20. He was attractive yet formidable (in his look), clear yet vast (in his mind), deep and full (in knowledge), and shining (with his inward light). 21. His life time had no limit, nor his mind any bound to it, nor had age impaired his understanding. He held the ascetics pot in one hand, that went (through life) as his only faithful companion. 22. The compassionateness of his mind, added to the sweet complacency of his speech and looks, pleased the people as if they were actually served with nectar drops, or sprinkled over with ambrosial dews. 23. His body decorated by the sacred thread, and his white prominent eyebrows, made him appear as a wonder to the eyes of his beholders. 24. On seeing the sage, the lord of earth lowly bent himself at a distance, and then bowed down to him (so low), that the ground was decorated by the gems pendant upon his crown. 25. The sage also in his turn greeted the Lord of the earth on the spot with sweet and kind words, like the sun greeting the lord of the gods. 26. Afterwards the assembled Bráhmans (of the court) headed by Vasishtha, honoured him with their welcomes. 27. The king said:—We are as highly favoured, Oh holy sage! by thine unexpected appearance and thy glorious sight, as a bed of lotuses at the sight of the luminous sun. 28. Oh sage, I have felt at thine appearance the happiness which knows no bounds, and which has no diminution in it. 29. This day we must be placed at the front rank of the fortunate, as we have become the object of thine advent. 30. With these and similar conversations that went on among the princes and the sages, they proceeded to the court-hall where they took their respective seats. 31. The king finding the best of sages (Viswámitra) so very prosperous in his devotion, felt some hesitation to offer him the _arghya_ (honorarium) himself with his cheerful countenance. 32. He (the sage) accepted the _arghya_ offered him by the king, and hailed him during his act of turning round (the sage), according to the rules of Sástra. 33. Thus honoured by the king, he with a cheerful countenance asked the Lord of men about the good health (of himself and family), and the fulness of his finance. 34. Then coming in contact with Vasishtha, the great sage saluted him as he deserved with a smile, and asked him about his health (and of those in his hermitage). 35. After their interview and exchange of due courtesies had lasted for a while to the satisfaction of all in the royal assembly; 36. They both took their respective seats; when every one (in the court) respectfully greeted the sage of exalted prowess. 37. After the sapient sage (Viswámitra) was seated, they made various offerings of _pádya_, _arghya_ and kine to him. 38. Having honoured Viswámitra in due form, the lord of men condescended to address him with a gladdest mind and in submissive terms, with his palms folded over each other. SECTION II.