Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 29

Savitri's Triumph
a lake, he heard the gallop of horses in the distance. The sound of the hoofs became harsher and harsher. "Is it a hunting party ?" he asked himself. A regal entourage was visible now, but it was not a hunting expedition. Lo! A princess emerged from a chariot and, asking her retinue to stay behind, walked alone towards Satyavan.
"Who are you, princess?" he began. "Are you on a hunting expedition? I do not allow even the mightiest of emperors to shoot a single bird or animal in this jungle.”
"Young hermit, I am definitely on a hunting expedition, but I have no interest in birds and animals.”
"O, I understand you. I was watching the abandon with which the lotus was melting away in the caress of sunshine, when the heavy trot of your horses disturbed me. I could not imagine that they were the harbingers of something so sweet and sublime as your presence, and I welcome you, princess. But you have not told me your name."
"Hermits need not be told anything. They know everything. They do not ask questions. They only give answers."
"I am not a hermit yet. I am a Brahmachari. So I keep asking questions, and my parents have only one answer-silence."
"Can I see your parents?"
"How do you expect me to reply to your question when my own remains unanswered ?"
"Young-how am I to address you? -Brahmachari?"
"No, call me prince. It is getting late for me. I have to keep the sacrificial altar ready for my parents. Permit me to go, princess. I invite you to our ashram. You may meet me there...”