12.348
The serpent said.
Now, in the form of a brāhmaṇa, whom do you perceive him to be, O pure-smiling one? Do you see him as merely a human, a brāhmaṇa, or a god? (12-348-1)
O illustrious one, which human who desires to see me and is capable, will speak words expressing the wish to see me before being permitted? (12-348-2)
O radiant one, among the groups of gods, demons, and divine sages, indeed, the serpents of great strength and the energetic Saurasenas stand out. (12-348-3)
We, who are worthy of reverence and bestowers of boons, are also followers; especially among men, the superintendents of wealth, thus says the scripture. (12-348-4)
The serpent's wife said.
By straightforwardness I recognize that he is not a god who eats wind. But I know one thing about him: he is devoted and very angry. (12-348-5)
He, longing for another task and thirsting for water, is like the heron who, being fond of rain, eagerly awaits the sight of your rain. (12-348-6)
Indeed, no divine being, even if disturbed, would wait for you. For among those born in equal noble birth, no one serves another. (12-348-7)
Having abandoned that innate anger, you are worthy to see him. By cutting off hope for him today, you should not burn yourself. (12-348-8)
If, out of hope, the king or the prince does not wipe away the tears of those who are afflicted, it is indeed considered equivalent to the killing of an embryo. (12-348-9)
From silence comes the attainment of the fruit of knowledge; by giving, great fame is obtained; eloquence is gained by speaking the truth; and in the next world, one is honored. (12-348-10)
By giving land, one attains a state comparable to a hermitage; having recovered lost wealth, one enjoys the fruit. (12-348-11)
The knowers of dharma have declared that if one performs the intended, untainted action without desire, no one goes to hell. (12-348-12)
The serpent said.
O virtuous lady, by pride my honor and by the fault of birth, indeed great anger born of resolve has been burnt by the fire of your words. (12-348-13)
Nor, O virtuous lady, would I, out of anger, see a greater darkness; those to whom even serpents especially go to be addressed. (12-348-14)
Because he fell under the sway of fault, the mighty ten-necked Rāvaṇa, rival of Indra, was slain by Rāma in battle. (12-348-15)
When they heard that Rāma had taken away the calf that had entered the inner apartments, the sons of Kārtavīrya, agitated by the outrage and anger, were slain. (12-348-16)
Kārtavīrya, of great strength and equal to Indra, was slain in battle by Rāma, the son of Jamadagni, out of anger. (12-348-17)
This, being the enemy of austerities and the downfall of excellence, I have restrained my anger upon hearing your words. (12-348-18)
O unfailing one, I especially praise myself, for you, O large-eyed one, are my wife endowed with all virtues. (12-348-19)
I will go right there where that twice-born stands; in every way, one who has spoken a statement and whose purpose is not accomplished will not go. (12-348-20)
