12.352
The brāhmaṇa said.
There is no doubt that this is wonderful; O serpent, I am well-pleased, for by sentences with appropriate meaning, you have shown me the path. (12-352-1)
May well-being be to you; I shall go, O noble one, best of serpents. I am to be remembered by you by the assignments of sending. (12-352-2)
The serpent said.
Without telling me about the task concerning me, where are you going now? O Brahmin, please tell me what task and for what purpose you have come here. (12-352-3)
O brāhmaṇa, in matters done, whether said or unsaid, after addressing me, O best of twice-born, and having received my special permission, then you may depart. (12-352-4)
Indeed, having seen me here and being affectionate, you should not leave me and go away as one who has gone to the root of a tree, O best of Brāhmaṇas. (12-352-5)
O best of twice-born, both you and I are in each other without doubt; this entire world is yours; what worry is there for you in me, O sinless one? (12-352-6)
The brāhmaṇa said.
Thus it is, O greatly wise one, O serpent who has understood the meaning; the gods have not at all been surpassed by you in any way, just as it is. (12-352-7)
He who is I is indeed you, and thus is this serpent. I, you, and all beings, all who pervade everywhere, always. (12-352-8)
But, O lord of enjoyment, I had a doubt regarding the accumulation of merit. Therefore, O holy one, I shall undertake the vow of gleaning in order to understand the true meaning. (12-352-9)
This is my firm decision, O noble one, made with the greatest reason. I bid you farewell, may good fortune be yours; my purpose is fulfilled, O serpent. (12-352-10)
