THE SLAYING OF BAKASURA

It would be best if I am banded over to the rakshasa. Blessed indeed is the woman who passes to the other world, while her husband is alive. This, as you know, is what the scriptures say. Bid me farewell. Take care of my children. I have been happy with you.

I have performed many meritorious actions. By my faithful devotion to you, I am sure of heaven, Death has no terror for one who has been a good wife. After I am gone, take another wife. Glad den me with a brave smile, give me your blessing, and send me to the rakshasa."

Hearing these words of his wife, the brahmana tenderly embraced her and, utterly overcome by her love and courage, he wept like a child. When he could find his voice, hereplied: "O beloved and noble one, what words are these?

Can I bear to live without you? The first duty of a married man is to protect his wife. I should indeed be a pitiful sinner if I lived after giving you up to the rakshasa, sacrificing both love and duty."

The daughter who was hearing this piteous conversation, now interposed with sobs: "Listen to me, child though I be, and then do what is proper. It is me alone that you' can spare to the rakshasa. By sacrificing one soul, that is, myself, you can save the others. Let me be the little boat to take you across this river of calamity.

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