KING.—Tell me, Mátali, what is that range of mountains which, like a bank of clouds illumined by the setting sun, pours down a stream of gold? On one side its base dips into the eastern ocean, and on the other side into the western.
MÁTALI.—Great Prince, it is called "Golden-peak,"[[43]] and is the abode of the attendants of the god of Wealth. In this spot the highest forms of penance are wrought out.
There Kaśyapa, the great progenitor
Of demons and of gods, himself the offspring
Of the divine Maríchi, Brahmá's son,
With Aditi, his wife, in calm seclusion,
Does holy penance for the good of mortals.
KING.—Then I must not neglect so good an opportunity of obtaining his blessing. I should much like to visit this venerable personage and offer him my homage.
MÁTALI.—By all means! An excellent idea. [Guides the car to the earth.]
KING [in a tone of wonder].—How's this?
Our chariot wheels move noiselessly. Around
No clouds of dust arise; no shock betokened
Our contact with the earth; we seem to glide
Above the ground, so lightly do we touch it.
MÁTALI.—Such is the difference between the car of Indra and that of your Majesty.
KING.—In which direction, Mátali, is Kaśyapa's sacred retreat?
MÁTALI [pointing].—Where stands yon anchorite, towards the orb