Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/65

Rh not press his suit, for he had promised the gods that he would be their messenger to Damayanti. "No, fair princess, do not lightly throw away the love of the Immortals; if you wed one of them he will take you with him to his heaven and he will make you immortal like himself. And you will never know either pain or sickness or death." But Damayanti shook her head once more and tears streamed down her lovely cheeks. "I reverence the immortal gods," she said, "but I do not love them as a maid loves a man. Therefore take me to be your queen, O King, for I can wed none but you."

The king's joy grew until he could hardly control it. But he answered, "No, princess, I am come as the messenger of the gods and I promised to help them to win your love. How then can I take your love for myself?"

Of a sudden Damayanti's face was wreathed in smiles. "Nay, if that is all, fair prince," she said, "I can free you from the snare in which the Immortals have taken you. Let them come to the Swayamvara. And do you too come, my lord King; then, as the choice in a Swayamvara rests with the maid herself, I shall choose you to be my husband. Nor will the gods be able to blame you. For you have kept your promise truly."

The king bowed to the fair girl and turning went out of the palace. As he went, the bolted doors opened before him and the guards did not see him pass. Then crossing the royal pleasure grounds, he returned to where he had left Indra and the other gods. "O King," said Indra, "did you see Damayanti and give her our message?" "Yes Lord Indra," answered the king. "Whom among us has she chosen?" asked Indra. "Lord Indra,"