


          For a year, they lived happily together in the hermitage. But 
     Savitri could never forget that Satyavan's death drew closer. She 
     counted the days. 
          Finally, only three full days remained. Savitri stopped eating. 
     She stopped sleeping. Day and night, she only stood before the sacred 
     fire and prayed. 
          Satyavan said, "Prayer and fasting are good, my love. But why be 
     this hard on yourself?" 
          Savitri said, "Please, my love, do not try to stop me or ask me 
     why." 
          Savitri remained in prayer until dawn of the awaited day. As she 
     left the hall of worship, she saw Satyavan heading for the forest, his 
     axe on his shoulder. 
          She rushed to his side. "I will go with you, my love." 
          Satyavan said, "You have stood without food or sleep for three 
     days and nights! Stay here, my love. Rest and eat." 
          "I do not feel tired," said Savitri, "and I can eat when we 
     return. My heart is set on going." 


