Chapter 294

“Markandeya said, ‘At length, O king, after a long time had passed away,the hour that had been appointed for the death of Satyavan arrived. Andas the words that had been spoken by Narada were ever present in the mindof Savitri, she had counted the days as they passed. And havingascertained that her husband would die on the fourth day following, thedamsel fasted day and night, observing the Triratra vow. And hearing ofher vow, the king became exceedingly sorrow and rising up soothed Savitriand said these words, ‘This vow that thou hast begun to observe, Odaughter of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult tofast for three nights together!’ And hearing these words, Savitri said,’Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able to observe!I have for certain undertaken this task with perseverance; andperseverance is the cause of the successful observance of vows.’ Andhaving listened to her, Dyumatsena said, ‘I can by no means say untothee, Do thou break thy vow. One like me should, on the contrary,say,–Do thou complete thy vow!’ And having said this to her, thehigh-minded Dyumatsena stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began tolook (lean) like a wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race, thinkingthat her husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken Savitri,observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when the Sunhad risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within herself–To-dayis that day, finished her morning rites, and offered oblations to theflaming fire. And bowing down unto the aged Brahmanas, and herfather-in-law, and mother-in-law, she stood before them with joinedhands, concentrating her senses. And for the welfare of Savitri, all theascetics dwelling in that hermitage, uttered the auspicious benedictionthat she should never suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed incontemplation accepted those words of the ascetics, mentally saying,–Sobe it!–And the king’s daughter, reflecting on those words of Narada,remained, expecting the hour and the moment.

Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law andmother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a corner,’Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for thy meal hathnow arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!’ Thereat Savitri said,’Now that I have completed the purposed vow, I will eat when the Sun goesdown. Even this is my heart’s resolve and this my vow!’

“Markandeya continued, ‘And when Savitri had spoken thus about her meal,Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for the woods. Andat this, Savitri said unto her husband, ‘It behoveth thee not to goalone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be separated from thee!’Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said, ‘Thou hast never beforerepaired to the forest. And, O lady, the forest-paths are hard to pass!Besides thou hast been reduced by fast on account of thy vow. How wouldstthou, therefore, be able to walk on foot?’ Thus addressed, Savitri said,’I do not feel langour because of the fast, nor do I feel exhaustion. AndI have made up my mind to go. It behoveth thee not, therefore, to preventme!’ At this, Satyavan said, ‘If thou desirest to go, I will gratify thatdesire of thine. Do thou, however, take the permission of my parents, sothat I may be guilty of no fault!’

“Markandeya continued, ‘Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of high vowssaluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed them, saying,’This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring fruits. Permitted bymy revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I will accompany him. Forto-day I cannot bear to be separated from him. Thy son goeth out for thesake of the sacrificial fire and for his reverend superiors. He oughtnot, therefore, to be dissuaded. Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he wentinto the forest on any other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will go intothe forest with him. It is a little less than a year that I have not goneout of the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding theblossoming woods!’ Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, ‘Since Savitrihath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I do not rememberthat she hath ever spoken any words couching a request. Let mydaughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this matter. Do thou,however, O daughter, act in such a way that Satyavan’s work may not beneglected!’

“Markandeya continued, ‘Having received the permission of both, theillustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles althoughher heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large eyes went on,beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited by swarms ofpeacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri, ‘Behold these rivers ofsacred currents and these excellent trees decked with flowers!’ But thefaultless Savitri continued to watch her lord in all his moods, andrecollecting the words of the celestial sage, she considered her husbandas already dead. And with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying toher lord, softly followed him expecting that hour.'”