Page:Bengal Fairy Tales.djvu/104

82 for Madhumala, and that though she herself was not aware of her whereabouts, the information could be obtained from a princess named Panchakala, dwelling far off in a region where seven rivers met. She then made the prince promise her that, on his successful return, he would take her to his father's kingdom and acknowledge her as his wife.

The next morning, Champakala according to her promise allowed her husband to depart. After a long and tedious journey of many days he reached the outskirts of the kingdom of Panchakala's father. There being met and detained by a sepoy of the king's, he said, "O brother, detain me not. I have to find out Madhumala, my beloved." The sepoy replied, "Now at last my duty is done. I have been posted here to lead to the king one who should in any way allude to Madhumala. You, sir, have uttered the name and must now follow me." Saying this, he had a Chatturdola brought, and took the prince to the palace, where a scene similar to that which had transpired between him and Champakala took place, after which he was directed by his new wife to seek a princess named Chandrakala, who was Madhumala's intimate friend. Setting out on the following morning the prince again made a long journey, and after crossing rivers, seas, mountains, and forests, at length reached the kingdom of Chandrakala's father. There he met with a hearty welcome, for the king, apprised beforehand of his future son-in-law's arrival, had made preparations to receive him. Madan and Chandrakala were married that very day, and when the former told the latter the object he had in view, she said that Madhumala was her friend, and that she would put him in the way of finding her. She also advised him not to accept any other dowry from her father save the peacock on the steeple of the golden temple in his kingdom. The boon was asked and granted; and Madan, mounted on the peacock's back, started in search of Madhumala, promising Chandrakala