And they sought and came back saying;
"Maharaj, she is gone. We cannot find her."
Fear grew in the heart of the King - a nameless dread, and he
said, "Search." And again they sought and returned and the King
was striding up and down the great hall and none dared cross his
path. But, trembling, they told him, and he replied; "Search
again. I will not lose her, and, slave though be, she shall be my
Queen."
So they ran, dispersing to the Four Quarters, and King strode up
and down the hall, and Loneliness kept step with him and clasped
his hand and looked his eyes.
Then the youngest of the women entered with a tale to tell.
Majesty, we have found her. She lies beside the lake. When the
birds fled this morning she fled with them, but upon a longer
journey. Even to Yamapura, the City under the Sunset."
And the King said; "Let none follow." And he strode forth
swiftly, white with thoughts he dared not think.
The Princess lay among the gold of the fallen leaves. All was
gold, for her bright hair was out-spread in shining waves and in
it shone the glory of the hidden crown.
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