O King, after your proclamation had been made in the city three times, you were reminded that your word was not empty or false. You were urged to make your promise true, just as Vaisravana, the Lord of Wealth, would. With great resolve, you declared, “It is my vow to grant the wishes of those who ask. Now that you have come to me with a request, speak, and I shall do what you desire. Whether it be wealth, or something else, or even a kingdom—tell me, O fair-smiling one, what you wish.” In response, the woman before you spoke earnestly: “I desire nothing but a son; there is nothing greater than a son. Grant me a child, so that I may fulfill the highest dharma in this world. O King, there are three who are without wealth: a wife, a servant, and a son; whatever they gain belongs to the one to whom they belong. Women, O King, 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. I am the companion of Devayani, and subject to you, O descendant of Bhrigu; both she and I are to be cherished by you—cherish me as well.” Hearing these heartfelt words, the king recognized the truth in them, honored Sharmishtha, and upheld righteousness. He united with Sharmishtha, fulfilling her desire, and after honoring each other, they parted as they had come. From that union, the lovely Sharmishtha first conceived a child from the best of kings. In due time, at the proper moment for sacrifice, she gave birth to a son whose eyes were like lotuses and who seemed as if born of the gods. At this auspicious time, under a bright and sacred lunar mansion, the emperor rejoiced with Sharmishtha. She became his wife, radiant like the goddess of prosperity among people. But for me, Devayani, she was like a fierce serpent. In his heart, the king compared Sharmishtha to rain for crops or nectar for the gods, and thus, he neglected Devayani. When Devayani heard that a son had been born, she, pure of smile, was overcome with sorrow and began to ponder about Sharmishtha. She approached Sharmishtha and spoke: “A certain sage, righteous and learned in the Vedas, came to me. I asked him for a boon, in accordance with dharma. Desiring offspring, I chose him, O lovely-smiling one; I have not acted out of desire in any improper way. Therefore, my child is from the sage—this I truly tell you.” Sharmishtha replied, “If this is so, O timid one, then let that Brahmin be known. I wish to know his lineage, name, and family.” Devayani answered, “Seeing him blazing with ascetic power and energy like the sun, I did not have the strength to question him.” Sharmishtha said, “If this is truly so, then I bear no anger, if you have obtained a child from a superior and elder Brahmin.” Having thus spoken to each other, and smiling together, Bhargavi—Devayani—accepted it as true and returned to her chamber. In time, King Yayati begot two sons on Devayani: Yadu and Turvasu, radiant like another Indra and Vishnu. On one occasion, King Yayati, lord of the earth, gave Devayani, the daughter of Shukra, intoxicating wine mixed with honey. He made the red-golden Devayani drink the wine, and drinking again and again, she fell unconscious. In her inebriation, she wept, sang, danced, and uttered many incoherent words, addressing 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.” While Devayani was speaking thus, Nahusha rebuked her, considering her unworthy and one who increases sin. He then commanded the mute, the crippled, the aged, and the lame among them to protect and provide for Devayani. Afterwards, King Nahusha, wise in mind, obtained Sharmishtha and enjoyed great happiness with her for a long time. From that royal sage, Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan, bore three sons: Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. Later, at a certain time, Devayani, pure of smile, together with Yayati, went to a secluded forest. There, she saw boys of divine appearance, playing confidently, and, astonished, she spoke: “Whose children are these, O King, beautiful as sons of the gods? By their radiance and form, I think they resemble you.” Having thus questioned the king, she then asked the boys as well. At that moment, their nurse said, “Why do you not tell, boys, who your father is—the best of Brahmins?” The boys replied, “Our father is a sage, a Brahmin, and of twice-born lineage; Sharmishtha does not speak falsely. Devayani, forgive us.” Devayani pressed further, “What is the name and lineage of your Brahmin father, dear children? Tell me the truth quickly—who is he and where does he dwell?” She continued, “Tell me exactly as it is, for I wish to hear of him.” Thus addressed by Devayani of slender waist, the boys prepared to answer her.