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the robbers: Oh, you villains! do not plunder this caravan which I am protecting; otherwise you will fall into calamity.' Nevertheless, the thieves did not desist. Then she uttered shouts, terrible on account of her virtue; and all those brigands fled from them, as if they were the twanging of the strings of bows. Then the people of the caravan said: This is some sylvan goddess that has come, attracted by our merits, and by her cries of triumph has delivered the caravan The head of the caravan adored her as a mother, and said to her: Goddess, who are you? How came you to be roaming in the wood ?' Then Davadantí, weeping, told him her whole story. He said: "As the wife of the great King Nala, you are an object of reverence to me, and by delivering me from the robbers you have benefited me. So purify my dwelling-place.' Having said this, he took Davadantí into his own dwelling-place. He worshipped her as a divinity. In the meanwhile the rainy season arrived. There was rain for three nights without intermission. Davadanti was in comfort; but when the rain ceased, Davadantí left the caravan, and again went off alone. And as she was going along, she saw a Rákshasa, with yellow hair, body black as a swarm of bees, and hand terrible with a dagger. Then the Rakshasa said: 'I have fasted for seven nights, and now food has come to me.' Davadantí said: My good sir, every soul that is born must certainly die; does the unsuccessful fear death ?* I am afflicted with many sorrows, and I ask for death, that I may be delivered from my pain. You will easily devour me, as I am consumed with sorrow on account of my separation from Nala. So devour me. Why do you delay? I give you this body of mine: without death, how can I bid farewell to my woes ?" Then the Rakshasa was pleased with her courage. He said: 'My good lady, I am pleased with you; what kindness can I do you?' She answered: If you are pleased with me, then tell me, when shall I be reunited with my husband?' The Rakshasa
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* I am unable to ascertain the correct reading here.
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