


          Savitri looked up. Coming through the woods was a princely man. 
     He was shining, though his skin was darker than the darkest night. His 
     eyes and his robe were the red of blood. He carried a small noose. 
          He stopped before them. 
          Trembling, Savitri asked, "Who are you?" 
          A deep, gentle voice replied. "Your prayers and fasting have 
     given you second sight, Princess. I am Yama, god of death. It is my 
     duty to take the spirit of Satyavan to my kingdom." 
          Yama passed his noose through Satyavan's breast, as if through 
     air. The noose drew out a tiny likeness of Satyavan, no bigger than a 
     thumb. 
          Satyavan's breathing stopped. 
          Yama wound the noose cord around the tiny likeness, then placed 
     it inside his robe. "In my kingdom, Satyavan will receive a new and 
     glorious body. Your husband is a man of great virtue." 
          Yama turned and headed south, back to his kingdom. 
          Savitri laid Satyavan's head gently on the ground. She started 
     after Yama. 


