nd
we are being struck down by the foe. We do not see the end of our
troubles! Do thou, O lord of great puissance, rescue us from this great
fear."

"'"'The Rishi said, "How, indeed, shall I protect you?" They answered,
saying, "Do thou thyself become Chandramas. Do thou also become the sun,
and do thou begin to slay these robbers!" Thus solicited by them, Atri
assumed the form of the darkness-destroying Soma. Indeed, in consequence
of his agreeable disposition, he began to look as handsome and delightful
as Soma himself. Beholding that the real Soma and the real Surya had
become darkened by the shafts of the foe, Atri, assuming the forms of
those luminaries, began to shine forth in splendour over the field of
battle, aided by the puissance of his penances. Verily Atri made the
universe blaze forth in light, dispelling all its darkness. By putting
forth his puissance, he also subjugated the vast multitudes of those
enemies of the deities. Beholding those great Asuras burnt by Atri, the
gods also, protected by Atri's energy, began to despatch them quickly.
Putting forth his prowess and mastering all his energy, it was even in
this way that Atri illumined the god of day, rescued the deities, and
slew the Asuras! Even this was the feat that regenerate one, aided by his
sacred fire,--that silent reciter of Mantras, that one clad in
deer-skins,--accomplished! Behold, O royal sage, that act achieved by
that Rishi who subsisted upon fruits only! I have thus narrated to thee,
in detail, the feat of the high-souled Atri. Shall I go on? Or, will you
say anything? Is there a Kshatriya that is superior to this regenerate
Rishi?'

"'"Thus addressed, Arjuna remained silent. The god of wind once more spake
unto him, 'Hear, O king, the feat achieved by the high-souled Chyavana
(in days of old). Having passed his promise to the twin Aswins, Chyavana
addressed the chastiser of Paka, saying, "Do thou make the Aswins
drinkers of Soma with all other deities!"

"'"'Indra said, "The Aswins have been cast away by us. How then, can they
be admitted into the sacrificial circle for drinking Soma with the others?
They are not numbered with the deities. Do not, therefore, tell us so! O
thou of great vows, we do not wish to drink Soma in the company of the
Aswins. Whatever other behest thou mayst be pleased to utter, O learned
Brahmana, we are ready to accomplish."

"'"'Chyavana said, "The twin Aswins shall drink Soma with all of you! Both
of t