ive under his
direction and in obedience to him. Even he will dispel all thy
doubts.[1738] That king is well versed in all duties and well acquainted
with the scriptures on Emancipation. He is one for whom I officiate in
sacrifices. Thou shouldst, without any scruple, do what he bids.'--Thus
instructed, the righteous-souled Suka proceeded to Mithila on foot
although he was able to traverse through the skies over the whole Earth
with her seas. Crossing many hills and mountains, many rivers, many
waters and lakes, and many woods and forests abounding with beasts of
prey and other animals, crossing the two Varshas of Meru and Hari
successively and next the Varsha of Himavat, he came at last to the
Varsha known by the name of Bharata. Having seen many countries inhabited
by Chins and Huns, the great ascetic at last reached Aryavarta. In
obedience to the commands of his sire and bearing them constantly in his
mind, he gradually passed along his way on the Earth like a bird passing
through the air. Passing through many delightful towns and populous
cities, he saw diverse kinds of wealth without waiting to observe them.
On his way he passed through many delightful gardens and places and many
sacred waters. Before much time had passed he reached the country of the
Videhas that was protected by the virtuous and high-souled Janaka. There
he beheld many populous villages, and many kinds of food and drink and
viands and habitations of cowherds swelling with men and many herds of
cattle. He beheld many fields abounding with paddy and barley and other
grain, and many lakes and waters inhabited by swans and cranes and
adorned with beautiful lotuses. Passing through the Videha country
teeming with well-to-do people, he arrived at the delightful gardens of
Mithila rich with many species of trees. Abounding with elephants and
horses and cars, and peopled by men and women, he passed through them
without waiting to observe any of the things that were presented to his
eye. Bearing that burthen in his mind and ceaselessly dwelling upon it
(viz., the desire of mastering the religion of Emancipation), Suka of
cheerful soul and taking delight in internal survey only, reached Mithila
at last. Arrived at the gate, he sent word through the keepers. Endued
with tranquillity of mind, devoted to contemplation and Yoga, he entered
the city, having obtained permission. Proceeding along the principal
street abounding with well-to-do men, he reached the ki