Advent of Lord Krsna 7
Considering all this, you are safe for the present. Nor is there cause of fear
from your sister. If there are any sons born of her, I promise that I shall
present all of them to you for necessary action.”

Kamsa knew the value of Vasudeva’s word of honor, and he was con-
vinced by his argument. For the time being, he desisted from the heinous
killing of his sister. Thus Vasudeva was pleased and praised the decision of
Kamsa. In this way, he returned to his home. ,

After due course of time, Vasudeva and Devaki gave birth to eight male
children, as well as one daughter. When the first son was born, Vasudeva
kept his word of honor and immediately brought the child before Kamsa.
It is said that Vasudeva was very much elevated and famous for his word
of honor, and he wanted to maintain this fame. Although it was very
painful for Vasudeva to hand over the newly born child, Kamsa was very
glad to receive him. But he became a little compassionate with the behavior
of Vasudeva. This event is very exemplary. For a great soul like Vasudeva,
there is nothing considered to be painful in the course of discharging one’s
duty. A learned person like Vasudeva carries out his duties without
hesitation. On the other hand, a demon like Kamsa never hesitates in
committing any abominable action. It is said, therefore, that a saintly
person can tolerate all kinds of miserable conditions of life, a learned man
can discharge his duties without awaiting favorable circumstances, a
heinous person like Kamsa can act in any sinful way, and a devotee can
sacrifice everything to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Kamsa became satisfied by the action of Vasudeva. He was surprised to
see Vasudeva keeping his promise, and being compassionate upon him and
pleased, he began to speak as follows: ““My dear Vasudeva, you need not
present this child to me. I am not in danger from this child. I have heard
that the eighth child born of you and Devaki will kill me. Why should I
accept this child unnecessarily? You can take him back.”

When Vasudeva was returning home with his first-born child, although
he was pleased by the behavior of Kamsa, he could not believe in him
because he knew that Kamsa was uncontrolled. An atheistic person cannot
be firm in his word of honor. One who cannot control the senses cannot
be steady in his determination. The great politician, Canakya Pandit, said,
“Never put your trust in a diplomat or in a woman.” Those who are
addicted to unrestricted sense gratification can never be truthful, nor can
they be trusted with any faith.

At that time the great sage Narada came to Kamsa. He was informed of
Kamsa’s becoming compassionate to Vasudeva and returning his first-born
child. Narada was very anxious to accelerate the descent of Lord Krsna as
