That sacred bearer of perfumes, blowing (when
he wills) drieth up rivers and takes and seas, including the very nether
region. Without doubt, Pavana protects thee through friendship. It is for
this reason that, though possessed of innumerable branches, thou art
still graced with leaves and flowers. O monarch of the forest, this thy
verdure is delightful since these winged creatures, O child, filled with
joy, sport on thy twigs and branches. During the season when thou puttest
forth thy blossoms, the sweet notes of all these denizens of thy branches
are heard separately when they indulge in their melodious songs. Then,
again, O Salmali, these elephants that are the ornaments of their
species, bathed in sweat and indulging in cries (of delight), approach
thee and find happiness here. Similarly, diverse other species of animals
inhabiting the woods, contribute to adorn thee. Indeed, O tree, thou
lookest beautiful even like the mountains of Meru peopled by creatures of
every kind. Resorted to also by Brahmanas crowned with ascetic success,
by others engaged in penances, and by Yatis devoted to
contemplation,[454] this thy region, I think, resembles heaven itself.'"
SECTION CLV
"Narada said, 'Without doubt, O Salmali, the terrible and irresistible
god of the wind always protects thee from friendliness or amity. It
seems, O Salmali, that a close intimacy has come to subsist between thee
and the Wind. It seems thou hast said unto him these words, viz.
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