Most venerable father, she accepts your benediction as if she already possessed the boon it confers.
KANWA.
Now come this way, my child, and walk reverently round these sacrificial fires.
[They all walk round.
KANWA.
[Repeats a prayer in the metre of the Rig-veda.
Holy flames, that gleam around
Every altar's hallowed ground;
Holy flames, whose frequent food
Is the consecrated wood,
And for whose encircling bed,
Sacred Ku[s']a-grass is spread [65];
Holy flames, that waft to heaven
Sweet oblations daily given,
Mortal guilt to purge away,
Hear, oh hear me, when I pray—
Purify my child this day!
Now then, my daughter, set out on thy journey.
[Looking on one side.]
Where are thy attendants. [S']árngarava and the others?