12.349
Bhishma said.
There, the lord of serpents went towards the brāhmaṇa, meditating only on him in his mind and considering the state of being purposeful. (12-349-1)
Having approached him, the wise king of serpents, who was by nature fond of dharma, spoke sweet words to the lord of men. (12-349-2)
O, O, I address you for forgiveness; you ought not to be angry. For what purpose have you arrived here, and what is your intention? (12-349-3)
Having approached you out of affection, O twice-born, I ask: In this solitary place on the bank of the Gomati, what is it that you are engaged in? (12-349-4)
The brāhmaṇa said:
Know that I am the Nāga who has come here to see the forest of dharma; O Padmanabha, best of the twice-born, my assigned task is there. (12-349-5)
And I have heard of his absence, that he has gone. I await my own kinsman, just as a farmer awaits the rain. (12-349-6)
And of him, I, joined with yoga and free from affliction, maintain ten thousand Brahmans, all absorbed in auspiciousness and free from pain. (12-349-7)
The serpent said.
Indeed, you are of auspicious conduct, good, affectionate to good people; you are rich in fame, greatly fortunate, and you see everything with supreme affection. (12-349-8)
O best of Brāhmaṇas, I am that serpent whom you have found; command me so that I may freely do whatever is dear to you. (12-349-9)
Having heard from my own people that you have arrived here, O twice-born, I have therefore come myself to see you. (12-349-10)
You, having arrived today and accomplished your purpose, will return. O best of the twice-born, you should confidently tell me about the matter. (12-349-11)
Indeed, all of us have been won over by your virtues, especially; for you, having set aside your own benefit, follow only me here. (12-349-12)
The brāhmaṇa said.
O greatly fortunate one, I have come to see you, eager for your audience. Ignorant of misfortune, I wish to ask you about a certain matter, O serpent. (12-349-13)
I, established in myself and seeking my own welfare, truly worship the greatly wise and powerful one who seeks a dwelling. (12-349-14)
You are revealed by your own qualities, by rays filled with fame, by the delightful touch of moonbeams, and by your self-illumination. (12-349-15)
O eater of wind, you should resolve the question that has arisen for me; afterwards, I will speak of the matter, and you are worthy to hear it from me. (12-349-16)
