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CHAPTER FIVE Before any one knows, I myself shall ask Anakadundubhi for the seven future children of Devaki. If my friend, being asked, will not give Devaki's children, I will try something else, that I may have peace.”
Making such a plan, feigning intoxication though sober, he went to Vasudeva's house, his hands folded in supplication even from afar. Daśārha got up to meet him and received him suitably, stroked him with his hand, and said hastily: “You are my friend, dear as life. You seem to be wanting to say something. Say it." I shall do whatever you say."
Kansa said, his hands folded: “In the beginning I have been made satisfied, friend, by you by making Jarāsandha give me Jivayaśas. Now you should give me the seven children of Devaki as soon as born.” Vasudeva, honest-minded, promised it should be so. Devaki also, not knowing the facts, said: “Let it be so. There is no difference between Vasudeva's children and your children. For our union was arranged by you alone like the Creator. Why are you different now, like one without authority, Kansa?”
Daśārha said: “Fair lady, enough of much talk. Seven children of yours must be given to Kansa, as soon as born." Kansa said, “This is a favor to me,” with a pretense of being intoxicated. After drinking wine with Daśārha, he went to his house. Afterwards Anakadundubhi heard the story of the muni and, truthful, was grieved at the thought, “I was tricked by Kansa."
Exchange of children (89-97)
Now in Bhaddilapura there was a rich sheth, named Nāga, and his wife, Sulasā. Both were advanced lay-disciples. In Sulasā's childhood the flying sage, Atimukta said, “ This girl will bear still-born children.” Naigameşin, Hari's god, 169 was worshipped by her with penance and, pleased, when asked for sons, said, knowing it from clairvoyance, “ I shall deliver
169 91. The general of Sakra's infantry. Cf. K., p. 305.
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