That best of Rishis, that foremost of all intelligent men (Vasishtha), resolved rather to sacrifice his own life than to exterminate the race of the Kushikas.
चक्रे चात्मविनाशाय बुद्धि स मुनिसत्तमः। न त्वेव कौशिकोच्छेदं मेने मतिमतां वरः॥