Devayānī was counseled on the virtue of patience and forgiveness. She was told that one who quells rising anger with non-anger conquers the world, and that dispelling wrath with forgiveness, as a serpent sheds its old skin, marks the true person. The one who contemplates righteousness, endures without measure, and remains unshaken even in affliction becomes a vessel for prosperity. It was said that even performing a hundred horse sacrifices every month for years does not equal the merit of one who never becomes angry; the one free from anger is superior. The wise were advised not to harbor enmity like thoughtless children, for they understand the strengths and weaknesses of others. Devayānī herself reflected that, even as a child, she understood the ebb and flow of actions, and the strengths and weaknesses that arise in anger or excessive speech. She could not tolerate undisciplined conduct in those seeking virtue, nor did she find pleasure among people of bad or mixed behavior. The wise, seeking goodness, should not dwell among those who fail to honor a man for his conduct or lineage. Instead, one should live where conduct and lineage are recognized, for such a dwelling is the best. Devayānī’s heart burned from the harsh words spoken by Vṛṣaparvan’s daughter, as if fire had been kindled in wood. She lamented that nothing in the three worlds was more difficult than serving the blazing fortune of a rival while lacking prosperity oneself. At this point, Kāvya, the foremost among the Bhṛgus, approached Vṛṣaparvan, the king, with a mind full of anger. After considering carefully, he spoke: unrighteousness does not yield fruit immediately, like a cow, but slowly it destroys even the roots. If one ignores evil deeds in oneself, one’s sons, or grandsons, such acts surpass the three aims of life. Sin surely bears fruit, just as food eaten by a teacher does in the belly; so it was when Vṛṣaparvan killed the Brāhmaṇa Kaca, son of Aṅgiras. Kaca was blameless, righteous, and devoted, unworthy of death, as was Kāvya’s daughter. Kāvya declared to Vṛṣaparvan that he would abandon him and his kin, unable to remain in his realm. Vṛṣaparvan’s neglect of his own afflicted daughter revealed him as a false speaker. In response, Vṛṣaparvan acknowledged Kāvya’s truth and righteousness, asking for his grace. He pleaded that if Kāvya were to abandon them, he himself would enter the ocean, for there was no other refuge. Vṛṣaparvan proclaimed that he could not endure anything unpleasant for his dear daughter. He implored that Devayānī be appeased, for his life depended on her, and he was her provider, as Bṛhaspati is for Indra. He offered all the wealth of the Asuras—elephants, chariots, horses—to Kāvya, making him master of it, if only Devayānī could be appeased. He repeated that whatever treasure belonged to the Daityas, he would give it, so long as Devayānī was satisfied. Śukra, the sage, then hastened with the king to Devayānī and told her, “O fortunate one, your request has been granted.” Devayānī replied that if Kāvya was indeed lord of the king’s wealth, she did not know it; the king himself should confirm it. Vṛṣaparvan assured her, “O Devayānī of pure smile, whatever desire you express, I shall grant, even if it is exceedingly difficult.” Devayānī stated her wish: with a thousand maidservants, she desired Śarmiṣṭhā as her slave, to follow her wherever her father sent her. Vṛṣaparvan ordered the nurse to bring Śarmiṣṭhā quickly, so Devayānī’s desire could be fulfilled. The nurse went to Śarmiṣṭhā and said, “Rise, O blessed Śarmiṣṭhā, bring happiness to your kin. The Brāhmaṇa, urged by Devayānī, is abandoning his disciples; whatever desire she has must be fulfilled by you. You have become a maidservant to Devayānī, O beautiful one.” Śarmiṣṭhā agreed, saying she would do whatever desire Devayānī wished, so neither Śukra nor Devayānī would be angered by her. Chosen with a thousand maidens, Śarmiṣṭhā quickly left the palace in a palanquin by her father’s command. She declared to Devayānī, “With a thousand maidens, I am your slave and attendant; I shall go wherever your father gives you.” Yet she wondered how the daughter of one who is praised and honored could become a slave. Still, she resolved to bring happiness to her suffering kin and to follow Devayānī wherever her father sent her. When Śarmiṣṭhā had agreed to servitude, Devayānī told her father she was satisfied and ready to enter the city. She praised his unfailing knowledge and the power of his learning. Thus addressed, the illustrious Śukra, the best among twice-born, entered the city, delighted and honored by all the Dānavas. After a long time, Devayānī, the best of women, went out to the forest for play, seeking enjoyment in nature’s embrace.