388 APPENDIX t. rose from the lake a young ascetic that ran to MILabas'veta who recognised him to be Kapinjala. He narrated his tale as follows: ‘The person, who took away Pundarika's body, said to me when he reached the world of the moon where he placed it: Know me to be the moon. Pundarika, when yielding up his life through love, cursed me who had done him no harm, that I might endure more than once in Bharatavarsha the pangs of un gratified love indignant at bhe unjust curse, cursed him bha he would share my joys and sorrows with me. When an passed away, I recollected that Pundarika was the chosen hus. band of Mahasveta who belonged to my raceHe and I nmust, to fulfil the curse, live at least twice in the world of men. Ther fore I brougt his body here, where it will be kept free from corruption. Tell this to Svetaketu (Pundarika's father ), whose power is great and who may devise some remedy.' As I (Kapine jala ) passed along the heavenly path blinded by grief for my friend, I unfortunately ran over a choleric seci-divine being who cursed me In this broad sky, you can over ne like a horse; so be a horse.' I fell at his feet and told him my sad tale. He became soft and said the curse must be fulfilled. It shall last the death of him whose horse you may beconme. Then bathe and you will be free.' Being further requested by me he said the Moon is about to become the son of Tarapfda and your frien Pundarika will be the son of his minister, Sukanasa. You will be the horse of the prince! He ended and I fell into the sea, whence I emerged as a horse. But I did not forget the past; is why I brought 6be prince in pursuit of the kinnaras to this lakeThe youth you (Mahsvetी ) unknowingly cused was Pundarika himselt.' At these words, Mahas'veta fell to the ground. Kapinjal bade her not to blame herself and told her that the end of her trials was near. He knew nothing of Patralekha. He few into the sky to go to Svetalketu to inquire what birth Vaisampayana (or Pundarika) was possing through Kadambari and Mahasvet resolved to wait where they were in expectation of the fulfilment of the promise made to them by the heavenly voice. As days passed on, Chandrpda's body showed no sign of corruption and Kadambar gaining con fidence sent Madalekba to her parents to inform them of what
