Let the
means, however, of our rescue be pointed out to us.'
"Brahman said, 'This sin that you shall take shall possess the man who
through stupefaction of judgment will cut or tear any of you when Parva
days come.'
"Bhishma said, 'Thus addressed by the high-souled Brahman, the trees and
herbs and grasses adored the Creator and then went away without tarrying
there. The Grandsire of all the worlds then summoned the Apsaras and
gratifying them with sweet words, O Bharata, said, 'This foremost of
ladies, viz., Brahmanicide, has come out of Indra's person. Solicited by
me, do you take a fourth portion of her into your own persons (for saving
the Chief of the deities).'
"The Apsaras said, 'O Lord of all the gods, at thy command we are fully
willing to take a portion of this sin. But, O Grandsire, do thou think of
the means by which we ourselves may be freed from (the effects of) this
understanding (that we make with thee).'
"Brahman said, 'Let the fever of your hearts be dispelled. The portion of
this sin that you will take upon yourselves shall leave you for instantly
possessing that man who will seek congress with women in their menstrual
season!'
"Bhishma continued, 'Thus addressed by the Grandsire, O bull of Bharata's
race, the diverse tribes of the Apsaras, with cheerful souls, repaired to
their respective places and began to sport in delight. The illustrious
Creator of the three worlds, endued with great ascetic merit, then
recollected the Waters which immediately came to him.
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