350 
Babu JMjeiulralala Mitra — A Picnic in Ancient India. [No. 4, 
pleasure boats flourished under the dense crowd of the foremost dancers of 
the Bhaima race. Through the godlike glory of the heroic and most ardent 
dancers of tho Yadu race, the creation smiled in joy, and all the sins of the 
princes wore subdued. 
“ The Brahman sage Narada, the revered of the gods, came to the scene 
for the gratification of Madhustidana, and in the midst of the noble Yadus 
began to dance with his matted locks all dishevelled. He became the cen- 
tral figure in the scene, and danced with many a gesticulation and contor- 
tion of his body, laughing at Satyabhama and Keshava, at Partha 
and Subbadra, at Baladeva, and the worthy daughter of the king of Bevata. 
By mimicking the action of some, the smile of others, the demeanour of a third 
set, and by similar other means, he set all a-laughing who had hitherto pre- 
served their gravity. For the delectation of Krishna, imitating the mild- 
est little word of his, the sage screamed and laughed so loudly and repeatedly, 
that none could restrain himself, and tears came to their eyes (from immoderate 
laughing). By desire of Krishna, the ladies gave to Narada presents of 
costly jewels and dresses of the rarest description ; they showered on him 
also pearls and celestial garlands ol the choicest kind, and flowers of every 
season. 
“ When the dance was over, Krishna took by the hand the venerable sage 
Narada of imperturbable mind, and coming to the sea water along with his wife 
Satyabhama, Arjuna and others, addressed Satyaki with a smile, saying, ‘ let us 
enter the delightful water with the ladies in two parties. Let Baladeva with 
Revati be the leader of one party, consisting of my children and half of the 
Bhaimas ; and let the other half of tho Bhaimas and the children of Bala be 
on my side in the sea water.’ Turning then to tho regent of the sea, who 
stood with folded hands before him, the delighted Krishna said to him : ‘ Let 
thy waters bo fragrant and clear, and divested of noxious animals ; let them 
be cheering to the sight, and ornamented with jewels, and pleasant to walk 
upon. Knowing by my grace what is in each person’s mind, render yourself 
agreeable to one and all. Render thy waters drinkable or undrinkable, 
according to each individual’s choice ; let thy fishes be inofi'ensive and 
diversified in colour like gold and jewels and pearls and lapis-lazuli. Hold 
forth all thy jewels, and lotuses, red and blue, blooming and fragrant and 
soft, full of sweet-flavored honey, over which the bees should pour their hum. 
Place on thy waters urns full of mairaya,* madhvika,f sm'a.J and asava,§ 
and supply the Bhaimas golden goblets wherewith to drink those liquors. 
Let thy mighty waters be cool and calm and redolent with rafts full of flowers ; 
and be mindful that my Yadus he not in any way incommoded.’ 
* Spirituous liquor made of the blossoms of Lythrum fruticosum with sugar. 
t Ditto made of the blossoms of tho Bassia latifolia. 
% Ditto of rice meal, — arrack. 
§ Ditto of sugar, — rum. 
