Chapter 80

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Kavya, the foremost of Bhrigu’s line, becameangry himself. And approaching Vrishaparvan where the latter was seated,began to address him without weighing his words, ‘O king,’ he said,’sinful acts do not, like the Earth, bear fruit immediately! Butgradually and secretly do they extirpate their doers.

Such fruit visitetheither in one’s own self, one’s son, or one’s grandson. Sins must beartheir fruit. Like rich food they can never be digested. And because yeslew the Brahmana Kacha, the grandson of Angiras, who was virtuous,acquainted with the precepts of religion, and attentive to his duties,while residing in my abode, even for this act of slaughter–and for themal-treatment of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparvan, I shall leavethee and thy relatives! Indeed, O king, for this, I can no longer staywith thee! Dost thou, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar? Thoumakest light of thy offence without seeking to correct it!’.

“Vrishaparvan then said, ‘O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed wantof virtue, of falsehood, to thee. Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell inthee. Be kind to me! O Bhargava, if, leaving us, thou really goest hence,we shall then go into the depths of the ocean. Indeed, there is nothingelse for us to do.’

“Sukra then replied, ‘Ye Asuras, whether ye go into the depths of theocean or fly away to all directions. I care little. I am unable to bearmy daughter’s grief. My daughter is ever dear to me. My life dependeth onher. Seek ye to please her. As Vrihaspati ever seeketh the good of Indra,so do I always seek thine by my ascetic merits.’

“Vrishaparvan then said, ‘O Bhargava, thou art the absolute master ofwhatever is possessed by the Asura chiefs in this world-their elephants,kine and horses, and even my humble self!’

“Sukra then answered, ‘If it is true, O great Asura, that I am the lordof all the wealth of the Asuras, then go and gratify Devayani.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘when the great Kavya was so addressed byVrishaparvan, he then went to Devayani and told her all. Devayani,however, quickly replied, ‘O Bhargava, if thou art truly the lord of theAsura king himself and of all his wealth, then let the king himself cometo me and say so in my presence.’ Vrishaparvan then approached Devayaniand told her, ‘O Devayani of sweet smiles, whatever thou desirest I amwilling to give thee, however difficult it may be to grant the same.’Devayani answered, ‘I desire Sarmishtha with a thousand maids to wait onme! She must also follow me to where my father may give me away.’

“Vrishaparvan then commanded a maid-servant in attendance on him, saying,’Go and quickly bring Sarmishtha hither. Let her also accomplish whatDevayani wisheth.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘The maid-servant then repaired to Sarmishthaand told her, ‘O amiable Sarmishtha, rise and follow me. Accomplish thegood of thy relatives. Urged by Devayani, the Brahmana (Sukra) is on thepoint of leaving his disciples (the Asuras). O sinless one, thou must dowhat Devayani wisheth.’ Sarmishtha replied, ‘I shall cheerfully do whatDevayani wisheth. Urged by Devayani Sukra is calling me. Both Sukra andDevayani must not leave the Asuras through my fault.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘Commanded by her father, then, Sarmishtha,accompanied by a thousand maidens, soon came, in a palanquin, out of herfather’s excellent mansion. And approaching Devayani she said, ‘With mythousand maids, I am thy waiting-maid! And I shall follow thee where thyfather may give thee away.’ Devayani replied, ‘I am the daughter of onewho chanteth the praises of thy father, and who beggeth and acceptethalms; thou, on the other hand, art the daughter of one who is adored. Howcanst thou be my waiting-maid?’

“Sarmishtha answered, ‘One must by all means contribute to the happinessof one’s afflicted relatives. Therefore shall I follow thee wherever thyfather may give thee away.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘When Sarmishtha thus promised to be Devayani’swaiting-maid the latter, O king, then spoke unto her father thus, ‘O bestof all excellent Brahmanas, I am gratified. I shall now enter the Asuracapital! I now know that thy science and power of knowledge are notfutile!’

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘That best of Brahmanas, of great reputation,thus addressed by his daughter, then, entered the Asura capital in thegladness of his heart. And the Danavas worshipped him with greatreverence.'”