नहि मां केवल दृष्टवा त्यक्त्वा प्रणणवानिह । गन्तुमर्हसि विप्रषें वृक्षमूलगतो यथा
nahi māṃ kevalaṃ dṛṣṭvā tyaktvā praṇaṇavān iha | gantum arhasi viprarṣe vṛkṣamūlagato yathā ||
«Не уходи отсюда, лишь увидев меня и оставив меня. О брахмариши среди дважды-рождённых, тебе не подобает удаляться, как путник, что присел на миг у корней дерева и тотчас поднялся и ушёл».
नाग उवाच
The verse underscores dharma in relationships: one should not treat an encounter as a casual, disposable meeting. When affection, obligation, or hospitality is present, it is improper to leave abruptly ‘after merely seeing’ someone, like a traveler who rests briefly under a tree and moves on without regard.
A Nāga addresses a revered sage (viprarṣi/brahmarṣi), urging him not to depart immediately after seeing the Nāga. The Nāga uses a simile of a wayfarer under a tree to criticize a fleeting, indifferent departure and to request continued engagement.