"'And Yayati seeing all this, said, "O amiable ones, I would ask you both your names and parentage. It seems that these two thousand maids wait on you two." Hearing the monarch, Devayani then answered, "Listen to me, O best of men. Know that I am the daughter of Sukra, the spiritual guide of the Asuras. This my companion is my waiting-maid. She attendeth on me wherever I go. She is Sarmishtha, the daughter of the Asura king Vrishaparvan." "'Yayati then asked, "I am curious to know why is this thy companion of fair eye-brows, this maiden of the fairest complexion, the daughter of the Asura chief thy waiting-maid!" Devayani replied, "O best of king, everything resulteth from Fate. Knowing this also to be the result of Fate, wonder not at it. Thy feature and attire are both like a king's. Thy speech also is fair and correct as that of the Vedas. Tell me thy name, whence thou art and whose son also." "'The monarch replied, "During my vow of Brahmacharya, the whole Vedas entered my ears. I am known as Yayati, a king's son and myself a king." Devayani then enquired, "O king, what hast thou come here for? Is it to gather lotuses or to angle or to hunt?" Yayati said, "O amiable one, thirsty from the pursuit of deer, I have come hither in search of water. I am very much fatigued. I await but your commands to leave this spot." "'Devayani answered, "With my two thousand damsels and my waiting-maid Sarmishtha, I wait but your commands. Prosperity to thee. Be thou my friend and lord."