Thou art the upholder of the universe and this snake is gifted with but little strength, if and oppressed by thee, he shall in no time give up his life. There is a vast difference between this poor serpent of limited strength and thyself in whom the world reposes. Friendship and enmity are felt towards equals and superiors and not for those who are infinitely inferior to us. This unfortunate snake is about to die,—give us therefore, as a matter of charity, our husband!"

In plain words: The wives point out that Kaliya is weak compared to Krishna, who holds up the whole universe. Someone so great has no reason to fight someone so small. They ask Krishna, as an act of kindness, to give them back their dying husband.