"Please tell me truly," the speaker implored, "for what reason has this event occurred? The deeds we have both performed here are indeed a wonder to the worlds." He then began to recount his past, confessing, "Always was I devoted to wicked conduct, delighting in the harm of all beings. I was a killer of cows, a slayer of Brahmins, a thief, intent on the destruction of all living creatures. In such a state, for how long did I remain, O great seer, without being struck down? I always ate the flesh of animals and robbed travelers as well. Once, when I was exhausted by hunger, scorched by the summer sun, and tormented by thirst, I came upon a great lake nearby, filled with swans and waterfowl. There I drank the cool water, and on the bank, my fatigue left me. In that ruined abode of Vishnu, I made a shelter for myself. With leaves, grass, and pieces of wood, I properly constructed a hut. There, living as a hunter, I killed many kinds of animals. Then she arrived—a virtuous woman, born in the region of the Vindhyas. Abandoned by her relatives, afflicted, her body worn and aged, she came wandering alone in the desolate forest, driven by the will of fate. Seeing her tormented by sorrow, great compassion arose in me. O Brahmin, when she was weary from her wandering, I questioned her. She revealed, 'I am not a cuckoo, but born in the family of hunters. I always stole the wealth of others and constantly spoke maliciously. For some time, I was maintained by my husband, though condemned by the world. Alone and afflicted by suffering, I wandered in the lonely wilderness.' Thus, she told me all the deeds she herself had committed. We two remained there for ten years, living on flesh and fruit. In that temple, at night, we rejoiced together, feasting on meat. When the enjoyment of our destined karma came to an end, we both departed this life at the same time. As we delighted in dance, fierce messengers arrived to take us to Yama's abode. But because we had performed the rite known as the 'sanctification of the temple,' the messengers of the Lord of gods appeared—bearing conch, discus, and mace, wearing crowns and earrings, adorned with garlands and forest wreaths. Frightening in form, with weapons and fangs, they drove away Yama's attendants. Those devoted to Krishna spoke firmly to those who sought to seize us: 'Release this sinless couple, beloved of Hari.' For one who harbors evil thoughts toward the innocent is to be known as the lowest of men. And even one who, though innocent in thought, commits evil—he too is the lowest among the low. The wicked are to be punished by Yama; we shall take these two there, for this discernment between righteousness and unrighteousness must be brought before Yama. The attendants of Yama replied to those who pride themselves on righteousness, though they act unrighteously: 'For those utterly lacking in proper discernment, a great calamity is the inevitable result. Why are you still so eager to commit sinful acts even now?' And so, those who are wicked remain in dreadful hell as long as the moon, the sun, and the stars endure.