Suta said: ‘No sooner had her husband departed than [his wife] Jaratkāru, coming quickly to her brother, told him just as it had happened about her departed husband, O you rich in austerity. Then that best of serpents (Vāsuki), hearing this most bitter news, spoke to his wretched sister, having himself become still more wretched: ‘You know, gracious one, what the matter was and what the reason for your being given [in marriage]: it was for the good of the serpents, that you might have a son. He, valorous, will deliver us from the snake sacrifice — so the Grandfather told me before, together with the gods. Is there, O gracious one, a child in you from that best of sages? I do not wish that wise man's marriage to be fruitless. Indeed, it is not proper for me to ask you of such a matter; but because of the gravity of the matter I press you thus. Yet knowing how hard it is to live with your husband, that fiercest of ascetics, I shall not go after him — lest he curse me. Tell me, gracious one, all your husband's conduct; draw out this dreadful barb of mine, gracious one, that has long lodged in my heart.’ Then Jaratkāru, thus questioned, spoke in answer, consoling Vāsuki, king of serpents, who was consumed [with anxiety]: ‘Asked by me about offspring, that great, greatly austere one, pointing to this womb of mine, said “there is” and departed. I do not recall that he ever spoke untruly, even in jest; how then [could untruth arise] in so grave a matter, O king? “You must not grieve over this matter, O serpent; a son will be born to you, radiant as fire and sun” — so having told me, O brother, my husband went to the forest of austerity. Therefore let this great sorrow that has lodged in your heart be dispelled.’ Hearing this, that king of serpents, Vāsuki, with great joy accepted his sister's words: ‘So be it.’’