierce deeds has been conceived by thee simply in
consequence of the substitution of the sanctified morsels.'
"Satyavati replied saying, 'If thou wishest, O sage, thou canst create
other worlds, what need then be said of a child? It behoveth thee, O
puissant one, to give me a son that shall be righteous and devoted to
peace.'
"Richika said, 'Never was falsehood spoken by me before, O blessed lady,
even in jest. What need then be said of (such a solemn occasion as)
preparing sanctified food with the aid of Vedic formulae after igniting
t. fire? It was ordained of yore by Destiny, O amiable one! I have
ascertained it all by my penances. All the descendants of thy father will
be possessed of Brahmanic virtues.'
"Satyavati said, 'O puissant one, let our grandson be such, but, O
foremost of ascetics, let me have a son of tranquil pursuits.'
"Richika said, 'O thou of the fairest complexion, there is no
distinction, I conceive, between a son and a grandson.
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