King Yayāti, having reached the end of his vigor, stood before the sage and spoke with unwavering honesty, “I do not speak falsely in this matter, O king. You have indeed obtained old age. If you so desire, you may transfer this old age to another.” The sage replied, “Let one who is willing give me his youth, O Brāhmaṇa. That son shall enjoy the kingdom, merit, and fame—let that son be approved by you.” The king was assured, “You may transfer old age as you wish, O son of Nahusha; do so truthfully, and you shall incur no sin. The son who gives you his youth will become king, long-lived, renowned, and blessed with many children.” Thus, having obtained old age, Yayāti returned to his city. There, he called upon his eldest and most distinguished son, Yadu, and addressed him, “O son, old age and wrinkles, and gray hairs have come upon me because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, and yet my heart is unsatisfied with the pleasures of youth. Yadu, accept old age along with its burdens and sin, and with your youth, I will enjoy the delights of the senses. When a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth to you, and I will take back the burden of old age and sin.” Yadu listened, but sorrowfully replied, “One who is gray-haired and bearded, miserable, weakened by age, with limbs marked by wrinkles, hard to look at, feeble, and thin—unable to perform duties, despised even by those close to him—such old age I do not desire, father. You have many sons, O king, dearer to you than I am; choose another, O knower of dharma, to accept old age.” At this, Yayāti warned, “If you, born from my heart, do not give me your youth, then your offspring will be wicked because of this maternal connection.” Turning to his next son, he said, “Turvasu, you accept sin together with old age; with your youth, my son, I will enjoy the pleasures of the senses. When a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth, and again take back old age and sin.” But Turvasu also refused, saying, “I do not desire old age, father, which destroys enjoyment of pleasures, brings an end to strength and beauty, and ruins intelligence.” Yayāti grew stern, “If you, born from my heart, do not give me your youth, then, Turvasu, your lineage will come to an end. You will become king among people who are mixed in conduct, who act contrary to dharma, and who eat flesh. You will rule among those attached to their teachers’ wives, engaged in animal births, behaving like beasts, among outcasts and the wicked.” Thus, having cursed Turvasu, Yayāti turned to his son Druhyu. He said, “Druhyu, you accept old age, which destroys color and form, for a thousand years; give me your youth. When a thousand years are complete, I will give you back your youth, and again take on sin and old age.” Druhyu answered, “An old man enjoys neither kingdom, nor chariot, nor horse, nor woman; he feels no passion—such old age I do not desire.” Yayāti warned him, “If you, born from my heart, do not give me your youth, then you will never obtain what you love and desire. Where travel is always by boat over floods, there you and your descendants will be known as those who do not enjoy sovereignty.” Turning then to Anu, Yayāti pleaded, “You, Anu, take upon yourself old age along with its affliction; let me live for a thousand years with your youth.” But Anu replied, “A worn-out man, like a child, takes food at the wrong time, as if impure; he does not offer oblations into the fire at the proper time—such old age I do not desire.” Yayāti declared, “You, who are born from my heart, do not give me your youth; since you have spoken of the fault of old age, you must accept it. Your offspring, having attained youth, will perish, O Anu; you too will become like this, when your fire is extinguished.” Finally, Yayāti turned to his youngest, Puru, and said, “You, Puru, take upon yourself old age along with its affliction; you are dearer to me than a son, and you shall become greater. Old age and wrinkles, dear child, and gray hairs have come upon me because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, and I am not yet satisfied with youth. Let me enjoy sensual pleasures for a little while with your vigor; when a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth and take back old age with its affliction.” Puru replied straightforwardly, “As you say, great king, so I will do your bidding. I will take upon myself, O king, old age with its affliction; receive youth from me and enjoy pleasures as you desire. Covered by old age, I will bear your form and age; having given you my youth, I will live as you wish.” Yayāti was filled with joy and blessed his son, “Puru, I am pleased with you, my child; I grant you this boon: your progeny will be prosperous in all desires and wealth.” Thus addressed, Yayāti, remembering the great vow of Kāvya, transferred old age to his noble son. With the vigor and youth of Puru, Yayāti, son of Nahusha, delighted and, being the best of men, enjoyed his beloved pleasures. As he wished, with enthusiasm, at the right time, and with happiness, the king enjoyed pleasures not opposed to righteousness, as was fitting for him. He satisfied the gods with sacrifices, his ancestors with offerings, the distressed with acts of compassion, and the best of the twice-born with desired gifts. He honored guests with food and drink, protected his people, showed kindness, and subdued the Shudras and robbers.