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live within the dominions of that wretched and weak monarch in perpetual anxiety. Brahmanas can never be made to dwell permanently within the dominions of any one, for they are dependent on nobody. They live rather like birds ranging all countries in perfect freedom. It hath been said that one must secure a (good) king, then a wife, and then wealth. It is by the acquisition of these three that one can rescue his relatives and sons. But as regards, the acquisition of these three the course of my actions hath been contrary. Hence, plunged in a sea of danger, I am suffering sorely. That turn, destructive of one's family, hath now come for me. I shall have to give unto the Rakshasa as his fee the food of the description I have already said and one human being besides. I have no wealth to buy a man. I cannot by any means consent to part with any of my family. Nor do I see any way of escape from (the clutches of) that Rakshasa. I am now sunk in an ocean of grief from which there is no escape. I shall go to that Rakshasa today attended by all my family in order that that wretch might dovour us all at once.'"

Thus ends the hundred and sixty-second Section in the Vaka-badha of the Adi Parva.

"Kunti said, 'Grieve not at all, O Brahmana, on account of this danger! I see a way by which to rescue thee from that Rakshasa. Thou hast only one son, who, besides, is of very tender years. Thou hast also one only daughter, young and helpless. I do not like that any of these, or thy wife, or even thyself, should go unto the Rakshasa! I have five sons, O Brahmana! Let one of them go carrying in thy behalf the tribute of that Rakshasa!'

"Hearing this the Brahmana replied, For saving my own life I shall never suffer this to be done! I shall never, sacrifice for saving myself, the life of a Brahmana or of a guest! Indeed, even those that are of low origin and sinful practices refuse to do (what thou askest me to do)! It is