Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/100

94 pointed out to Savitri the streams sparkling inthe sunlight and the flowering shrubs and the peacocks that looked down upon them from the boughs of tall, leafy trees. But Savitri's heart was heavy. And although her lips answered Satyavan, her thoughts dwelt always on his coming peril. The prince, thinking nothing of his danger, climbed into the trees and plucked their fruit, and with his hatchet he cut down boughs for the sacrificial fire. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his head, his limbs began to ache and sweat stood out upon his body. Slowly he walked back towards Savitri. And Savitri, seeing his illness, ran to him and made him lie down, and taking his head in her lap bade him sleep and rest. The prince was soon unconscious. But Savitri, who knew that the hour of danger had come, looked anxiously about her. Soon she saw by her side a giant of monstrous aspect. His face was black and yellow. His eyes were bloodshot. His clothes were red, and in his hand was a mighty noose, and he wore a huge gold and jewelled crown that flashed back the rays of the sun. Savitri guessed that he was Death, come to claim her husband. Bravely she moved the prince's head from her lap to the ground and, rising to her full height, she faced the giant. Joining her hands together she said with a trembling voice, "My lord, from your mighty form I know you to be no mortal but a god. Tell me who you are and what you desire?"

"I am Yama the god of Death," answered the giant. The prince's hours were numbered from his birth and with the noose in my hand I shall bind him and drag him away." "Lord Yama," replied Savitri, "how is it that you have yourself come to drag away Satyavan and not, as is your custom, sent one of your messengers?"