Section CLXLI

“Markandeya continued, ‘At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that arrow of fierce energy, shot by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner apartments, and hearing this, Dala said there and then, ‘Ye people of Ikshvaku’s race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today, grinding him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye lords of earth, behold my prowess now.’ And at these words of Dala, Vamadeva said, ‘This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with poison, that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be able to aim nor even to shoot.’ And thereupon the king said, ‘Ye men of Ikshvaku’s race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow that hath been taken up by me. I fail to compass the death of this Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is blessed with a long life live.’ Then Vamadeva said, ‘Touching thy queen with this arrow, thou mayst purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to take the life of a Brahmana).’ And king Dala did as he was directed and the queen then addressed the Muni, and said, ‘O Vamadeva, let me be able to duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day, imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait upon and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the sacred regions hereafter.’ And hearing these words of the queen, Vamadeva said, ‘O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this royal race. Beg thou an incomparable boon. I will grant thee whatever thou mayst ask. And, O thou faultless one, rule thou, O princess, these thy kinsmen and this great kingdom of the Ikshvakus!’ And hearing these words of Vamadeva the princess said, ‘This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my husband may now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed in thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that I ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!’

“Markandeya continued, ‘Hearing these words of the queen, that Muni, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, ‘So be it.’ And thereupon king Dala became highly glad and gave unto the Muni his Vami steeds, having bowed down unto him with reverence!’”