12. The huge surges which lifted them to great heights, represented the enormous elephants, on which they used to mount, and ride about in their native land. 13. The vast expanse of water appears as the void space of the sky; and the succession of heaving waves in it, represents the folds of gathering clouds in heaven, and as they were dashing against one another, they emitted the flash of lightnings anon. 14. The loose and loud surges of the sea, resembled the loosened elephants in the battle field; and though they dashed against the shore with all their force; yet they were unable to break them down, as the elephants are baffled in their attempt to break down a stone built rampart. 15. The waving waves reflecting the rays of the brilliant pearls and gems, which they bore with them from shore to shore; resemble the eminent men, who though they pass alone from place to place, appear yet to be accompanied by their train and glory every where. 16. The surf tramples over the mass of hoary froth with contempt, as the snowy white swan treads upon the bed of whitish lotuses in disdain. (The surf and the swan, being whiter far than the froth and the lotus). 17. The sounding main, which was as loud as the roaring clouds, and the re-billowing billows, which were louder than they, bore no terror to them that stood as rocks thereon. 18. The cloud-kissing waves of the ocean, now rising above the mountains, and now falling low at their feet, were likely to touch the solar orb, and then sink into the infernal. 19. They were not afraid of the rising or falling waters; but passed over the sea as upon sheet of cloth; and shrouded by the drizzling clouds, which formed a canopy over them. 20. Thus the companions of the king crossed the ocean, which was full of sharks and alligators, and tremendous eddies; they were sprinkled by water like showers of flowers, and adorned with marine gems and pearls; and they crossed over on foot, as others do in navies. CHAPTER CXXIII. THE KING’S EXCURSIONS ON ALL SIDES. Argument:--The King and his train, pass over the islands and proceed towards the west. Vasishtha related:--Thus they proceeded onward, to explore into the visible phenomena, exposed before them by Ignorance (avidyá or external nature); and continued to walk on foot, over the watery maze and the islands it contained. 2. They passed over the ocean to some island, and then from that island to the sea again; and in this manner they traversed on foot, over many a mountain and wilderness in interminable succession. 3. Then as the king was proceeding towards the western main, he was seized and devoured by a voracious fish, which was as the undying breed of Vishnu’s fish, and as fleet as a boat in the stream of Bitasta Beyah. (Vishnu’s fish was the deathless incarnation of himself).