XLV.
The descent of the Ganges is the sequel of another fiction still more monstrous, but perhaps one of the most singular of the cosmogonical notions of the ancient Indians.

Sagara, the king of Ayodhya (Oude), was without offspring--in almost all eastern countries the most grievous calamity incident to man, more especially to those of noble or royal race.

By the most surpassing penances he obtains an oracle from the wise Brighu, predicting that one of his wives will bring forth a single son, the other _sixty thousand_! Accordingly the fair Cesina gives birth to Asamanja; his other wife to a gourd, which, like the egg of Leda, is instinct with life.

From the seeds of this gourd, preserved with great care, and fed with ghee, come forth in due time the sixty thousand boys.

The son of Cesina was a youth of the most malicious and cruel disposition; his pastime was to throw little infants into the river, and solace himself with their cries.