It came as a terrible blow to them to realize that their darling, who had never left their side, save for that one day's hunting, was about to leave them, it might be for ever. They attributed all this to the anger of the gods, which they had brought upon themselves by letting him leave the subterranean house three days earlier than they had been commanded, and falling on his neck they implored him with torrents of tears to give up the enterprise, which in their opinion was no better than a wild-goose chase. But nothing could divert him from his purpose; and the king, to make the best of a bad case, prepared for him a ship with a great company of followers. On an auspicious day he put the dust of his parents' feet upon his head, and started on the voyage to the seas, under which he believed his sweetheart dwelt.
Many days and nights, many months even, passed by without success attending the prince's quest, till at length, overtaken by a violent storm, they were all drowned save the prince, who after three days was washed by the waves on to the beach quite insensible. Some goat-herds found him and resuscitated him. Upon being asked who he was, and with what object he had set out upon the seas, the prince told them everything, not omitting to mention with particular emphasis the name Madhumala.
The mention of this name acted like a charm upon them, and with joy they cried out—"Ah, this is he for whom our king's daughter, Champakala, has been waiting; for, from books of astrology and the god Shiva to whom she daily prays to bring her husband to her, she has learnt that one who is out seeking for Madhumala's abode shall be her lord." Saying this, they took Madan to their king, who, aware of the revelation made to his daughter, at once introduced him to her. She asked her father to marry her to the youth, who was so obviously destined to be her husband; and the nuptials were celebrated that very day with great pomp. When the couple retired to the bridal chamber, Champakala told her husband that she knew of his longing
