Vaishampāyana said:—After Nārada had said this and gone away Kansa, meditating on his words, began to laugh aloud with his lips open, and smilingly said to his servants who were before him. "Truly the gods make fun with Narada and he has no knowledge of things (21–22). Even when I am seated on my throne, asleep, mad or intoxicated, the gods headed by Vāsava cannot terrify me the least (23). Who is there in the land of men who can dare make me angry? I can even agitate the earth with these two my huge arms (24). From to-day I shall greatly oppress men, beasts, birds and all other creatures who follow the gods (25). Do ye issue this command to Keshi, in the shape of a horse, Pralamva, Dhenuka, Aristha, in the form of a bull, Putanā, Kaliya and other demons (26). Assuming diverse forms do ye range all over the world and destroy them whom you will find against me (27). Nārada has said that our fear proceeds from conception and therefore you should always be informed of the movements of all those who have been conceived by women (28). When I am your master you need not be afraid of any accidental calamity. Therefore freed of all anxiety do ye enjoy objects of pleasure of your own accord (29). Narada is greatly fond of quarrels and is intent on creating dissensions. In order to set one against another that Brāhmana, with a restive mind, travels in all the worlds, creates dissensions even amongst men of highly quiet temparament and works out enmity amongst kings by various means" (30–31). Having vauntingly said this Kansa entered his own palace but his heart was burning with the fire of anger (32). CHAPTER LVII. AN ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF DEMONS Vaishampayana said:—Thereupon worked up with anger Kansa said to all his well-meaning ministers:—"Do ye always be on your guard for destroying the (eight born) children of Devaki (1). The calamity, which we suspect, should be eradicated. Therefore from the very beginning destroy all the embryos of Devaki (2). Let Devaki, well guarded in the inner appartment by the warders, range there confidently. And when she conceives keep her with care (3). As soon as she will conceive, the women of my harem will count the months from the very first, and being informed of the time of delivery we will do what we think proper (4). Let Vasudeva too be kept unconsciously day and night in the inner appartment by eunuchs and women engaged in my well being. Let no body disclose to him the secret (5). With these human efforts people should accomplish their objects. Hear how persons like me avert the course of destiny (6). Even an adverse destiny is made propitious by well employed _mantras_, properly administered medicines, care and devotion (7)."