Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/103

Rh So ends the eigth Section of the Pauloma of the Adi Parva of the blessed Mahabharata.

 

Sauti said:—"While those illustrious Brahmanas were sitting around the dead body of Pramadvarā, Ruru, sorely afflicted, retired into a deep wood and wept aloud. And overwhelmed with grief he indulged in much piteous lamentation. [sic]' And remembering his beloved Pramadvara he gave vent to his sorrow in the following words:—'Alas! the delicate fair one that increaseth my affliction lieth upon the bare ground! What can be more deplorable to us her friends? If I have been charitable, if I have performed acts of penance, if I have ever reverenced my superiors, let the merit of these acts restore to life my beloved one! If from my birth I have, controlling my passions, adhered to my vows, let the fair Pramadvara rise from the ground.'

"And while Ruru was indulging in these lamentations for the loss of his bride, a messenger from heaven came to him in the forest and addressed him thus:—'The words thou utterest, O Ruru, in thy affliction can have no effect. For, O pious man, one belonging to this world whose days are runout can never come back to life. This poor child of a Gandharva and Apsara has had her days run out! Therefore, O child, thou shouldst not yield up thy heart to sorrow. The great gods, however, have provided a means. And if thou compliest with it thou mayest receive back thy Pramadvara.'

"And Ruru replied, 'what is that which the gods have provided, O messenger of heaven! Tell me in full so that hearing I may comply with it. It behoveth thee to deliver me!' And the celestial messenger said unto Ruru, 'Resign half of thy own life to thy bride, and then, O Ruru of the race of Bhrigu, thy Pramadvara shall rise from the ground.' And Ruru replied, 'O best of celestial messengers, I give up a moiety of my own life in favor of my bride. Then let my beloved one rise up in the dress and form of love. 