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XVIII
SEARCHING FOR A BRIDEGROOM
The magnificent palace bulit of the purest marble looked divinely resplendent in the cool and lustrous rays of the moon from whose face nectar seemed to be pouring forth. No picture of any mortal's memory ever looked so sublime. A higher power than mere fancy seemed to have invested it with that unexampled effulgence. Cool and pleasant breezes blew filling the whole atmosphere with fragrance.
At the main entrance to the palace, two sentinels stood carrying weapons and keeping a vigilant watch. The roads of the city were silent. Everywhere, deep silence and stillness prevailed. No Vidyadhars were seen moving about. All the noises of the city had subsided. The splendid city of Mahendranagar slept in a state of heavenly gaiety and inebriety and of self-contentment. The goddess of sleep held her sway over all. But King Mahendra was sleepless. For some nights, the King had not got even a wink of sleep. Sleep kept away from him completely. He was plunged in deep thoughtfulness; and kept walking to and fro in his chamber. Even for a moment he could not rest peacefully. His mind was deeply perplexed and agitated. His magnificent palace, his loving family and his incomparable wealth and royal splendour could not lessen his worries and agitations. Even his unflinching patience and invincible valour could not extinguish the fires of his agitation. Even his boundless wealth and prosperity were ineffectual in removing his mental agitation.
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