So they came into the great Hall, and there was a
table, and somewhat upon it covered with a gold cloth; and an old
veiled woman lifted the gold, and the head of the Princess lay
there with the lashes like night upon her cheek, and between her
lips was a little scroll, saying this: `I have chosen my Lover
and my Lord, and he is mightiest, for he is Death.' - So the
Kings went silently away. And there was Peace."
The music of her voice ceased, and the Rana clasped her closer.
"This I cannot do. Better die together. Let us take counsel with
the ancient Brahman, thy guru [teacher], for he is very wise."
She clapped her hands, and the maidens returned, and, bowing,
brought the venerable Prabhu Narayan into the Presence, and again
those roses retired.
Respectful salutation was then offered by the King and the Queen
to that saint, hoary with wisdom - he who had seen her grow into
the loveliness of the sea-born Shri, yet had never seen that
loveliness; for he had never raised his eyes above the chooris
about her ankles. To him the King related his anxieties; and he
sat rapt in musing, and the two waited in dutiful silence until
long minutes had fallen away; and at the last he lifted his head,
weighted with wisdom, and spoke.
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