suppose, that a sensation of calm repose
pervades all my senses.

[_Looking down at the wheels_.]

Ah! Matali, we are descending towards the earth's atmosphere.

MATALI.

What makes you think so?

KING.

The car itself instructs me; we are moving
O'er pregnant clouds, surcharged with rain; below us
I see the moisture-loving Chatakas[112]
In sportive flight dart through the spokes; the steeds
Of Indra glisten with the lightning's flash;
And a thick mist bedews the circling wheels.

MATALI.

You are right; in a little while the chariot will touch the
ground, and you will be in your own dominions.

KING. [_Looking down_.

How wonderful the appearance of the earth as we rapidly descend!

Stupendous prospect! yonder lofty hills
Do suddenly uprear their towering heads
Amid the plain, while from beneath their crests
The ground receding sinks; the trees, whose stem
Seemed lately hid within their leafy tresses,
Rise into elevation, and display
Their branching shoulders; yonder streams, whose waters,
Like silver threads, were scarce, but now, discerned,
Grow into mighty rivers; lo! the earth
Seems upward hurled by some gigantic power.

MATALI.

Well described!

[_Looking with awe_.]

Grand, indeed, and lovely is the spectacle presented by the
earth.

KING.

Tell me, Matali, what is the range of mountains which, like a
bank of clouds illumined by the setting sun, pours down a stream
of gold? On one side its base dips into the eastern ocean, and on
the other side into the western.

MATALI.

Great Prince, it is called 'Golden-peak[113],' and is the abode
of the attendants of the god of wealth. In this spot the highest
forms of penance are wrought out.

There Ka[s']yapa[114], the great progenitor
Of demons and of gods, himself the offspring
Of the divine Marichi, Brahma's son,
With Aditi, his wife, in calm seclusion,
Does holy penance for the good of mortals.

KING.

Then I must not neglect so good an opportunity of obtaining his
blessing. I should much like to visit this venerable personage
and offer him my homage.

MATALI.

By all means. An excellent idea!

[_Guides the car to the earth_.

KING. [_In a tone of wonder_.

How's this?

Our chariot wheels move noiselessly. Around
No clouds of dust a