I UTTERED A SUDDEN ROAR AND AT THE SAME TIME LEAPED TOWARD THE SERPENT
It was impossible to reach it with my tusks—it was too close—and I was in a truly pitiable situation.
What, alas! would become of Parvati, left alone in the wood, if I should be strangled by this monster?
And closer, and still closer, the living rope tightened about me.... I could no longer move in spite of my efforts, and the blood roared in my ears under the increasing and suffocating pressure.... I threw myself desperately on the ground, rolling madly over and over, seeking to crush my enemy beneath my weight. I rubbed and ground it on the rough earth and the thorny bushes. The battle was long. But at last I felt the cold slimy coils soften, relax, and finally let go their grasp.
I rose, panting.
The serpent lay full length on the ground, still squirming a little, and looking like a river of blood and ink.
I fell to work, and stamped on it, and tore it to ribbons with my tusks—till it was completely destroyed.
When my rage was thoroughly appeased I turned, proud and pleased, to seek Parvati. Ah! how bitterly did I now repent of the crime I had committed in carrying her off!...
My Princess lay on the ground, pale and motionless—and to all appearance dead.