Some gopis brought fresh dairy for Krishna. They did not simply hand it to Him. They spoke instead as women bringing goods for sale. Krishna set up a make-believe toll place. He blocked their path. A bargaining game began.
Krishna asked who they were. They described themselves as dairy sellers. He questioned their claim through praise of their beauty. Their splendor surpassed even Lakshmi, He argued. How could such women be ordinary sellers? They answered by speaking of a value that surpassed Lakshmi.
Krishna carried the same wordplay into His demand. He claimed a toll as master of the crossing. He wanted His toll to match their comparison. Then He called His companions into the dispute. He told them to demand their due from the toll avoiders. His words added mock threats to the make-believe toll.
The women had come to give Him dairy. Their own pretext had turned into His toll dispute. After their exchange, they eventually returned home. They told their friends about Krishna's conduct. Their song recalled His flute, His dancing, and His play. It also recalled how He blocked their path and demanded His share.