After hearing this advice from Nanda, Vasudeva spoke what he had come to say (a warning ) : "Certainly (vai) you have paid the annual tax to the king. Do not stay here a long time (bahu titham). There are many disturbances in Gokula."

Overjoyed since he understood from Nanda’s words that other people did not know that he had exchanged the children, Vasudeva tells the real purpose of his coming. The tax has been paid by you (vaḥ) and you have been seen me. Therefore you should not stay long near greedy Kaṁsa since you are well known for having great wealth. Some editions have vaḥ instead of vai. Thus vaḥ is repeated twice in the first line. He uses the plural (vaḥ) to indicate respect, or to indicate Nanda’s associates as well. He also uses the plural for himself (vayam) to indicate his respectful attitude on seeing Nanda. There is no fault of course in using the same word in different statements. Thus the meaning can also be “We who are yours (vaḥ) speak to you out of affection, since you want to stay here for some time: do not stay long in this city.” Viṣṇu Purāṇa says: datto hi vārṣikaḥ sarvo bhavadbhir nṛpateḥ karaḥ yad artham āgatās tasmād nātra stheyaṁ mahādhanaiḥ Having giving the yearly tax to the king, do not stay here with your wealth, since your purpose has been fulfilled. The rule for the formation of bahu-titham is bahu-pūga-gaṇa-saṅghasya tithuk. (Pāṇini 5.2.052) Vasudeva instills fear in Nanda to make him desire to return to Gokula quickly after sufficient satisfaction of his association.

Overjoyed since he understood from Nanda’s words that other people did not know that he had exchanged the children, Vasudeva tells the real purpose of his coming. Plural is used (vaḥ) to show respect or to indicate Nanda’s associates as well. He also uses the plural for himself (vayam) to indicate his respectful attitude on seeing Nanda. Repetition of vaḥ (instead of vai) is not a fault since it occurs in two separate sentences. Or if it is in the same sentence it can mean “Your (vaḥ) tax has been given. We who are yours (vaḥ) have seen you.” Or the tax has been paid by you (vaḥ). You should not say in the city for a long time. Viṣṇu Purāṇa says: datto hi vārṣikaḥ sarvo bhavadbhir nṛpateḥ karaḥ yad artham āgatās tasmād nātra stheyaṁ mahādhanaiḥ Having giving the yearly tax to the king, do not stay here with your wealth, since your purpose has been fulfilled. Vasudeva instills fear in Nanda to make him desire to return to Gokula quickly after sufficient satisfaction of his association. Vasudeva had achieved his goal of learning about his sons. Considering dangers, he now speaks to prevent Nanda from leaving Gokula, in order to protect his son, and to increase his attachment by various means. Though there are naturally no dangers because of a relationship with the Lord—and what to speak of Vraja which was directly the residence of the Lord, by the will of the Lord these dangers appeared in order to increase the affection of the devotees residing there for the Lord. This is for displaying a wealth of special pastimes glorifying the Lord, which generate bliss for all people. This comes clear later.