one day playing with its young ones, discovered the garland, and was very much afflicted at the thought that the loss of it entailed such sorrow and misery on Shakti. The garland, however, which was then given by the gods the power of speech, consoled the bird saying, "Neelmanik lives in such and such a place on the right bank of the Nerbudda. Take me to him, and you will be glad at the result."
The swan with its family went to the place and built a nest on a banyan tree. The wreath was with them, and in a tussle between the young ones it fell down, just as Prince Neel was riding by. Its sight attracted him, and dazzled by its beauty, he had it picked up by one of his attendants, and wore it round his neck.
We left Shakti lying faint on the seashore. The dashing of the waves roused her, and on opening her eyes she beheld the sea goddess, who embraced her and carried her to the subterranean regions. She remained there for twelve years; and knew no peace, as her heart was torn with the memory of her husband and her son. One day the goddess, taking pity on her, told her to leave her and go, with the winds to guide her, towards the north, where she would find both her loved ones. The girl, beside herself with joy, bowed to the goddess, and being taken to the land, went northwards as directed.
The reader has surely not forgotten the wood-cutter sent by Shakti to sell the piece of sandal-wood she had given him. He had gone from place to place in search of a purchaser, but had found no one willing to buy it. Twelve years passed in this way, and at length he met in a harbour a rich merchant with fourteen ships, richly laden. He accosted the latter very respectfully; asked him if he would buy the sandal-wood, and held it out for inspection. The merchant, who was none else but Shankha, took it in his hand, and what was his surprise to find in it the first letter of his wife's name, inscribed with her own hands! The letter reawakened his memory, which had so long lain dormant, and he was so worked on by the old
