Having proceeded thus far with the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O lord of the earth! whilst engaged in these festive sports, a whim seized Krishnù, and he went with the cowherdesses to the banks of the Jumna. Going into the water and engaging in aquatic pastimes, after he had got rid of his fatigue, he came out; and having accomplished the wishes of them all, said to them, “There are four ghurees of the night remaining; go all of you to your homes.” The cowherdesses were sad at these words, and said, “Lord! how shall we go home, leaving your lotus-like feet? Our greedy minds do not approve of what you have suggested.” Shree Krishnù replied, “Meditate on me in the manner that religious devotees meditate; and wherever you may be, I will always be with you.” They were gratified at these words, and taking leave returned home; and no one at their houses was aware that they had not been all along at their respective house. Having heard thus much of the history, Raja Pureechit said to Shree Shookdeo, the sage,--“O kind to the poor! Shree Krishnù Chund had come upon the earth to destroy evil spirits, and remove the burthens of the world, and, having conferred happiness on saints and religious men, to promote piety. Explain to me, why he engaged in festivities with other men’s wives; as it is the act of a dissolute person to enjoy himself with another man’s wife?” Shookdeo Jee replied, Raja! you do not understand this mystery, and regard the deity as a mortal. His body is glorious and pure, by remembrance of whom sin is obliterated, just as any thing falling into fire, itself becomes fire. What cannot the powerful do? because by their acts they overcome fate: as Shivù took poison, and after having taken it made of it an ornament for his neck, and formed a black snake into a necklace. Who can understand his actions? Beings with power do nothing for themselves, but confer boons on all petitioners, who worship and hold them in remembrance. The nature of Krishnù is this; that he seems to associate with all: but if you consider, you will perceive, that he appears as separate as the lotus leaf from the water. I have already narrated to you the history of the cowherdesses’ birth, and that Dewee and the mystical prayers of the Vedas were born, and came to Bruj to see and touch Huri. And in this manner Shree Radhika also, having obtained a blessing from Bruhmù, was born to be a servant to Krishnù Chund; and remained in the service of her master. Shree Shookdeo Jee continued, O great king! we are told to believe all the acts that Krishnù performed, but not to turn our thoughts to the manner in which, and the means by which, they were performed. Whoever celebrates the fame of the lord of the cowherdesses, obtains, fearless and unmoved, the highest dignity. And the same benefits which are procured by bathing in the sixty-eight places of pilgrimage, are procured by celebrating the great renown of Shree Krishnù. CHAPTER XXXV.