Page:Durgesa Nandini.djvu/101

 as well as to fan her with a troubled heart. The uproar drew nearer and nearer.

"There they come, Prince," cried out Bimala. "How shall we save ourselves?"

"God of Heaven!" exclaimed Jagat Singha, his eyes flashing fire. "Is this thy will? Am I destined at such a moment of peril to remain cooped up here with women!"

This hurt the pride of the haughty Bimala.

"And what's the earthly need, Prince?" retorted she, her eyes filling with tears. "If I can do no better I will at least die by the side of Tilottama."

The Prince was touched. "How can I go," replied he, "leaving Tilottama in this plight? I will also die for her sake."

The fearful cry approached nearer every moment;—the clang of arms also now became audible."

"Tilottama Tilottama!" exclaimed Bimala, "O! why are you senseless at such a moment! How shall I save you!"

Tilottama opened her eyes. "Tilottama has revived," said Bimala "Prince! Prince! there's time yet to save her."

"Nothing in heaven and earth," said he, "can avail us here. Could we yet leave the room, I could probably take you out of the castle. But, alas! Tilottama is helpless! Bimala, look! there they ascend the stairs. I will first lay down my life,—but the regret is that I shan't be able to save you even at such a cost."

In a twinkling Bimala took up Tilottama and said,

"Very well Sir, I’ll carry Tilottama."