When Râjavâhana had heard this story, he again related his own
adventures; after which he took leave of Somadatta, saying, "Come to
me as soon as possible, when you have paid your devotions at Mahâkâla,
and have taken your wife and her attendants home;" and he then
accompanied Pushpodbhava into the city of Avanti.

There he was hospitably received in the house of his friend, who
introduced him by his real name to Bandhupâla, but gave out in the
city that he was a young brahman, worthy of all honour for his
learning and ability; and the prince remained for some time in that
city, treated with great respect and consideration by all who became
acquainted with him.

* * * * *



MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI.


During the stay of Râjavâhana at Avanti, the season of spring arrived,
when the great festival of Kâma is celebrated. The trees, breaking
into flower, were filled with the song of birds and the hum of bees,
and their branches were waved by the soft south wind, blowing, loaded
with perfume, from the sandal groves of Malaya. The lakes and pools
were thickly covered with lotus blossoms, among which innumerable
water-birds were sporting, and the feelings of all were influenced by
the charms of the season, and prepared for the worship of the god of
love.