Within the inner chambers, guarded by devoted attendants, the lovely-toothed woman was kept in safety. Each day, the two sons of the serpent lord would come joyfully to the palace. Together with Prince Kuvalayāśva, also called Ṛtadhvaja, they played with the carefree delight of immortals. One day, the serpent king, his heart overflowing with happiness, addressed his sons. He said, “Why has my earlier request not been fulfilled? That prince—your benefactor—should be brought to me. Why has the prince, who bestows honor, not been brought here for your sake, my children?” Hearing their affectionate father’s words, the two serpent princes set out for the city. There, they spent time with the wise prince Kuvalayāśva, enjoying his company as dear friends. After some pleasant conversation, they broached the topic of returning to their own home. But Kuvalayāśva looked at them with warmth and said, “Is not this your home as well? All my wealth, vehicles, garments, and more are yours. Whatever you desire—be it riches or jewels—let it be given to you, O brahmin youths, if you have affection for me. In this alone has fate deceived me: that you do not treat my house as your own. If you hold me dear, or if I am worthy of your favor, then let my wealth and my house be yours as well. What is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. Know this as truth: you both are as dear to me as my very life. Never again, O best of brahmins, should you speak of separation. With all my heart, you are bound to me by my affection.” Hearing these words, the serpent princes’ faces grew wet with emotion. They replied, affection mingling with gentle reproach, “Ṛtadhvaja, it is exactly as you say; there is no thought in our minds otherwise. But our own father, the great-souled one, has spoken to us again and again, saying, ‘I wish to see Kuvalayāśva.’” Upon hearing this, Kuvalayāśva immediately rose from his seat and, bowing to the ground, said, “As you command, father.” He added joyfully, “I am blessed, I am most fortunate—who else is my equal, when my father so eagerly wishes to see me? Let us depart at once; I do not wish to delay, even for a moment, in fulfilling my father’s command. I swear this by my very feet.” Thus resolved, the prince set out with the two serpent princes, leaving the city behind. Together, they reached the sacred river Gomati. The sons of the serpent king led the way through the middle of the river, and Kuvalayāśva assumed their home lay on the far shore. But suddenly, they drew him down into the netherworld, and there, to his astonishment, he beheld the two serpent princes in their true forms. Their hoods gleamed with jewel-crests, each marked with the auspicious sign of the svastika. Seeing their splendid forms, Kuvalayāśva’s eyes widened in wonder. Smiling affectionately, he exclaimed, “Well done, O best of Brahmins!” The two then began to speak to him about their father, the lord of serpents. There the prince beheld the venerable Ashvatara, honored among the gods, and gazed upon the beautiful netherworld. The realm was adorned with young and old serpent youths, and with naga maidens playing here and there. Their ears and necks were graced with shining earrings and garlands, glittering like stars in the sky. All around, sweet songs filled the air, accompanied by the melodious sounds of vinas and flutes. The houses of the serpents resounded with drums and lutes. Marveling at this wondrous realm, Kuvalayāśva, son of Shatrujit, walked on with his companions. At last, with the two beloved serpents, the prince entered the palace of the serpent king. There, seated upon a golden throne, they saw the great-souled lord of serpents, adorned with divine garlands, splendid garments, and jeweled earrings. He was resplendent with necklaces of pure pearls, armlets, and all manner of ornaments, his form shining with nets of jewels, coral, and cat’s-eye gems. The two princes presented Kuvalayāśva to their father, saying, “This is our friend.” Kuvalayāśva bowed low at the feet of the serpent king, who raised him up and embraced him tightly, blessing him with the words, “May you live long. Having conquered your enemies, serve your parents, dear child! Even when you are absent, the virtues of the blessed are spoken of. The uncommon qualities revealed by you and my sons—may you alone grow further in them, by thought, word, and deed.” The serpent king continued, “The life of a virtuous person is praiseworthy; one without virtue is as if dead, even while living. The virtuous bring joy to their parents and pain to their enemies. By acting for his own good, and gaining the trust of the people, a virtuous one pleases the gods, ancestors, brahmins, friends, those seeking help, and the afflicted. Relatives, too, desire the long life of the virtuous; those who refrain from slander and are compassionate to the unfortunate—such a one’s birth is fruitful for all who seek refuge in times of distress.” Having thus addressed the heroic prince, the serpent king turned again to him, wishing to honor Kuvalayāśva with worship. After performing the proper rites of bathing and purification, and all ceremonies in due order, the prince enjoyed honey-drinking and other pleasures, as well as food, as he wished. Thereafter, with hearts rejoicing in festive conversation, Kuvalayāśva and his companions remained there for a while, their spirits filled with delight.