Markandeya said : In the meantime, the highly-powerful Dyumatsena, being restored to his sight, could behold everything with a clear vision.

O most exalted of the Bharatas, accompanied by his wife Shaivya he visited all the hermitages in search of his son) and was greatly afflicted for his sake.

The (old) couple, at that night walked about searching (for their son) in all the hermitages, rivers, woods and lakes.

And as soon as they heard any sound, considering that it was (caused by the footsteps of) their son they raised up their heads and said “there comes Satyavana accompanied by Savitri."

And with their feet torn, cracked, wounded and bleeding and pierced by thorns and Kusha blades they ran about like mad men.

Then all the twice-born ones, dwelling in the (neighbouring) hermitages approached and surrounded them. And soothing the old couple they brought them back to their own hermitage.

There the aged ascetics surrounding the old man together with his wife began to console him with stories of wonderful import about the kings of by gone ages.

Although the old couple, eager to behold their son, thus comforted, the remembrance of the youthful days of their son again awakened deep sorrow in them.

And weighed down with affliction, they again began to give vent to their grief in mournful accents saying "Alas, O son, O chaste daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana told them these words.

Suvarcha said: was "Satyavana is surely alive, because his wife Savitri is devoted to asceticism, is selfcontrolled and is well behaved."

Gautama said: "I have read the Vedas together with all their branches and have laid up a great store of asceticism. I have led a life of celebacy, have gone through the Brahmacharya mode of life and have appeased the fire and my superiors.

I have observed all the vows with a devout spirit; and agreeably to the ordinances I have very often subsisted on air alone and observed fasts.

By virtue of this asceticism I am aware of the doings of other people. Know this to be certain that Satyavana is alive.

The disciple of Gautama said : The words that have come out of the mouth of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore, Satyavana is (surely) alive.

The Rishis said : As his wife Savitri bears all the auspicious signs indicative of her exemption from widowhood, it is certain that Satyavana lives.

Bharadvaja said : As his wife Savitri is possessed of devotion, self control and good behaviour, it admits of no doubt that Satyavana is alive.

Dalbhya said: Considering that you have regained your sight and that Savitri has gone out without meals after the performance of her vow, it is certain that Satyavana is alive.

Mandyavya said: From the manner in which birds and beasts are sending forth their voices in the still atmosphere and since you have regained your sight making you useful for worldly purposes, it is sure that Satyavana lives.

Dhaumya said : Your son Satyavana is surely alive in as much as he is endued with all the noble qualities, beloved by all and bears signs indicative of a long life.

Markandeya said : Thus consoled by those truthful sages and reflecting on the words they said, Dyumatsena became a little pacified.

A moment after, Savitri accompanied by her husband Satyavana arrived at the asylum during the night and entered it cheerfully.

The Brahmanas said : O lord of the earth, we all congratulate you heartily on your union with your son and your recovery of eye sight.

Your meeting with your son, your sight of Savitri and your restoration to sight, these three blessing will make you prosper.

What we have said,, shall undoubtedly come to pass. You will soon rapidly grow in prosperity.

Markandeya said : Then, O Partha, all those twice born ones kindled a fire and took their seats before the king Dyumatsena.

Shaivya, Satyavana and Savitri who all stood on one side, gladly sat down with the permission of them all.

Then O Partha all those inhabitants of forest, who were seated with the king, actuated by curiosity asked the kings son.

The Rishis said : O renowned prince, why did you not make your appearance with your wife earlier? Why did you come so late at night? What obstacle stood in your way?

O Prince, we can not make out why you have given so much pain to your father, mother and ourselves also. You ought to relate all this.

Satyavana said: Taking leave of my father I went out with Savitri. While cutting down the woods in the forest my head began to ache.

Afflicted with the pain I slept a long while. Thus far only do I remember. Never before did I sleep for so long a time.

Considering that you all should not be troubled on my account, I came so late at night. There is no other reason (for my late arrival).

Gautama said: You, then, do not know how your father Dyumatsena has suddenly recovered his eyes. Let, therefore, Savitri relate it.

We are desirous of learning all this from you who are surely acquainted with the mysteries of good and evil. For, O Savitri, we know you are as resplendent as Savitri herself (the wife of Brahma).

You are (undoubtedly) aware of the cause of this. Therefore speak truly. If you have nothing to conceal, then relate it to us.

Savitri said: It is as you know it to be. Your desire can never prove fruitless. I have nothing to conceal from you. Now hear the true cause of this.

The high-souled Narada had fore told the death of my husband. Today being the appointed time, I did not leave his company.

When he fell asleep Yama in person together with his attendants approached him and tying him (with the noose) proceeded towards the region inhabited by the Pitris.

I then began to eulogise that lord god, with truthful words, who conferred on me five boons. Hear of these (boons) from me.

I have obtained two boons for my father-inlaw viz. recovery of his sight and kingdom. I have (further), obtained for my father a hundred sons and an equal number of sons for myself.

(Again) my husband Satyavana has been blessed with a life of four hundred years. I observed the vow for the sake of my husband's life.

I have now faithfully described to you in detail the cause which ultimately turned my great sorrow into a crowing bliss.

The Rishis said: O chaste girl, you are of gentle disposition, observant of vows, possessed of virtue and have sprung from a noble line. And it is by you that the line of this best of kings, overwhelmed with calamities and drowned in a deep gulf (of obscurity) has, (at last), been rescued.

Markandeya said : The assembled sages, then, having eulogised and paid their adorations to that most exalted lady and having taken leave of that most excellent of kings together with his son, soon left for their respective asylums in peace and with merry hearts.