His illustrious son, by name Prahlāda, while yet a boy, residing in the dwelling of his preceptor, read such readings as are studied in early years. Once on a time the high-souled (Prahlāda) in the company of his preceptor appeared before his father the Daitya-chief while drinking. The father Hiranyakashipu, raising up his son prostrate at his feet, spoke to Prahlāda of unmitigated prowess, saying,—"Repeat, boy, agreeably, the substance of what you have read during the period".

In plain words: Hiranyakashipu's son Prahlada was a young boy living at his teacher's house, learning his lessons. One day the teacher brought him to his father, who was drinking. The father lifted the bowing boy up and asked him to repeat the main thing he had learned.