At Devayānī’s urging, the Brāhmaṇa—her father Śukra—decided to leave his disciples behind, determined that whatever wish Devayānī held must be fulfilled. “You, O blameless one,” he said to Śarmiṣṭhā, “have become a maidservant to Devayānī.” Śarmiṣṭhā, accepting her fate, replied, “Whatever desire Devayānī expresses, I shall fulfill today. Let neither Śukra nor Devayānī be angered because of me.” Thus, at the command of her father Vṛṣaparvan, Śarmiṣṭhā was chosen along with a thousand maidens to leave the splendid palace, departing swiftly in a palanquin. She approached Devayānī and declared, “With a thousand maidens, I am your slave and attendant. Wherever your father gives you, surely I shall go.” Yet, with dignity, she added, “I am the daughter of one who is praised and honored, one who asks and receives. How can such a daughter become a slave?” Still, she resolved, “By whatever means happiness may be brought to suffering kin, I shall follow you wherever your father gives you.” When Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, agreed to servitude, Devayānī turned to her own father and spoke: “Father, I am satisfied. I will enter the city. 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. Time passed. After a long while, Devayānī, the best of women, went out to the forest for play, accompanied by a thousand maidservants and Śarmiṣṭhā. They reached a beautiful spot, and there, with joyful companions, Devayānī delighted in the pleasures of spring—drinking sweet honey, eating various foods and fruits. By chance, King Yayāti, son of Nahusha, arrived at that very place while seeking game. Thirsty and desiring water, he saw Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the other women, all adorned with divine ornaments, drinking together. Among them, Devayānī shone with unmatched beauty, her pure smile radiant as she sat, attended by Śarmiṣṭhā, who served her with foot massages and other acts of devotion. Surrounded by two thousand maidens and the two young women, the king was moved to inquire, “Tell me, I pray, their lineage and names.” Devayānī answered graciously, “I will tell you, O king. Know me as the daughter of Śukra, the preceptor of the Asuras. And this is my friend and maid, Śarmiṣṭhā, daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, lord of the Dānavas. Wherever I go, she goes with me.” Yayāti, curious, asked, “How is your friend, this noble young woman and daughter of the lord of the Asuras, your maid? I am greatly intrigued.” Devayānī replied, “Everything, O tiger among men, proceeds according to destiny. Knowing it is ordained by fate, do not let your mind be perplexed.” She then observed, “You appear in royal form and dress, yet you speak with the voice of a Brāhmin. Tell me your name, your origin, and whose son you are.” Yayāti replied, “By celibacy, I have mastered the entire Veda. I am a king and prince, renowned as Yayāti.” Devayānī then asked, “For what purpose, O king, have you come to this place? Is it to take water, or perhaps seeking game?” Yayāti answered, “Desiring game, O gentle one, I have come here for water. Though you question me in many ways, you should grant me leave.” Devayānī then declared, “With two thousand maidens and the maid Śarmiṣṭhā, I am under your authority. Blessings to you, friend—be my husband.” But Yayāti replied with humility, “Know, O auspicious one, that I am not worthy. O beautiful lady, kings are not to be married, Devayānī, without your father’s consent.” Devayānī explained, “The Kshatriya and the Brāhmin orders are joined together by Brahma; Kshatriya is established in Brāhmin, and Brāhmin in Kshatriya. O son of Nahusha, neither sage nor sage’s son should you choose me.” She continued, “The four classes, O lovely-faced one, are born from one body, each with its own duties and purity. Among them, the Brāhmin is the highest.” Devayānī pressed her case, “The taking of the hand by Nahusha’s son was not practiced by men before; you took my hand first, therefore I choose you. How could another man touch the hand of one whose mind is steadfast, when it has been taken by a sage’s son, or by a sage himself, or by you?” She warned, “A Brāhmin, when angered, is more difficult to withstand than a serpent with deadly poison or fire blazing on every side, especially for a man of understanding.” Yayāti asked, “How is a Brāhmin more difficult to withstand than a serpent or fire, O best of men?” Devayānī explained, “A serpent with deadly poison bites only one; a weapon kills only one; but an angered Brāhmin destroys entire kingdoms, even ancient ones. Therefore, I consider a Brāhmin more difficult to withstand, O timid one. For this reason, your father did not give you to me, and so I do not marry you.” She pleaded, “Bear me as given by your father; you, O king, have been chosen by me. There is no fear for one who receives a maiden given, nor for the one who accepts her.” At Devayānī’s command, her nurse quickly went and reported everything, just as it had happened, to her father Śukra. Hearing this, the Bhargava came and presented himself to the king. Yayāti, lord of the earth, saw the Brāhmin arrive, and with joined palms, bowed in respect, saluting Kavi with utmost humility. Kavi, in turn, addressed him with gentle and pleasing words. Then Devayānī spoke to her father, “This king, O father, son of Nahusha, has taken my hand in a difficult situation. I salute you—give me to him, for I choose no other husband in the world.