"Why these preparations, O father, and for whom are they made, and what is the potency thereof? Is it a custom that through all time hath been observed, or, tell me, do the Scriptures demand that these ceremonies be held?"
Then Nanda, answering, said: "We offer to-day sacrifices to him, the god of the clouds, to him who watereth our hill-sides and giveth drink to our crops and out cattle, to him, Indra, the god who promoteth all growth by the blessing of rain, which he doth supply. A jealous god is he, O my Krishna, and desires that ceremonials and sacrifices often are made; and we in all humbleness strive to appease him, that in his wrath he may not withhold the moisture from our land, nor yet flood us with over much rain."
Then Krishna replied: "My father, He, who is the Author of All, doth give unto all what is needed.
"He that in wrath withholdeth a blessing, he never the love of creation hath known; nor doth he destroy what he hath created.
"For the Creator doth ever love His creation; for that, which from Him hath come, must forever belong to Hint and the part is of His Great Whole.
"So Indra cannot curse this land by overmuch rain or dearth of it.
"But, O my father, tell the Gopas and Gopis to cease the preparations and worship not one who would destroy that which he should forever bless.
"But come to the hillside that entwines our land, the hills and plains that furnish us with sustenance for our cattle, and to the forests, too, where fruits grow in plenty and give of their abundance to all who but take it.
"Come there and give to the hill and the trees our sacrifices of joy and love, and feed the cows with offerings of fresh grasses, and walk with me around the hill in ceremonial procession and we shall see their worth and their kindness."
They did so, and Krishna said unto them: