Vaisampayana continued, "And when the great Kavya had been so addressed by Vrishaparva he then went to Deva-yani and told her all. Deva-yani, 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.' Vrishaparva then approached Deva-yani and told her, 'O Deva-yani of sweet smiles, whatever thou desirest I am willing to give thee however difficult it may be to grant the same? Deva-yani answered, 'I desire Sharmishta with a thousand maids to wait on me. She must also follow me to where my father may bestow me.'
"Vrishaparva then commanded a maid-servant in attendance on him, saying, 'Go and quickly bring Sharmishta hither. Let her also accomplish what Deva-yani wisheth.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "The maid servant then repairing to Sharmishta told her, 'O amiable Sharmishta, rise and follow me. Accomplish thou the good of thy relatives. Urged by Deva-yani, the Brahmana (Sukra) is on the point of leaving his disciples (the Asuras.) O sinless one, thou must do what Deva-yani wisheth!' Sharmishta replied, 'I shalt cheerfully do what Deva-yani wisheth!' Urged by Deva-yani Sukra is calling me. Both Sukra and Deva-yani must not leave the Asuras through my fault.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Commanded by her father then, Sharmishta, accompained by a thousand maidens, soon came in a palanquin, out of her father's excellent mansion. And approaching Deva-yani said, 'With my thousand maids I am thy waiting-woman. And I shall follow thee where thy father may bestow thee.' Deva-yani replied, 'I am the daughter of one who chaunteth the praises of thy father, and who beggeth and accepteth alms. Thou, on the other hand art the daughter of one who is adored. How canst thou be my waiting woman?'
"Sharmishta answered, 'One must by all means contribute to the happiness of one's afflicted relatives. Therefore shall I follow thee wherever thy father may bestow thee!'"
Vaisampayana continued, "When Sharmishtā had thus promised to be Deva-yani's waiting-woman, the latter, O
