Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,--O great king! the cowherdesses having heard this speech, returned to their homes, delighted and satisfied. And Shree Krishnù, having come to the fig tree, went along with the cowherds’ children and their companions and cows. Beholding on all sides jungle of various kinds, they began to speak in high terms of trees, saying, “that after coming into the world, they themselves suffered many troubles, and afforded pleasure to mankind. It is thus, that the coming into the world of those, who are attentive to the interests of others is beneficial.” Conversing in this manner and advancing onward, they arrived near the Jumna. CHAPTER XXIV. Shree Shookdeo Jee said, when Shree Krishnù, having arrived near the Jumna, was standing under a tree, leaning on a club, all the cowherds’ children and their companions came, and joining their hands said,--“O great king! we are very hungry; we have eaten all the food we brought with us, still our hunger has not gone off.” Krishnù replied, “Observe that smoke, which appears some distance off. The inhabitants of Muttra are offering sacrifice secretly from fear of Kuns: go to them, and having mentioned my name, and made an obeisance, stand before them with hands joined; and from a distance ask for food with the same humility, as meek beggars ask for it.” The cowherds, after hearing this speech, went to the spot where the inhabitants of Muttra were sacrificing, (were seated preparing the sacrifice.) Having gone, and paid their respects, they said with the greatest humility, joining their hands,--“O great kings! Shree Krishnù Chund Jee has, with deferential respect, sent this message to you through us, he is very hungry, and would be much obliged if you would kindly send him something to eat.” When the inhabitants of Muttra had heard this message from the cowherds, they replied angrily, “You must be very hungry to make such a request at this time; we will not give any one any thing until the sacrifice is completed, when we have made the offering; if any thing remains, we will distribute it.” The cowherds, imploring them again earnestly, said with importunity,--“O great kings! it is an act of great virtue to give food to a hungry man, who comes to your house.” They listened not to what the cowherds urged; but turning away from them, said to each other--“These are very foolish, low cowherds, who beg for food in the middle of a sacrifice.” The cowherds, returning thence displeased and with great regret, came and said to Krishnù,--“O great king! we have forfeited our dignity and character by begging, and have not obtained any thing to eat: what shall we do now?” Shree Krishnù Jee said, “Go and ask their wives: they are very kind and virtuous. Observe their affection: on seeing you, they will give you food with the utmost respect and deference.”