I am unable to bear my
daughter's grief. My daughter is ever dear to me. My life dependeth on her.
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 of
whatever 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 lord of
all the wealth of the Asuras, then go and gratify Devayani.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'when the great Kavya was so addressed by
Vrishaparvan, he then went to Devayani and told her all. Devayani, however,
quickly replied, 'O Bhargava, if thou art truly the lord of the Asura king
himself and of all his wealth, then let the king himself come to me and
say so in my presence.' Vrishaparvan then approached Devayani and told her,
'O Devayani of sweet smiles, whatever thou desirest I am willing to give
thee, however difficult it may be to grant the same.' Devayani answered,
'I desire Sarmishtha with a thousand maids to wait on me! 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 what
Devayani wisheth.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'The maid-servant then repaired to Sarmishtha and
told her, 'O amiable Sarmishtha, rise and follow me.
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