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began to say as follows: “Friend, we have now an opportunity for talking together, therefore I will say something. Do not be distressed in mind, for fate is the cause of desirable and undesirable results to all living beings. When I was in Çankhapura I heard your whole story; your heart takes no pleasure in anyone but Vasantadeva. But, friend, you are lucky, since you have obtained the pleasure of seeing and conversing, and so on, with your beloved; but hear my sad story. One day I went to a garden outside the city with my attendants to witness a festival in honour of the Yaksha Çankha. There I saw a young man resembling the god of love. I sent him betel and other things by the hand of a female companion. He saved me from a mad elephant; but I fled again from fear of the herd of elephants. I cannot find out the whereabouts of that young man, who has departed somewhither ; though I have instituted a search for him in many quarters, I cannot find him. From that day forth I take pleasure in nothing. I have seen him in a dream, but I have never seen him in bodily presence. So I shall not be allowed by fate union with him, even by means of exchange of words ; I alone can know what my grief is in this state of affairs. You are as dear to me as my life, that is why I have told you all this. So, my sister, abandon grief-be calm ; by the help of favouring fortune all will turn out well.” Then Kámapála said : “Gazelle-eyed one, I am that young man whom you saw on that occasion at the great festival of the Yaksha. By the help of favouring fortune Vasantadeva has been united with Kesará; in the same way our union also has come about, so dismiss anxiety.” Then he showed himself in his true form, and Mairá, beholding him, was delighted, but was not able to speak for fear. Then Kámapála said : “My darling, cease this fear; show me a door by which we can go out." Then Mairá showed him a back door leading into the garden of the house. Then Kámapála went out into that garden with his beloved and met Vasantadeva, who had come there before with Kesará. The two arrived at the same instant.'
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