In my former life I was a Shudra engaged in the practice of severe penances. You, O best of twiceborn persons, were a Rishi of austere penances.
शूद्रोऽहमभवं पूर्वं तापसो भृशसंयुतः। ऋषिरुग्रतपास्त्वं च तदाभूद् द्विजसत्तम॥