Thereupon at the words of the great saints, the subjects approached the son of Vena and begged of him their maintenances (45). Thus approached by his subjects and with a view to do them good the powerful king took up his bow and assailed the earth (46). Thereupon assuming the form of a cow the earth fled away in fear of Vena’s son. Prithu too, taking up his bow, pursued her (47). Traversing the region of Brahmā and all other regions in fear of Vena’s son she saw him everywhere before her with the bow in his hand (48). He looked effulgent like the burning eternal fire with his sharpened arrows and even the immortals could not repress that high-souled one (49). Even when repairing to the region of Brahmā she could not find safety; the earth, adored even by the three worlds with folded hands then said to the son of Vena:—"You should not perpetrate the iniquity of slaying a woman. Without me, how will you be able, O king, to protect your subjects (50-51). O king, all the worlds are situated on me, and this universe is sustained by me. Know this, O king, that with my destruction all the creatures will be destroyed (52). O king, if you wish to encompass the well being of your subjects it does not behove you to kill me. Listen to these words of mine (53). If works are undertaken commensurate with their means they are crowned with success. Do you, O king, find out the means by which you will protect your subjects (54). By slaying me, O king, you will not be able to protect your subjects by any means. O you of great effulgence, I will find it out; do you restrain your anger (55). Even women of inferior births should not be slain. Therefore, O king, you should not forsake your morality (56)." Hearing those various words of the earth the high-souled and pious king, restraining his anger, said to her (57). ¹¹ It is a hell where all those who have no son born to them go after death. It is for this that the Hindus look so eagerly to the birth of a son. CHAPTER VI. THE ORIGIN OF THE EARTH. Prithu said:—He, who for one individual destroys many lives either belonging to his own side or to his opposite party, commits a sin in this world (1). By slaying that harmful person at whose death many become happy one is not visited by sin, either great or small (2). If by the destruction of one wicked person the well-being of many is secured such an act leads to the acquisition of virtue (3). I shall therefore, for the behoof of my subjects, kill you, O earth. If you do not satisfy this command of mine conducive to the well-being of the world I shall kill you with this arrow who have neglected my command. And having buried my own self (under the earth) I shall uphold my subjects forever (4-5). O you ever observant of pious rites, do you, during my regeme, give life to my subjects for you are capable of protecting them (6). Do you give milk for me and then I will withdraw the dreadful arrow that I have taken up for your destruction (7).