Holding in his hand a smooth, polished lute, his mind ever fresh and undiminished, the great sage entered, accompanied only by his single, blameless companion—life itself, enduring without end. His heart overflowed with compassion, and his clear, gentle eyes seemed to sprinkle nectar upon all who beheld him, blessing them with his very gaze. In his glance shone both brightness and depth; his brows arched, radiant and noble, bestowing both joy and awe in the hearts of those before him. From afar, the king saw the sage approach. With deep humility, the king bowed low, his jeweled crown touching the earth in reverence. The sage, in return, greeted the lord of the land with words as sweet and noble as the sun greeting mighty Indra. All the twice-born Brahmins, led by the venerable Vasiṣṭha, honored the sage with proper welcome and respect. They spoke with gratitude: “By your radiant and unhesitating presence, O noble one, we are blessed, just as lotuses are by the sun. That which is beginningless, undisturbed, and free from decline—that blissful happiness—we have attained today by seeing you, O sage. Surely today we are counted among the foremost of the righteous, for it is by virtue of righteousness that we have become the focus of your arrival.” So, conversing amongst themselves, the kings and great sages took their seats in the assembly hall. As the sage entered, radiant and resplendent, some felt a touch of awe, but the king’s face shone with delight. He himself offered the sage the traditional water of welcome. The sage accepted it and, performing the prescribed rites, honored the king by circling him in reverence. Honored thus, the sage’s face glowed with joy as he inquired after the king’s welfare and security. He then approached Vasiṣṭha, foremost among sages, greeting him with a smile and due honors, and asked after his well-being. After all had honored one another as was fitting, they gathered together, their hearts uplifted with joy, and entered the royal palace. Seated upon their respective seats, their collective brilliance enhanced, they respectfully inquired after each other's welfare. To the wise Viśvāmitra, once he had taken his seat, the king offered water for washing the feet, water for welcome, and cows, again and again, as tokens of honor. Having thus honored Viśvāmitra, the king, with joined palms and a pure heart, joyfully spoke: “Your coming is to us as nectar descending, as rain in drought, or as sight to the blind. It is like the gain of desired wealth, the birth of a son to the childless, or obtaining in waking that which was seen only in a dream. Your arrival is as the union with what is most wished for, the return of a beloved one, or the recovery of what was lost. It is as if joy itself has arisen from soaring into the sky, or from the return of one thought dead. O Brahman, my welcome to you is thus, great sage. “For who would not feel delight at the presence of one who dwells in Brahmaloka? O sage, your arrival is truly such; I speak the truth. What is your highest wish, and what shall I do for you? You are supremely worthy of honor, O Brahmin, and you have come, righteous above all. You deserve the title of royal sage; your subjects are illumined by your austerity. Having attained the state of a brahmarshi, you are worthy of my deepest reverence, O venerable one. “Just as the Ganga’s waters bring delight and purification, so does the sight of you cool and gladden my heart. Free from desire, fear, and anger, detached and free from affliction—O Brahman, it is truly a wonder that you have come to me. I feel myself pure and unstained, situated in an auspicious field, like the full moon immersed in water, O best of knowers. Your arrival, O sage, is as if Brahman itself has appeared before me; I am purified and blessed by your coming. “By the merit of your arrival, O noble one, my heart is gladdened; today my birth is fulfilled, and my life is truly well-lived. Having seen you arrive here, I honor and bow to you, and then bow within myself, as the ocean bows to the moon reflected within it. Whatever purpose or matter has brought you here, O foremost of sages, consider it already accomplished; for you are greatly honored by me. You ought to reflect upon your own duty, O Kaushika; for there is nothing unattainable for you in whatever you undertake. And you should consider the matter at hand according to righteousness; I am entirely your agent, and you are the supreme divinity.” Hearing these exceedingly sweet and humble words, spoken with understanding and adorned by the king’s many virtues, the sage was filled with supreme joy. Then, hearing the king’s wondrous and generous words, the great and radiant Viśvāmitra, his hair bristling with emotion, spoke: “Such words are fitting for you alone, O tiger among kings, born of a noble lineage and guided by Vasiṣṭha. But as for the matter that lies in my heart, you, O tiger among kings, must decide upon its proper course; uphold righteousness. “I have undertaken a vow for the sake of accomplishment, O best of men; yet terrible demons, obstructors, have arisen against it. Whenever I perform a sacrifice for the assembly of gods, at those very times, those night-wandering demons destroy my sacrifice.” Thus, the sage Viśvāmitra spoke, revealing his purpose and seeking the king’s aid in upholding righteousness.