Skandapurana 6.2.71.75.2

6.2.71.75.2

Having assumed a human form, radiant one, O lady of excellent complexion, / she brought delight to the king, and took delight in him as well. (16)
Attached to amorous pleasure and captivated by the excellent qualities of women, / the king did not notice the passing of many years, seasons, and months. (17)
Sporting with her at his pleasure, the ruler of men / begot upon her eight sons who possessed immortal complexion. (18)
As each son was born, she threw him into the water for his liberation, / saying, "I please you," into the purifying current of the Gaṅgā. (19)
That was not pleasing to King Śaṃtanu at all; / yet the lord of the earth said nothing to that goddess, terrified of abandonment. (20)
Then, as the eighth son was born and she seemed to smile, / the king, afflicted with grief and wishing to protect his son, said: (21)
"Do not kill him! Whose are you and who are you? Why do you destroy your sons? / Slaying a son is a great sin; do not incur it, stay, O blameworthy woman!" (22)
Gaṅgā said:
"O best of those who have sons, desiring a son as you do, I shall not kill your son. / But my stay here has come to an end, according to the agreement made by me. (23)
I am Gaṅgā, the daughter of Jahnu, attended by hosts of great seers; / I have dwelt with you for the sake of accomplishing the purpose of the gods. (24)
These are the eight Vasu gods, very terrible and of great splendour; / by the flaw of Vasiṣṭha's curse they entered into human state. (25)
Other than you, no bringer of them exists on the earth, / and a human mother such as I could never exist. (26)
Therefore, for the sake of being their mother, I have assumed human state. / May welfare be yours; I shall depart. Protect your son, O king of great vows!" (27)
Having spoken thus, Gaṅgā, deluded by the māyā of Viṣṇu, / wept, having resorted to human nature, that slender-waisted lady: (28)
"Oh, alas, what great misery that these sons were killed! / By me, cruel through delusion, the infants were cast into the water. (29)
Alas, my children! Alas, my sons! Where indeed are my dear boys?"