King Yayati, having pleased Devayani, was advised to also support Sharmishtha. The counsel given to him was that certain falsehoods, spoken in jest, during marriage, among women, in times of danger to life, or when all wealth is lost, are considered blameless. However, if one lies when called as a witness, such a person is said to be fallen, though when the mind is fixed on a single purpose, even a falsehood does not bring harm. Among women, in jest, or in marriage, a falsehood is not truly a falsehood; and if it is for saving one’s own life, that alone is regarded as attaining the highest status. It was reminded that the king is the standard for all beings—if he speaks falsely, he is destroyed. Even in great hardship, the speaker declared, “I am not able to act falsely.” When both the husband and the friend’s husband are assembled, it is called an equal marriage: “You are chosen as my husband, O friend.” The wise Kavya had given both Devayani and Sharmishtha together, with the instruction, “She is to be honored and supported”—thus, Yayati was urged not to act falsely. Yayati was generous, giving gold, jewels, pearls, garments, ornaments, cows, land, and whatever else was asked for. Yet, it was said that gifts given externally are not attached to the body; to give a son or oneself is difficult. By giving one’s own body, all is given, and so, to each as they desire, the speaker vowed to give accordingly. Yayati had proclaimed this promise in the city three times, and it was not false or vainly proclaimed. He was urged to make his words true, as Vaisravana does. The speaker’s vow was to give to those who ask, and so, asked Yayati, “Tell me, what shall I do for you?” Whether it was wealth, anything else, or even a kingdom, the offer was made. But Sharmishtha chose nothing else, desiring only a son, declaring that nothing is greater than a son. She wished, by having a child from Yayati, to practice the highest dharma in the world. She explained that a wife, a servant, and a son are without wealth of their own; whatever they obtain belongs to the one to whom they belong. Women were created by the Self-born for the sake of sons and the support of husbands; a maiden without a husband or a woman without a child—their birth is in vain, and they have no destiny. Sharmishtha affirmed that she was Devayani’s companion and subject to Yayati, a descendant of Bhrigu. Both she and Devayani were to be cherished by him, and she asked to be cherished. Hearing this, King Yayati recognized the truth of her words, honored Sharmishtha, and established righteousness. He met with Sharmishtha and fulfilled her desire; after honoring each other, they departed as they had come. Through this union, the lovely Sharmishtha first conceived from that best of kings. At the proper time for the sacrifice, Sharmishtha bore a son with eyes like lotuses, resembling one born of the gods. At this auspicious conjunction of stars, under the bright and sacred lunar mansion, the emperor rejoiced with Sharmishtha. Sharmishtha became his wife, like the goddess of prosperity among people; but Devayani, for Yayati, was like a fierce serpent. Just as rain is for crops, or nectar for the gods, so Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan, was for Yayati; thinking thus in his mind, he neglected Devayani. Hearing that a son had been born, Devayani, pure-smiling, was overcome with sorrow and began to ponder about Sharmishtha. Devayani approached Sharmishtha and spoke: a certain sage, righteous and learned in the Vedas, had come to her. She asked him for a boon, in accordance with dharma. Desiring offspring, she had chosen him, but not out of improper desire; thus, her child was from the sage—this she truly told Sharmishtha. Sharmishtha, timid, asked to know the brahmin’s lineage, name, and family. Devayani replied that, seeing him blazing with ascetic power and energy like the sun, she did not have the strength to question him. If this was truly so, Sharmishtha bore no anger, accepting that Devayani had obtained a child from a superior and elder brahmin. Having spoken thus and smiling together, Bhargavi (Devayani) went to her chamber, accepting it as true. King Yayati begot two sons on Devayani: Yadu and Turvasu, like another Indra and Vishnu. At that time, Yayati gave Devayani, daughter of Shukra, intoxicating wine mixed with honey. He made the red-golden Devayani drink the wine; drinking again and again, Devayani fell unconscious. Weeping, singing, and dancing repeatedly, the lady spoke many incoherent words and addressed the king: “You appear in the form and dress of a king—why have you come here? For what purpose have you arrived in this lonely, dense forest? O best of Brahmins, the mighty and fearsome king Yayati is here; if you wish for your welfare, Brahmin, flee from this place.” As Devayani spoke in this way, Nahusha rebuked her, considering her unworthy and one who increases sin. Then he commanded the mute, the crippled, the aged, and the lame among them to protect and provide for Devayani.