05.116

Nārada said:

In the same way, Madhavi, renowned and true to her word, abandoned her splendor, became a maiden, and, according to his lineage, approached the Brahmin Gālava. (5-116-1)

Gālava, his mind set on his own task and reflecting, went to the city of the Bhojas to see the king of the Uśīnaras. (5-116-2)

Then, approaching the king of true valor, he said to him, "This maiden will bear you two sons, O king." (5-116-3)

O king, by fathering two sons with this woman, who will shine like the moon and the sun, you will have accomplished your purpose both here and hereafter. (5-116-4)

But as the fee, O knower of all dharma, four hundred horses radiant as the moon, each with one ear black, should be given to me. (5-116-5)

This undertaking is for the teacher's sake; I have no purpose with the horses. If it is possible, great king, let it be done without hesitation. (5-116-6)

You are childless, O royal sage; beget two sons, O king, and with the raft of sons, deliver both your ancestors and yourself. (5-116-7)

O royal sage, one who enjoys the fruit of sons does not fall from heaven; nor does he go to that terrible hell where the sonless go. (5-116-8)

Having heard this and other various things said by Gālava, King Uśīnara gave him a reply. (5-116-9)

I have heard your words as you say them, Gālava, but fate is powerful, brāhman, for my mind is indeed inclined. (5-116-10)

But, O best of Brahmins, I have two hundred such horses; of others, thousands—very many—move about for me. (5-116-11)

O Gālava, I too will beget only one son in her, Brāhmaṇa; having set out on the path with the others, I will depart. (5-116-12)

Even for the same price, O best of twice-born, I would do it for you; but my purpose is for the benefit of the city and province, not for personal enjoyment. (5-116-13)

For a king who gives away the wealth of another out of desire, O righteous one, is not acting righteously, nor does he attain fame. (5-116-14)

Therefore I will accept—let your Majesty give me this maiden, radiant as a goddess, so that I may have a single son. (5-116-15)

But when King Uśīnara, who had spoken many good things, had done so, Gālava, the best of the twice-born, honored him in return. (5-116-16)

Having accepted Uśīnara, Gālava departed for the forest and rejoiced upon attaining her, like one who has earned prosperity through meritorious deeds. (5-116-17)

In the mountain caves, on the mountains, by the rivers, in the waterfalls, in the various gardens, in the forests and groves, (5-116-18)

in beautiful mansions, on palace towers, in windowed chambers, and in inner sanctums (5-116-19)

Then at that time, a son was born to him—Shibi, radiant like the rising sun, well known by name, who was the foremost among kings. (5-116-20)

Gālava, the brahmin, approached him, received the girl, and departed; O king, he saw the son of Vinatā. (5-116-21)