her burden when I was informed of it (14). "In the days of yore I was seated on the western bank of the eastern ocean along with my grand-son the great Kashyapa (15). I was describing various themes relating to the Vedas described before, as well as many other episodes of the Purānas (16). While I was thus discoursing, you all, accompanied by Maruts and the ocean and Gangā in their forms, came to me (17). With rushing waves, clad in a variegated raiment of acquatic animals, with a body shining with shells and pearls, adorned with corals and jewels, accompanied by the moon and roaring like a cloud surcharged with water, the ocean, as if vanquishing me, came to its bank. And throwing up its salt waters he greatly distressed that place (18–20). When the ocean was about to assail that place with his water I said to him in angry words ’be quiet’ (21). No sooner I said ’be quiet’ than he assumed a form. And with all his waves stilled he shone there in right regal grace (22). Desirous of encompassing your well-being and relieving the earth of her burden I imprecated a curse on the ocean and Gangā, saying ’O ocean, since you have come in a regal form, go, you will be a king. Performing many feats with your own power on earth, you will be born in the race of the great Bharata and be a protector of men. Although impatient you assumed a form as soon as I asked you to be quiet. Therefore gifted with a beautiful person you will be celebrated on earth by the name of Shāntanu. And this foremost of rivers, Gangā, of unblemished limbs and expansive eyes, will go to you in a beautiful form (23-27)’. When I said this, the ocean, being depressed at heart, looked at me. He said ’O Lord, O god of gods, why dost thou imprecate a curse on me? I always obey thy commands. I have been made by thee and am always under thy protection. I am therefore thy son. Why hast thou then cursed me in unbecoming words? (28–29). O lord, by thy favour, my waves increased with the tides and so I was agitated. O Brāhman, how am I to blame for this? (30). If during that time thou hast been touched by water thrown up by the wind, what reason is there for thy imprecating a curse on me (31)? I was agitated by three-fold instruments namely the blowing wind, the increasing cloud and _Parva_ accompanied by the moon (32). O Brahman, if I have committed any offence for these three instruments set to work by thee it behoves thee to forgive me and let there be an end of this curse (33). If dost thou find any evidence, O lord of gods, do thou show me mercy who have been depressed by a curse for no offence of mine (34). O lord, by thy command, this Gangā will descend on earth. I am guilty but thou shouldst show mercy on this innocent one (35).’