Kāvya, the great sage, saw his daughter Devayānī living in the forest hermitage. Overcome with sorrow, he embraced her tenderly and spoke, “My child, all people experience happiness and sorrow as a result of their own actions. I believe you have committed some misdeed, and what you now endure is the expiation for it. But regardless of whether this is expiation or not, listen closely to what Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, said to me. “She declared, ‘I am the singer of the Daityas.’ With eyes red from anger, she spoke harsh and cutting words: ‘You are the daughter of one who praises, one who begs and receives. But I am the daughter of one who is praised, who gives but does not receive.’ Thus, Śarmiṣṭhā, proud and angry, addressed me. She added, ‘If I am the daughter of one who is praised, and you are the daughter of one who receives, then I will appease Śarmiṣṭhā.’ Such were the words spoken to me by my friend in her anger. “Vṛṣaparvan himself knows this, as do Śakra and King Nahusha: my power is divine, beyond all duality, and as inconceivable as Brahman.” Then, turning to Devayānī, Kāvya continued, “O Devayānī, remember this: the one who patiently endures the harsh words of others conquers the world. He who restrains his rising anger, as a skilled charioteer holds back his horse, is truly wise—not one who merely holds the reins. The one who subdues anger with non-anger, he alone conquers all. He who casts off wrath with forgiveness, as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin, is truly a man. The one who contemplates righteousness, who endures beyond measure, and who, though afflicted, does not greatly suffer—such a person becomes a vessel for prosperity. “Between one who performs a hundred horse sacrifices every month for years and one who never becomes angry with anyone, the one free from anger is superior. Boys and girls, being thoughtless, may hold enmity, but the wise do not, for they understand strength and weakness. Even as a child, I knew the coming and going of actions, and in anger or excessive speech, the true nature of strength and weakness. “A disciple’s undisciplined conduct should not be tolerated by one who seeks virtue, nor do I find joy in dwelling among those of bad or mixed behavior. Those who do not honor a man for his conduct or lineage are not fit company for the wise, who seek the good. Where people do honor a man for his conduct and lineage, there among the virtuous one should dwell; that is the best kind of dwelling. “The harsh and terrible speech of Vṛṣaparvan’s daughter burns my heart, as fire kindled in wood. Nowhere in the three worlds, my dear, is there anything more difficult than serving a rival’s blazing fortune while lacking prosperity oneself.” Resolute, Kāvya, foremost among the Bhṛgus, approached King Vṛṣaparvan, who was seated, his mind burning with anger. After due consideration, Kāvya spoke: “O King, unrighteousness does not bear fruit immediately, like a cow; but slowly, as time turns, it even cuts off the roots. If one does not see evil in oneself, one’s sons, or grandsons, that act goes beyond the three aims of life. Sin surely bears fruit, just as food eaten by a teacher does in the belly; remember when you killed Kaca, the Brāhmaṇa son of Aṅgiras—so it was. He was blameless, devoted to righteousness, eager to serve, and loyal in my house—he did not deserve death, nor did my daughter. “Know this, Vṛṣaparvan: I will abandon you and your kin. I cannot remain in your realm, nor stay with you.” Vṛṣaparvan replied, “Today I recognize the demon as a false speaker, for you neglect your own daughter, though she is afflicted.” But Kāvya responded, “I know in you, Bhārgava, neither blame nor falsehood; in you are truth and righteousness—may you be gracious to me.” Vṛṣaparvan then pleaded, “Today, Bhārgava, if you abandon us and depart, I will enter the ocean, for there is no other refuge for me.” Kāvya answered, “Enter the ocean, or go to the directions, O Asuras; I cannot bear anything unpleasant for my daughter, for she is dear to me.” Vṛṣaparvan said, “Let Devayānī be appeased, for my life depends on her. I am the provider of her welfare, as Bṛhaspati is for Indra. Whatever wealth exists on earth belonging to the lords of the Asuras—be it elephants, chariots, or horses—you, Bhārgava, are the master of it, as am I. Whatever treasure there is belonging to the Daityas, O great Asura, I am the master of that—if only Devayānī may be appeased.” Then Śukra, hurrying with the king, went to Devayānī and said, “O fortunate one, your request will be granted.” Devayānī replied, “If you are indeed the lord of the king’s wealth, O Bhārgava, I do not know that; let the king himself tell me so.” Vṛṣaparvan said, “O Devayānī of pure smile, whatever desire you express, I shall grant it to you, even if it is exceedingly difficult to obtain.” Devayānī declared her wish: “With a thousand maidservants, I desire Śarmiṣṭhā as my slave; she shall follow me wherever my father gives me.” Vṛṣaparvan ordered, “Rise, nurse, and quickly bring Śarmiṣṭhā; let Devayānī do whatever she desires.” Obeying, the nurse went to Śarmiṣṭhā and said, “Rise, O blessed Śarmiṣṭhā, bring happiness to your kin.