Someone else said, “Friend, you have spoken well. This union will be conducive to the best interests of all.” Still another said, “Sa˘kara’s bow is hard to bend, while this swarthy lad is of delicate frame. Everything, my dear, is out of place,” Hearing this, another said in a soft voice, “Friend, with regard to this lad I have heard some people say that, though small in appearance, He wields a great power. Touched by the dust of His lotus-feet AhalyŒ, who had perpetrated a great sin, attained salvation. He will, therefore, surely break Ýiva’s bow; one should never commit the mistake of giving up this faith. The same Creator, who fashioned S¶tŒ with great skill, has preordained for her this dark-complexioned bridegroom.” Everyone was pleased to hear the words of this lady and softly exclaimed “Amen!” (1—4)