The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section LXXX
Section LXXX.
( Sambhava Parva continued. )
Vaisampayana said, "Then Kavya the foremost of Bhrigu's line became angry himself. And approaching Vrishaparva 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. But gradually and secretly do they cut away the roots of their doer. Such fruit is seen either in one's own self, in one's son, or in one's grandson. Sins must bear their fruit. Like rich food they can never be digested. And because ye slew the Brahmana Kacha, the grand-son of Angira, 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—unfit as he was for it—and for the mal-treatment of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparva, I shall leave thee and thy relatives. Indeed, O king, for this I can no longer stay with thee! Dost thou, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar? Thou makest little of thy offence without seeking to correct it.'
"Vrishaparva then said, 'O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed want of virtue or falsehoood to thee! Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell in thee! Be graceful unto me! O Bhargava, if leaving us thou really goest hence, we shall then go into the depths of the ocean. Indeed, there is nothing else for us to do.'
"Sukra then replied, 'Ye Asuras, whether ye go into the depths of the ocean or fly away in all directions, I care little. 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.'
"Vrishaparva 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, of even my own 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 Deva-yani.'"
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 king, then spoke unto her father thus:—'O best of all excellent Brahmanas, I am gratified. I shall now enter the Asura capital. I now know that thy science and power of knowledge are not futile.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "That best of Brahmanas, of great reputation, thus addressed by his daughter, then entered the Asura capital in gladness of heart. And the Danavas worshipped him with great reverence."
And thus ends the eightieth Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.