. Nor can one (like thee) obtain strength (from such food), nor
that gratification which ambrosia offers. Do thou seek for some other
kind of alms. Let not thy heart incline towards eating dog's meat. The
dog is certainly an unclean food to members of the regenerate classes.'

"'"Viswamitra said, 'Any other kind of meat is not to be easily had during
a famine like this. Besides, O Chandala, I have no wealth (wherewith to
buy food). I am exceedingly hungry. I cannot move any longer. I am
utterly hopeless. I think that all the six kinds of taste are to be found
in that piece of dog's meat.'

"'"The Chandala said, 'Only the five kinds of five-clawed animals are clean
food for Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, as laid down in the
scriptures. Do not set thy heart upon what is unclean (for thee).'

"'"Viswamitra said, 'The great Rishi Agastya, while hungry, ate up the
Asura named Vatapi. I am fallen into distress. I am hungry. I shall
therefore, eat that haunch of dog's meat.'

"'"The Chandala said, 'Do thou seek some other alms. It behoves thee not to
do such a thing. Verily, such an act should never be done by thee. If
however, it pleases thee, thou mayst take away this piece of dog's meat.'

"'"Viswamitra said, 'They that are called good are authorities in matters
of duty. I am following their example. I now regard this dog's haunch to
be better food than anything that is highly pure.'

"'"The Chandala said, 'That which is the act of an unrighteous person can
never be regarded as an eternal practice. That which is an improper act
can never be a proper one. Do not commit a sinful act by deception.'

"'"Viswamitra said, 'A man who is a Rishi cannot do what is sinful.[432] In
the present case, deer and dog, I think, are same (both being animals). I
shall, therefore, eat this dog's haunch.'

"'"The Chandala said, 'Solicited by the Brahmanas, the Rishi (Agastya) did
that act. Under the circumstances it could not be a sin. That is
righteousness in which there is no sin. Besides, the Brahmanas, who are
the preceptors of three other orders, should be protected and preserved
by every means.'

"'"Viswamitra said, 'I am a Brahmana. This my body is a friend of mine. It
is very dear to me and is worthy of the highest reverence from me. It is
from the desire of sustaining the body that the wish is entertained by me
of taking away that dog's haunch. So eager have I become that I have no
longer any fear of thee and thy fierce