Sūta continued the tale, recounting how, after cursing Turvasu, King Yayati turned to Druhyu, the son of Sharmishtha. With a heavy heart, Yayati spoke, “Druhyu, you must accept my old age, which destroys caste and beauty, for a thousand years. Give me your youth.” He promised, “When your thousand years are complete, I will return your youth to you and again take upon myself the burden of old age.” But Druhyu replied honestly, “I have no attachment to old age, so I do not desire it.” Yayati, disappointed, said, “You, born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth. Therefore, Druhyu, you will never attain your beloved desire. There will never be passage by boat across your land’s waters; your lineage will always be without a king there.” Turning to Anu, Yayati said, “Anu, you take upon yourself this sin along with old age, so that I may live for a thousand years enjoying your youth.” But Anu replied, “The fire does not burn at the proper time because of old age; therefore, I do not desire it.” Yayati responded, “You, born from my heart, do not give me your youth. Since you have mentioned the fault of old age, it will return to you. Your offspring, having attained youth, will perish because of this; and you will also become one who neglects the sacred fire.” Finally, Yayati turned to Puru, his youngest son. “You, Puru, take upon yourself this sin along with old age; wrinkles and grey hairs have appeared on your father’s body. Because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, I am not satisfied with youth. Let me experience sensual pleasures for a while with your youth. When a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth to you, and I will again take upon myself this sin along with old age.” Puru, addressed thus, replied straightforwardly, “As you wish, father, so I shall do. I will take upon myself your sin along with old age; receive youth from me and enjoy pleasures as you desire. Covered by old age, I will bear your form and appearance; having given you youth, I will live accordingly.” Yayati was pleased and blessed Puru, saying, “Puru, I am pleased with you; may good come to you. Because I am pleased, I grant you this: your progeny will flourish in the kingdom, endowed with all desires.” With Puru’s consent, King Yayati transferred his own old age to him, by the grace of Bhārgava. Thus, Yayati, son of Nahusha, regained youth and vigor. Delighted, the best among men, he enjoyed his own pleasures as he wished, with enthusiasm, at the right time, and with happiness, never violating dharma. He satisfied the gods with sacrifices and the ancestors with śrāddha offerings. He gratified the poor with gifts and the best of the twice-born with desired boons. He honored guests with food and drink, protected the Vaiśyas, showed compassion to the Śūdras, and subdued the robbers. By righteousness, Yayati delighted all his subjects, ruling as if he were another Indra himself. The king, lion-like in stride, young and enjoying pleasures, lived in supreme happiness without violating dharma. Seeking pleasures and seeing their faults, he delighted for a time in the splendid Nandana forest, trusting in its joys. But when the king saw his wife growing old, he returned to his city and accepted his own old age. Having attained those pleasures, Yayati was satisfied yet weary. For a thousand years, he remembered the passage of time, counting its divisions and moments. Knowing the period was complete, he spoke to his son Puru, “O subduer of enemies, my son, I have enjoyed the pleasures as I wished, with vigor and in due season, through your youth. Puru, I am pleased; blessings to you! Take back your own youth, and the kingdom, O prince.” The Brahmins and the other classes, led by the Brahmins, spoke these words. King Yayati, son of Nahusha, accepted old age, and Puru regained his own youth. Desiring to anoint his youngest son Puru as king, the Brahmins and the other classes, led by the Brahmins, questioned Yayati, “O lord, how will you give the kingdom to Puru, passing over Yadu, the eldest son of Devayani and grandson of Shukra, who is the best?” They reminded Yayati, “Yadu, your eldest son, was born first, then Turvasu after him; from Sharmishtha came Druhyu, then Anu, and Puru as well. How does the youngest deserve the kingdom, passing over the elders? Therefore, uphold righteousness.” Yayati addressed them all, “Let all the Brahmins and the other classes listen to my words. In no way should the kingdom be given to the eldest, in my view. A son who obeys his mother and father is praised; my eldest, Yadu, did not follow my command. He who acts against his father is not considered a true son by the virtuous; but he who behaves as a son towards his parents is truly a son. I was disrespected by Yadu, and likewise by Turvasu, Druhyu, and Anu; thus, I was greatly dishonored. But Puru fulfilled my word and especially honored me; though the youngest, he is my heir, who bore my old age. Puru, my son, accomplished all and did all for me.” Thus, the kingdom was given to Puru, who had honored his father above all, and his lineage flourished, blessed by Yayati’s favor.