Kansa then sent for Akrûra, one of the chiefs of the Yadu clan. "Akrûra," said he, "Thou art my friend and do the work of a friend. Please go to Vraja. Take this chariot and bring the two sons of Vâsudeva. Tell them, they are to see the Dhanus Yajna and have a sight of the town. Let Nanda and other Gopas come with presents. The elephant shall kill the two boys. Or if perchance they escape, the wrestlers shall do away with them. I will then make easy work of Vâsudeva, my old father Ugrasena, his brother Devaka, the Vrishnis, the Bhojas and the Dasârhas. Then, O friend, the earth will be left without a thorn. Jarâsandha is my guide. Dvivid is my friend. Samvara, Naraka, and Vâna have made alliance with me. With the help of these, I shall kill all kings that are on the side of the Devas. Know this to be my plan." Akrûra said: — "The design is all right. But it may or may not succeed. Even lofty desires are frustrated by unforeseen obstacles. Still man entertains them, to meet with either joy or sorrow. But I will do thy behests." The council broke up. KESI. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 37.* In the meantime, Kesi, under the orders of Kansa, entered Vraja, in the form of a fiery steed, Krishna held him aloft by the feet and threw him away. The Asura regained consciousness and again ran after Krishna. He thrust his hand inside the mouth of the Asura and killed him at once. The Devas rained flowers over him and prayed. Rishi Nârada also appeared and adored him, making reference to his future deeds. VYOMA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 37.* The Gopas were grazing cattle on the flat summit of a hill. Some played the part of thieves, some, that of cattle keepers and some the part of sheep. The Asura Vyoma, (the word meaning Âkâsa), son of Mâyâ, assumed the form of a Gopa, and playing the part of a thief carried away many Gopas, who became sheep and he confined them in a hill cave closed by stones. In the playground only four or five Gopas remained. Krishna found out the mischief, attacked the Asura and killed him. AKRÛRA. Akrûra was mightily pleased that he would see the lotus feet of Râma and Krishna. His devotion to Krishna knew no bounds and he knew full well that, whatever his mission might be, the Lord would find out his inward devotion. At sunset he reached Gokula and, on seeing Râma and Krishna, fell down at their feet. They duly honored him. Nanda also shewed every respect to Akrûra. At night Akrûra made a clean breast of everything to Râma and Krishna, telling how Kansa oppressed the Yadus, how Nârada informed him of their presence in Vraja and who they were, how he planned their death, and the mission on which he sent him. Râma and Krishna only laughed. The next morning they informed Nanda about the command of the king. Nanda asked the Gopas to prepare themselves with presents.