becoming excited, seized the garland with his trunk and threw it upon the ground. Durvaras, seeing his gift slighted, cursed the god in his anger, and told him that his kingdom should be overwhelmed with ruin. From that time Indra's power began to wane; for though he sought forgiveness, the Brahman's anger was not to be appeased. As the effects of the curse were experienced by the gods, they, fearing they should be overcome by the asuras, fled to Brahma for help. He told them he could not assist them; that Vishnu alone could do this, whom he advised them to seek. Brahma conducted them to Vishnu; and, having sufficiently lauded him, caused him to lend a willing ear to their request. In the following lines, [**] put into verse, from the "Vishnu Purana," we have their prayer, Vishnu's advice and its result:--

"The gods addressed the mighty Vishnu thus:
Conquered in battle by the evil demons,
We fly to thee for succour; soul of all,
Pity and by thy might deliver us!'
Hari, the lord, creator of the world,
Thus by the gods implored, all graciously
Replied, 'Your strength shall be restored, ye gods--
Only accomplish what I now command:
Unite yourselves in peaceful combination
With these your foes; collect all plants and herbs
Of diverse kinds from every quarter; cast them
Into the sea of milk; take Mandara,
The mountain, for a churning stick, and Vasuki,
The serpent, for a rope; together churn
The ocean to produce the beverage--
Source of all strength and immortality--
Then reckon on mine aid: I will take care
Your foes shall share your toil, but not partake
In its reward, or drink th' immortal draught.'