Morning found the cowherd boys ready to set out. They wanted to leave with Krishna as soon as they could. Their mothers were still placing tilaka on their foreheads. They adjusted ornaments and protective bands. The boys kept looking toward the road. Every sound seemed like a call from their friends. They wondered whether Krishna was waiting already. Their mothers asked them to stay a little longer. The cows had not yet left the barn. But the boys' eagerness kept growing.
Vasudama, Sudama, Kinkini, and Subala gathered. They came from different homes to the same place. Their voices met beside Nanda's cowshed. A cowherd brought a message from Krishna's father. Nanda was letting out the cows, but asked them to wait. He wanted Krishna to rest for another moment. The boys gladly accepted this short delay. Subala and His close friends went toward Him. Each carried a thought of the games ahead. The forest was already present in their talk.
The helpers asked Yashoda what they should carry. She gave them sweets for her son. One carefully bore the basket on his shoulder. Another brought water in a beautiful vessel. Someone prepared clothing, another the ornaments. Their attention was more than duty. Each object showed their affection for Krishna. He heard the voices of His companions. He parted from Radha in a nearby quiet cave. Then He came out to greet the boys.
His friends welcomed Him with broad smiles. They accompanied Him back toward the house. They dressed Him for the journey to the pasture. A peacock feather rose above His hair. A garland of forest flowers rested on His shoulders. The radiant Kaustubha shone upon His chest. Soon everyone moved toward the village gate. The residents of Vraja were waiting there. News that Krishna was going to the forest spread. Joy and sadness met in the same moment.
Yashoda came out with her family. Radha and her friends stood among the gathering. The brahmanas blessed Krishna for the journey. His grandfather Parjanya wished to see Him once more. Nanda watched his son among the cowherd boys. They planned a game by Govardhan Hill. The cows gathered along the path. Yet Yashoda kept her eyes upon Krishna. In her heart the day seemed much too long. She wanted one more moment beside Him.
She asked how He would walk the rough forest paths. She feared the thorns and sharp stones. She thought of the hot sun above the pastures. She wished she could follow Him herself. Rohini too found the parting difficult. Krishna paused and listened to His mother. Yashoda embraced Him with tears in her eyes. In that embrace her fear could be seen. His gentle look brought her a little peace. Then she wished Him protection for the whole day.
Yashoda called the older boys closer. She asked them to care for their friend. She reminded the helpers about food and water. Krishna sometimes forgot hunger in His play. She did not want anyone to overlook His needs. With holy names she blessed and protected Him. Nanda stood beside her, saying little. Everyone listened to her motherly requests. Krishna did not hurry to break the moment. Vraja's care was part of His journey.
Then Krishna described the forest's cool shade. Beside the Yamuna the trees gave them rest. Fragrant flowers grew along the paths. Govardhan had caves and waterfalls. Cuckoos sang there and peacocks danced. With His flute He could gather the cows. His friends helped Him watch over the herd. He told her how much joy He found there. Yashoda listened to every word. She wanted to picture Him safe in that place.
Madhumangala added a cheerful remark. The forest, he said, offered ripe fruit for the friends. His words made the boys smile. But the cows were already calling Krishna with their lowing. Without Him they did not want to go farther. Krishna saw them and gently stopped His parents. Then He took His first steps on the forest ground. His feet left marks along the path. The friends followed in a joyful group. The herd moved slowly after them.
Yashoda and Nanda followed Him with their eyes. Radha and her friends watched Him go. Krishna turned once more toward those He loved. Parting was hard, yet the path was His to take. The boys' voices sounded farther and farther away. The marks of His feet remained on the track. The residents gradually returned to their homes. In their thoughts they still went with Him. They awaited His return in the evening. The morning forest path opened before them.