"This was a Prince unparalleled, thy lord;
Virtuous as fair, a sea of goodly gifts,
Not to be summoned by a meaner voice
Than Yama's own: therefore is Yama come."

With that the gloomy God fitted his noose
And forced forth from the Prince the soul of him--
Subtile, a thumb in length--which being reft,
Breath stayed, blood stopped, the body's grace was gone,
And all life's warmth to stony coldness turned.
Then, binding it, the Silent Presence bore
Satyavan's soul away toward the South.

But Savitri the Princess followed him;
Being so bold in wifely purity,
So holy by her love; and so upheld,
She followed him.

Presently Yama turned.
"Go back," quoth he. "Pay for him funeral dues.
Enough, O Savitri, is wrought for love;
Go back! Too far already hast thou come."

Then Savitri made answer: "I must go
Where my lord goes, or where my lord is borne;
Naught other is my duty. Nay, I think,
By reason of my vows, my services,
Done to the Gurus, and my faultless love,
Grant but thy grace, I shall unhindered go.
The sages teach that to walk seven steps