Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/102

96 said that but a single day spent with the virtuous is a great gain. So I desire to spend all my life in his company."

Yama's heart was again touched with Savitri's words. "Princess, your words are full of wisdom and they please me. Ask of me, therefore, a second boon. And if it is not Satyavan's life I shall grant it to you." "Lord Yama," answered the princess, "my father-in-law King Dyumatsena through his blindness lost his kingdom. The second boon that I ask of you is this. Grant that the king my father-in-law may recover his kingdom." "Princess," replied King Yama, "your boon is granted and Dyumatsena will soon be ruling happily over the kingdom of the Salyas. But now I pray you to return homewards. For you are very weary."

But still Savitri followed King Yama. And he again asked why she did not turn back. "Lord Yama," said the princess, "even righteous mortals shew mercy to their enemies when they seek their protection. You are a god and you have declared yourself my friend. It is proper for you therefore to shew me mercy." "Indeed, I will gladly shew you mercy," answered King Yama. "But I cannot grant you Satyavan's life. Ask me another boon and I shall grant it to you." "As you will, Lord Yama," said Savitri. "The boon that I ask for is this. My father King Asvapati has no son. Grant that he may have a hundred sons." "I grant you the boon," said King Yama, "and now I pray you retrace your steps."

But Savitri still followed King Yama. Once again King Yama turned back and pressed her to go homewards. "Lord Yama," said the princess, "you have shewn me kindness and you have shewn mercy. But you