tainly angry with thee for thy
indulging in such speeches. I shall myself report to the god of the wind
all these derogatory words of thine. Chandanas, and Syandanas, and Salas,
and Saralas and Devadarus and Vetavas and Dhanwanas and other trees of
good souls that are far stronger than thou art, have never, O thou of
wicked understanding, uttered such invectives against the Wind. All of
them know the might of the Wind as also the might that is possessed by
each of them. For these reasons those foremost of trees bow down their
heads in respect to that deity. Thou, however, through folly, knowest not
the infinite might of the Wind. I shall, therefore, repair to the
presence of that god (for apprising him of thy contempt for him).'"'"

SECTION CLVI

"'Bhishma continued, "Having said these words unto the Salmali, that
foremost of all persons conversant with Brahma, viz., Narada, represented
unto the god of the wind all that the Salmali had said about him.

"'"Narada said, 'There is a certain Salmali on the breast of Himavat,
adorned with branches and leaves. His roots extend deep into the earth
and his branches spread wide around. That tree, O god of the wind
disregards thee. He spoke many words fraught with abuse of thyself. It is
not proper, O Wind, that I should repeat them in thy hearing. I know, O
Wind, that thou art the foremost of all created things. I know too that
thou art a very superior and very mighty being, and that in wrath thou
resemblest the Destroyer himself.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Hearing these words of Narada, the god of wind,
wending to that Salmali, addressed him in rage and said as follows.

"'"The Wind-god said, 'O Salmali, thou hast spoken in derogation of me
before Narada. Know that I am the god of the wind. I shall certainly show
thee my power and might. I know thee well. Thou art no stranger to me.
The puissant Grandsire, while engaged in creating the world, had for a
time rested under thee. It is in consequence of this incident that I have
hitherto shown thee grace. O worst of trees, it is for this that thou
standest unharmed, and not in consequence of thy own might. Thou
regardest me lightly as if I were a vulgar thing. I shall show myself
unto thee in such a way that thou mayst not again disregard me.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Thus addressed, the Salmali laughed in derision and
replied, saying, 'O god of the wind, thou art angry with me. Do not
forbear showing the extent of thy might.