Books VII and VIII. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. [New Series, Volume XIII] [London, Trübner and Company] [1881] {Scanned and edited by Christopher M. Weimer, May 2002} ART. XIII.— Translation of the Mârka.n.deya Purâ.na. Books VII. VIII. By the Rev. B. HALE WORTHAM....

ONCE upon earth there lived a saintly king Named Harišchandra; pure in heart and mind, In virtue eminent, he ruled the world, Guarding mankind from evil. While he reigned No famine raged, nor pain; untimely death Ne'er cut men off; nor were the citizens Of his fair city lawless. All their wealth, And power, and works of righteousness, ne'er filled Their hearts with pride; in everlasting youth And loveliness the women passed their days. It so fell out, that while this mighty king Was hunting in t

Said Jaimîni: An answer ye have found To all my questions; and indeed have filled Me full of deepest interest. Oh! I long To hear yet more! Alas! that saintly king! What grief he suffered! Did he e'er attain To any comfort answering to his woe? Noblest of Birds! Oh tell me this, I pray. The Holy Birds continued: Then the king, O'ercome with grief and pain, hearing the words Of Višvâmitra, with his wife and son Journeyed along, dragging his weary steps. At length the holy place appeared in view—