O Devayani, I have told you what should be the conduct of Rishis. I, therefore, do not deserve your curse. But notwithstanding all this you have cursed me out of desire and not from a sense of duty. Therefore, your desire shall not be fulfilled no Rishi's son will ever accept your hand.
आर्ष धर्मं ब्रुवाणोऽहं देवयानि यथा त्वया। शप्तो ना.ऽस्मि शापस्य कामतोऽद्य न धर्मतः॥ तस्माद् भवत्या यः कामो न तथा स भविष्यति। ऋषिपुत्रो न ते कश्चिजातु पाणिं ग्रहीष्यति॥