Sherring, Matthew A.: The sacred city of the Hindus: an account of Benares in ancient and modern times (London, 1868)

380 APPENDIX B.

and a strong fire was about to be kindled* the tare said: " 0 man,
full of humanity, I am small and feeble; and, as I was unable to
find what I sought after, I venture to offer my humble body to
furnish a repast for you,"

Scarcely had he ceased speaking, when he cast himself into the
fire, and there died immediately.

At that instant, the old man resumed his form of king of the gods
(S'akra), collected the bones of the hare, and, having for a long time
heaved sorrowful sighs, said to the fox and the monkey: " How is
it that he was the only one able to make such a sacrifice ? I am
powerfully affected by his devotion; and, not to let the memory
of it perish, I will place him in the disk of the moon, so that his
name may go down to posterity*"

Hence, all the natives of India say, that it is since this event
occurred that a hare has been seen in the moon.

In after times, a Stikpa, was erected at this spot;