and Madhumala, rushing forth from the chamber where she had for so many days imprisoned herself, caught her lover in her arms and taking him into the most secluded of her apartments kept its doors shut for seven days.
In the meantime, her parents learned from the sentinels what had happened; and on the seventh day, they came and knocked at the door of her room. No notice was at first taken of their summons, but on their repeatedly knocking and calling, Mudhumala from within asked her father if he could bear what he might see. On his replying, the door was opened, and the king and all the people with him exclaimed, "What is it that we see? Is it not the full moon by the side of the sun that rises at dawn? Or may it not be two gilded pictures placed side by side."
Next day, the king ordered the palace to be rebuilt, and it quickly attained its former splendour. An auspicious day was appointed for the marriage of Madan and Madhumala, and a letter was sent to King Dandadhur, the father of the former, inviting him to be present at the wedding. The letter was like precious balm to his and his wife's long-afflicted hearts, and with great rejoicings they set out for the kingdom under the ground. Their voyage was prosperous, and they arrived in time to witness the marriage, which was celebrated with unusual splendour. For thirteen days and nights, dainties were freely distributed to all the guests, whose number was unlimited, and a rich dowry consisting of a kingdom of seventy scores of Pergunnas, and of heaps of gems and gold mohurs, was given to Madankumar.
A few days after this, King Dandadhur expressed the wish that his son, daughter-in-law, and attendants might be permitted to leave for home; and preparations were at once made for their journey. Madan and Madhumala were to go on the peacock's back, while the others would sail in ships; and on a day pronounced by astrologers as favourable the whole party left the kingdom, after the exchange of the most cordial farewells. King Dandadhur after a safe voyage
