47. They endeared and embraced us with kind affection, and then bade us to do as we were bid by our sire. At this we bowed down to them, and took our departure from the seat of Brahmá. 48. We then directed our flight to Meru where we found out this _kalpa tree_ and our appointed nest in it. Here we line apart and remote from all, and hold our silence in all matters. 49. We passed the region of the regents of the skies, which shone to a great distance with the blaze of solar rays; we fled through the empty air with the velocity of winds. 50. I have thus related to you in length in answer to your query, regarding the manner of our birth and how we are settled in this place; I have told you also how we came to the knowledge of truth, whereby we have come to this state of undisturbed peace and tranquillity, now bid us, O great Sage! what more can we relate to satisfy your curiosity about us. CHAPTER XX. EXPLICATION OF THE MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER OF BHUSUNDA. Argument.--The stability of the world even at the change and dissolution of the worldly objects; and the immortality of Bhusunda even after the Demise of his Brethren. Bhusunda continued. This world has existed by the prior and bygone kalpa, in the very same state as it does at present, and there is no variation in the formation or location of any thing in any wise. (The ante-diluvean world alike the post-diluvean). 2. Therefore O great Sage! I am accustomed to look to the past and present with an equal eye, and will relate the events of my passed life and by gone ages for your information, as if they are existent with me even at present. (It is the fashion of the old chroniclers, to describe the long past as if it is actually present before them). 3. I find to-day, O great Sage! the fruit of my pious acts of my passed life, that have rewarded me with your blessed presence in this my humble cell. 4. This nest of mine, this branch of the tree, this _kalpa_ arbour and this myself, are all blessed by your propitious presence in this place. (The sight of a superior is a great favour). 5. Deign Sir, to accept of this seat and this honorarium, which are here offered to you by a suppliant bird; and having purified us by your kind acceptance of our poor offerings, please command what other service can we render unto you. (_i.e._, what more can I relate to you). 6. Vasishtha said:--Ráma! after Bhusunda had again presented the seat and honorarium to me, I proffered to him another request in the following words. 7. I said, tell me, O thou senior among birds, why don't I see here those brethren of yours, who must be equally senile and strong in their bodies and intellects, as thou showest thyself to be. 8. Bhusunda answered and said:--I am here destined to remain alone, O Muni! to witness the continuous course of time, and to count and recount the revolutions of ages, as they reckon the succession of days and nights.