But Kangsa, the King, full of terror and rage, cried: "Ho, guards! Seize him and take him to the outskirts of my kingdom and drive him into banishment Imprison Nanda and Yasodā, confiscate all their lands and belongings, and take from the Gopas their wealth and goods and drive them from Brindāban. Kill Devaki and Vāsudeva, who are now imprisoned in my dungeon. Kill all who know and love this youth, 'tis my command." A moment Krishna gazed on Kangsa, then with a bound he reached the platform where Kangsa stood with sword unsheathed. "O Kangsa. I am the eighth son of Devaki whom thou so long hast sought to slay. It is writ that thou by my hand must die! O King, dost thou think that human hand can turn aside the force of the Law?" And hurling Kangsa down on the ground, He leaped over the prostrate king, whereat his life departed. But his glazed eyes were fixed on Him whose hand had blessed even him by its touch and burned away every sin from his soul. Then, hastening through the lines of guards, who prostrated low at His approach. He went to where His father and mother were imprisoned in dungeons dark and deep. Low he bent to their feet, murmuring in accents sweet; "O parents mine! Oh, much have ye suffered for my sake and all ye shall gain through Me; for in Me is all there is to gain and outside of Me there is naught. From thy womb. O Devaki, I was born, yet out of Me thou didst come. I prostrate before thee." Then saluting them both, 'mid deafening cheers, he led them forth to the palace. And the father of Kangsa, dethroned by his son, received and welcomed them there. And wild was the joy of the populace on that day that Krishna lifted the yoke of bondage from them, and they blessed the hour that the sun had ushered in that day, which brought a new ruler in their land. And already Mathura felt the joy that was but a forerunner of a perfect reign. For Krishna it was who placed on the throne the one who would rule the land in goodness and plenty. Messages and Revelations from Sree Krishna MESSAGES AND REVELATIONS FROM SREE KRISHNA Within my belly you do dwell, yet in every heart I sit. Know you this, O my own, and you shall forget and fetter yourselves to Me. The wings of your Self now are close clapped like a dripping feather all wet with tears of pain and folded about your body, keeping it rolled like a ball, unable to stand upon the feet of might and strength which I have endowed you with. These wings, my own, I will spread for you, until the grand, noble forehead of your Self shall rise above the realm where Time and Space do reign. * *