9. The third has gone to Benares and the fourth to the Himálayas; and the remaining four remained at this place, and employed themselves to their rigorous austerities. 10. It was the earnest desire of each and every one of them, to become the sovran lord of all the seven continents of the earth. 11. At last they all succeeded to accomplish their objects of their self same desire, by the grace and boon which obtained from the respective deity of their adoration, that was pleased with the austerity of his particular devotee. 12. The brethren returned to their habitation, when you had been employed in your devotion; and after their enjoyment of the fruition of this earth in golden age, they have ascended to the empyrean of Brahmá. 13. O sir, those brothers of yours, finding their respective gods propitious to them, and willing to confer blessings upon them, had made the following request of them saying:-- 14. Ye gods! make our seven brothers, the lords of the seven continents of the earth; and let all our subjects be truthful and sincere, and attached to the occupations of their respective orders. 15. The gods that were adored by them, gladly occupied their prayer; and having assented to their request, disappeared from them, and vanished in the open sky. 16. They all went afterwards to their respective habitation, and met death except this one who is now here. 17. I only have been sitting alone, devoutly intent upon meditation; and have remained as motionless as a stone, beneath this kadamba tree, which is sacred to the goddess of speech. 18. Now as the seasons and years, have been rolling on upon my devoted head, I have lived to see this forest, to be broken and cut down by woodmen, living in the skirts of these woods. 19. They have spared only this unfading kadamba tree, which they had made an object of their veneration, as the abode of the goddess of speech; and me also whom they believe to be absorbed in inflexible meditation. 20. Now sirs, as you seem to have newly come to this place, and bear the appearance of aged ascetics; I have therefore related to you all that I have come to know by my cogitation only. 21. Rise then ye righteous men, and proceed to your native homes; where you will meet your brothers in the circle of their family and friends. 22. You will find eight of your brothers, remaining in their abode; and resembling the eight high minded Vasus, sitting in the high heaven of Brahmá. 23. After that great devotee had said so far, I interrupted him saying:--I have a great doubt in this wondrous relation of yours, which you will be pleased to expound it to me. 24. We know this earth to be composed of seven continents only, how then is it possible for eight brothers, to be the lord of them all, at the one and same time. 25. The kadamba ascetic said:--It is not inconsistent what I have related to you, there are many such are seemingly incongruous, but become evident when they are explained.