After a year had passed, that man squandered all the gold he had received, wasting it in wicked ways. Once again, that wretched fellow returned to his father-in-law’s house. When questioned about the lost wealth, I told my father that thieves had plundered it. Accepting my explanation with a simple “so be it,” that scoundrel stayed on for a few more days. Then, in a cruel act, he killed her, seized many ornaments, and returned to his own home. When Śuka heard of these events, he spoke to the king, who was renowned as an ocean of compassion. Śuka explained that Menaka was a base woman, dark-skinned and ugly. “O king,” he said, “listen to the excellent reason behind this, which I have witnessed.” Now, his son Sindhugupta was intelligent, virtuous, and wealthy. Sindhugupta celebrated his marriage in the auspicious city of Jayashri. Meanwhile, Śrīdatta, another man in the tale, journeyed to the land of Kurusthala for purposes of trade. Jayalakshmi, afflicted by longing, remained behind in her father’s house. During this time, a female messenger met Śrīdatta on the way and spent much of his wealth. After three months had passed, Śrīdatta returned to his father-in-law’s house. At midnight, Jayalakshmi’s mother sent her to her husband. With great respect, Jayalakshmi showed affection to her husband and then returned home. In an empty house, Homadatta was bitten by a serpent. Poisoned and intoxicated, he was delighted by a woman who quickly sought to please him. Encountering Homadatta’s corpse, the woman indulged herself even with the lifeless body. Then, a thief named Kaphalla, seeing the cause of these events, became involved. At this time, Jayalakshmi, unfortunate as she was, obtained her own husband. Somadatta, exceedingly wealthy, saw that the daughter had lost her nose. By order of the king, royal messengers took the man into custody. Considering his words to be true, they judged Jayalakshmi to be greatly wicked. She was banished from the city and sent to a forest frequented by tigers. Having related these events, the Vetala, with a humble mind, addressed King Vikrama. “Know that darkness is not masculine; it is of three genders and immutable. The unchanging abode of Brahman is Māyā, whose nature is marked by gender. The neuter and the woman are always considered superior; among women, the man as well. The excess of ignorance in the neuter has been described by ancient sages. Therefore, the woman is more sinful; the man is less tainted by sin.” With a clear mind, the Vetala spoke further words to the king, full of wisdom. “In Ujjayini, O great king, there lived one renowned as Mahabala. His messenger was a servant of Hari, always faithfully performing his master’s tasks. To Mahabala’s wife was born a beautiful maiden with eyes like lotus petals. And she said to her father Haridasa, ‘Listen, dear father, to my words.’” Agreeing, the father went to the royal assembly when summoned by the queen. There, he was instructed, “Go to the lord of Tailaṅga, King Hariśchandra.” Hearing this, the brahmin journeyed to Hariśchandra, the great-minded king. Upon hearing his words, King Hariśchandra was pleased at heart.