In the three worlds, nothing is more difficult, dear one, than serving another’s blazing fortune when one’s own prosperity is lacking. This thought weighed heavily as Kāvya, the foremost among the Bhṛgus, approached King Vṛṣaparvan, who was seated with anger simmering in his heart. After careful consideration, Kāvya spoke to the king. “Unrighteousness, O king, does not yield its fruit immediately, like a cow giving milk; but slowly, as it turns, it even severs the roots. If one does not recognize evil within oneself, or in 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; when you killed the Brāhmaṇa Kaca, son of Aṅgiras, this was so. He was blameless, a knower of righteousness, eager to serve, devoted in my house—unworthy of death; and my daughter, too, for her suffering. Know this, Vṛṣaparvan: I will abandon you and your kin. I cannot remain in your realm, O king, nor stay with you. Today I recognize the demon as a false speaker, for you neglect your own daughter, though she is afflicted.” Vṛṣaparvan replied humbly, “In you, Bhārgava, I see neither blame nor falsehood; in you reside truth and righteousness—may you be gracious to me. Today, Bhārgava, if you abandon us and depart, I will enter the ocean; there is no other refuge for me.” But Kāvya, resolute, said, “Enter the ocean, or go to the directions, O Asuras; I am unable to endure anything unpleasant for my daughter, for she is dear to me.” Vṛṣaparvan pleaded, “Let Devayānī be appeased, for my life depends on her; I am the provider of her welfare, just as Bṛhaspati is for Indra. Whatever wealth exists on earth belonging to the lords of the Asuras—elephants, chariots, horses—O Bhārgava, you are the master of that, as am I. Whatever treasure there is belonging to the lords of the Daityas, O great Asura, I am the master of that—if only Devayānī may be appeased.” Then Śukra hastened with the king and spoke to Devayānī, “O fortunate one, your request has been granted.” Devayānī replied, “If you are indeed the lord, O Bhārgava, of the king’s wealth, I do not know that; let the king himself tell me so.” Vṛṣaparvan assured her, “O Devayānī of pure smile, whatever desire you express, I shall grant it to you, even if it be exceedingly difficult to obtain.” Devayānī declared, “With a thousand maidservants, I desire Śarmiṣṭhā as my slave; she shall follow me wherever my father gives me.” Vṛṣaparvan commanded, “Rise, nurse, go and quickly bring Śarmiṣṭhā; let Devayānī do whatever she desires.” 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, O blameless one. You have become a maidservant to Devayānī, O beautiful one.” Śarmiṣṭhā replied, “Whatever desire she wishes, I shall do that today; let neither Śukra nor Devayānī be overcome by anger on my account.” Chosen with a thousand maidens, Śarmiṣṭhā quickly left the splendid palace in a palanquin, as her father commanded. She spoke to Devayānī, “With a thousand maidens, I am your slave and attendant; surely I shall go wherever your father gives you. I am the daughter of one who is praised, of one who asks and receives; how can the daughter of one who is honored become a slave? Yet, by whatever means one might bring happiness to suffering kin, I shall follow you wherever your father gives you.” When Śarmiṣṭhā had agreed to servitude, Devayānī spoke to her father, “I shall enter the city, father; I am satisfied, O best of Brāhmaṇas. Your knowledge is unfailing, and you possess the power of learning.” Thus addressed, the illustrious Śukra, best among the 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. With a thousand maidservants and with Śarmiṣṭhā, she reached that very place and wandered as she wished. Together with all her joyful companions, they delighted in play, drinking sweet honey of spring, and eating various foods and fruits. At that moment, King Nahusha, seeking game, happened to arrive there. Thirsty and desiring water, he saw Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the other women, all adorned with divine ornaments, drinking. Devayānī, with her pure smile, was seated among them. Among those women, she was unmatched in beauty, a noble lady, served by Śarmiṣṭhā with foot massages and the like. Surrounded by two thousand maidens and two young women, Nahusha asked, “I wish to know their lineage and names.” Devayānī replied, “I will tell you; accept my words, O king. Know me as the daughter of Śukra, the preceptor of the Asuras. And this friend of mine is a maid; wherever I go, she goes. Śarmiṣṭhā, daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, lord of the Dānavas.” Nahusha, curious, asked, “But how is your friend a maid, this noble young woman, daughter of the lord of the Asuras? I am greatly curious.” And so, the tale of Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā unfolded before King Nahusha, revealing the twists of fate and the bonds of duty and devotion.