One day the Master sat surrounded by Sárvabhauma and other faithful ones, holding sweet discourse on Krishna, when Govinda arrived, prostrated himself, and said, "I am Govinda, a servant of Ishwar Puri, at whose bidding I have come to you. The Puri, when attaining to _siddhi_ (death) told me to go and serve Krishna-Chaitanya. Kashishwar will come (here) after visiting holy places. At my Master's bidding I have hastened to your feet." To this the Master replied, "Ishwar Puri loved me like a son, and has sent you to me as a favour." At this Sárvabhauma asked, "How could the Puri retain a Shudra attendant?" The Master answered, "God is supremely independent. His mercy is not bound by (the rules of) the Vedas. God's grace defies caste and family distinctions." Witness how Krishna dined at the house of Bidur. Love and service are mere instruments of Krishna's mercy. When actuated by mercy He acts independently [of the conventions of religion]. Loving treatment is a million times more blissful than dignity. The very hearing of it gives intense delight." So saying the Master embraced Govinda, who then bowed at the feet of all. The Master spoke, "Bhattáchárya, solve this problem: the very servant of my _guru_ is honourable to me, and it is not seemly that he should serve me. And yet the _guru_ has commanded it. What should I do?" The Bhatta answered, "A _guru's_ command is most strong, and the Shastras direct us not to violate it. Witness the _Raghuvamsa_, xiv. 53, and Valmiki's _Ramayan_, Ayodhya-kanda, xxii. 9." Then the Master consented and permitted Govinda to serve His body. All honoured him as the Master's favourite attendant, while Govinda made arrangements for all the Vaishnavs. He was accompanied by the two Haridases (who were surnamed the greater and lesser chanters), Rámái and Nandái, in tending the Master. Govinda's good fortune baffles description.