I
am destitute also of a knowledge of the Vedas. Know, O best of Brahmanas,
that I have taken up my abode here for the sake of wealth alone. At thy
sight, however, I am blest today. We shall together set out of this place
tomorrow. Do thou pass the night here with me. Thus addressed, the
newly-arrived Brahmana, full of compassion as he was, passed the night
there, refraining to touch anything. Indeed, though hungry and requested
repeatedly the guest refused to touch any food in that house.'"
SECTION CLXIX
"Bhishma said, 'After that night had passed away and that best of
Brahmanas had left the house, Gautama, issuing from his abode, began to
proceed towards the sea, O Bharata! On the way he beheld some merchants
that used to make voyages on the sea. With that caravan of merchants he
proceeded towards the ocean. It so happened however, O king, that that
large caravan was assailed, while passing through a valley, by an
infuriated elephant. Almost all the persons were killed. Somehow escaping
from that great danger, the Brahmana fled towards the north for saving
his life not knowing whither he proceeded. Separated from the caravan and
led far away from that spot, he began to wander alone in a forest, like
Kimpurusha.[493] At last coming upon a road that led towards the ocean he
journeyed on till he reached a delightful and heavenly forest abounding
in flowering trees. It was adorned with mango trees that put forth
flowers and fruits throughout the year.
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