And she said, 'How, O foremost of
speakers, shall a lady like me that has sprung from thee proceed to
accomplish such a terrible feat,--a feat, that is, which is sure to
inspire all living creatures with dread? I fear to do aught that is
iniquitous. Do thou appoint such work for me as is righteous. Thou seest
that I am frightened. Oh, cast a compassionate glance upon me. I shall
not be able to cut off living creatures,--infants, youths, and aged
ones,--who have done me no injury. O lord of all creatures, I bow to
thee, be gratified with me. I shall not be able to cut off dear sons and
loved friends and brothers and mothers and fathers. If these die (through
my act), their surviving relatives will surely curse me. I am filled with
fear at the prospect of this.[1111] The tears of the sorrow-stricken
survivors will burn me for eternity. I am very much afraid of them (whose
relatives I shall have to cut off). I seek thy protection. All sinful
creatures (slain by me) will have to sink into the infernal regions. I
seek to gratify thee, O boon-giving god! Extend to me thy grace, O
puissant lord! I seek the gratification of this wish, O Grandsire, of all
the worlds. O foremost of all the gods, I seek, through thy grace, even
this object, viz., permission to undergo severe austerities.'
"The Grandsire said, 'O Death, thou hast been intended by me for the
destruction of all creatures. Go, and set thyself to the task of slaying
all. Do not reflect (upon the propriety or otherwise of this act).
Pages:
2079
2080
2081
2082
2083
2084
2085
2086
2087
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099
2100
2101
2102
2103