Thus urged, the sage recounted both The birth of Gangá and her growth:-- "The mighty hill with metals stored, Himálaya, is the mountains' lord, The father of a lovely pair Of daughters fairest of the fair-- Their mother, offspring of the will Of Meru, everlasting hill, Mená, Himálaya's darling, graced With beauty of her dainty waist. Gangá was elder-born:--then came The fair one known by Umá's name. Then all the Gods of heaven, in need Of Gangá's help their vows to speed, To great Himálaya came and prayed The Mountain King to yield the maid. He, not regardless of the weal Of the three worlds, with holy zeal His daughter to the Immortals gave, Gangá whose waters cleanse and save-- Who roams at pleasure, fair and free, Purging all sinners, to the sea. The three-pathed Gangá thus obtained, The Gods their heavenly homes regained. Long time the sister Umá passed In vows austere and rigid fast, And the King gave the devotee Immortal Rudra's bride to be-- Matching with that unequalled Lord His Umá through the worlds adored. So now a glorious station fills Each daughter of the King of Hills-- One honored as the noblest stream, One mid the Goddesses supreme. Thus Gangá, King Himálaya's child, The heavenly river, undefiled, Rose bearing with her to the sky Her waves that bless and purify." [_Cantos XXXVII and XXXVIII are omitted._] CANTO XXXIX THE SONS OF SAGAR