DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.638#0109
YAMA, THE KING OF THE DEAD 51
Yama fettered the soul with tightness, and turned
abruptly towards the south; silently and speedily he
went upon his way. . . .
Savitri followed him. . . . Her heart was drowned
in grief. She could not desert her beloved lord. . . .
She followed Yama, the Monarch of Death.
Said Yama: "Turn back, O Savitri. Do not follow
me. Perform the funeral rites of thy lord. . . . Thine
allegiance to Satyavan hath now come to an end: thou
art free from all wifely duties. Dare not to proceed
farther on this path."
Savitri said: "I must follow my husband whither he
is carried or whither he goeth of his own will. I have
undergone great penance. I have observed my vow, and
1 cannot be turned back. ... I have already walked with
thee seven paces, and the sages have declared that one
who walketh seven paces with another becometh a com-
panion. Being thus made thy friend, I must hold con-
verse with thee, I must speak and thou must listen. . . .
I have attained the perfect life upon earth by performing
my vows and by reason of'my devotion unto my lord.
It is not meet that thou shouldest part me from my
husband now, and prevent me from attaining bliss by
saying that my allegiance to him hath ended and another
mode of life is opened to me."
Said Yama: "Turn back now. . . . Thy words are
wise and pleasing indeed; therefore, ere thou goest, thou
canst ask a boon of me and I will grant it. Except the
soul of Satyavan, I will give thee whatsoever thou dost
desire."
Savitri said: "Because my husband's sire became
blind, he was deprived of his kingdom. Restore his
eyesight, O mighty One."
Said Yama: "The boon is granted. 1 will restore the