“Happy be the father, happy the mother, happy the wife of such a son and husband.”
But this word “happy” means also “freed,” for are not freedom and happiness one? And taking her auspicious words for the cry of freedom he looked up smiling into her eyes, and said “Good is the teacher. Let this be her fee,” unclasped his necklace of pearls and sent it to the happy lady and passed on, forgetting, while she dreamed in vain of love.
And all dispersed to their abodes.
But the next day the Prince entered into his father’s presence, his face bright with resolution like the full moon, his step strong and steady as the gait of the King of Lions, noble and beautiful in strength.
And making due obeisance he asked.
“Is the Maharaj well and happy?”
“Well, my son, and rejoicing to see your face so bright and calm after long sorrow. Is the cloud past?”
“My father, it is past in part. A clear way lies before me.”
“That too is well. Praise to the Wielder of the thunder and to all great Gods who hear our prayers.”
Then tenderly, but with a calm immovable, the Prince declared his heart’s desire.