Each one served God in their own way, singing songs as they played with Him. A game was organized on the banks of the Yamuna. 'Come, let us play ball now.' They brought long sticks and poles of four lengths and sat down to divide themselves into teams. When Govinda looked for someone equal to Himself as a partner, He said, 'There is no second player like Me.' Knowing the disposition of each one, He devised the plan Himself. He told them all, 'All of you stand on one side. Guard my ball, my teammates.' 'I need no other companion. All of you together must match my skill.' 'Join your cries to my shout. Do not scatter in confusion.' 'Stay together, all of you. Watch where the ball goes and catch it.' He tells everyone this, yet He stands apart, alone. He struck the ball upward with His bat. Everyone stood frozen, just watching. They stood watching, unable to move. He cried, 'Catch it!' They could not. Only one whose strength matches His can catch it. No one else has the speed. The cowherds fell into confusion. He said, 'Come, follow Me.' Without God, no other path appears, no matter how clever the crowd. The clever devise many routes, but Hari waits and watches for the right moment. Those cowherds who followed Govinda were led along the cool and safe path. Those who strayed on their own suffered the consequences. The hardship is the same for those in front and those behind, for leaders and followers who have lost the way. The path ahead is unknown to the leaders; those behind must open their eyes. One who lacks the discernment that comes with maturity is no better than a child in a grown body. One who will not listen to sound advice, the wise should not follow such a person. The fool insists on doing what offends the good. Such a one alone is the true fool. They wandered through the whole forest and lost the path. Then they remembered the Lord. Casting aside all pride, they cried out to Him. The Lord of Vaikuntha heard their call. The four Vedas sing His praises, yet His deepest love is for these cowherds. God heard the cowherds' cry and signaled to them. Holding His hand, they all came to Hari's side. He comforted the small and the great and took care of all. Says Tuka, they were all sheltered, and they rejoiced in Hari's presence.