पृष्ठम्:Sanskrit Studies.djvu/२२

14 SANSKRIT STUDIES cesses also reached in due course the palace at Rajagṛha. Though sore at heart owing to separation from her lord, Vāsavadattā appeared outwardly happy in the company of Padmavatī; and being very discreet, she gave not the slightest clue to her identity during all her long stay there. To return to Udayana: The loss of his beloved queen had made life meaningless to him. Yet nobody could suggest to him the idea of marrying again. The very thought was unbearable to him. But time had its healing influence and once when he was on a political visit at Darśaka's court, the entreaties of the bride's people induced him at last to consent to his marriage with Padmavati. Vāsavadattā, as we know, all along believed that her own brother, the prince of Ujjain, was suitor for Pad- mavati's hand, and the news that she was engaged to marry Udayana was only casually made known to her. It happened thus: Once when Padmavati was indulging in some merry sport as became her maidenhood, Vasavadattā said to her: 'You will, I know, be the daughter-in-law of Mahasena's queen.' Padmavati asked her: 'Who is Mahasena?' and then the following conversation took place: Vasavadattā: There is one Pradyota, king of Ujjain who is called 'Mahasena' on account of his large and mighty army. Padmavati's Nurse: The Princess does not like to wed his son. Vasavadattā: Whom else does she like then? Nurse: There is Udayana, king of Vatsa. The princess admires him much. Vasavadattā: (To herself) So she wants to marry my lord. (Aloud) Why? Nurse: Because of his great tenderness of heart. Vasavadattā: (To herself) I see, I see, even so was it with me. Nurse: Princess, suppose he is ugly? Vasavadattā: No, no, he is quite handsome. Padmavati: Friend, how do you know it?