25. Lo the sea ebbing with the waning moon during the dark fortnight of the month; and the receding tides describing and leaving the linear marks of their regression upon the sands on the shore. 26. Lo the woodland decorated as a beauty, with clusters of flowers hanging as wreaths and garlands on every side; breathing fragrance all about, and attired in the robe of its cooling shade. 27. The variegated foliage from its party-coloured dress, and the waterfalls seem as its sweet smiles; and the flowers strewn about, appear as the flowery bed of the happy woodland dame. (The word _vana_ means the _vana-devi_ or woodland goddess, corresponding with a dryad, sylva or Flora). 28. Here the high-minded sages and hermits, are as highly delighted with their quiet sylvan retreats; as the celestials are joyous in gardens of Eden. (Eden and Udyána are both the same). 29. The placid and indifferent minds of sages, are equally delighted with these solitary woodlands, as the restless and impatient minds of lovers and worldly people. 30. The waters of the sea, whether running into the land, or washing the foot of the rock on the sea-shore; are equally shining and sounding as their tinkling ornaments or anklets (nupurs). 31. The _punnága_ flowers blooming on mountains, appear as golden mines upon them; and the goldfinch birds flying over them, look like winged angels in the aerial course. 32. The mountain forests appear to be in a conflagration, with their full blown _champaka_ flowers blazing as fire, and the bees and clouds hovering over them as smoke; while the current winds are spreading above their dust and petals like the sparks of fire. 33. Lo the _kokila_ swinging and singing, on his seat of the topmost stalk of a _karavira_ tree; when his mate comes and embraces him there, and sings responsive to his songs with her clamorous chattering. (It is a sarcasm on pettish wives, that often interrupt the silent musings of their consorts with their tastelessness). 34. See the salt waters of the briny ocean, roaring aloud against shore; but the coast-lands are kept in subjection under the hands of their able masters. (The rule of kings stretched to the seashore). 35. O lord! deign to make this earth (_i.e._ the continent of Jambudwípa or Asia), stretching to the four seas on the four sides, as thy footstool; and establish thy rule over the remaining potentates, that escaped the brunt of thy valour; appoint rulers over all the provinces on all sides; and provide them with proper force and arms, which are necessary to keep them in order; and continue to govern thy realms with mercy and moderation. CHAPTER CXXI. EXPOSITION OF THE STORY OF VIPASCHIT. Argument:--Boundaries of Vipaschit’s Realms. His adoration of fire and attempt to proceed further. Vasishtha related:--Then the king Vipaschit and his companions, sat on the coast of the sea, and did whatever was requisite for the establishment of his sovereignty.