Note 6 — Chapter LXXX · (Vetála 6.)

And when he too did not return, Madanasundarí was distracted in mind, and then she too entered the temple of the goddess. And when she had gone in, and seen her husband and her brother in such a state, she fell on the ground, exclaiming, “Alas! what is the meaning of this? I am ruined.” And soon she rose up, and lamented those two that had been so unexpectedly slain, and said to herself, “Of what use is this life of mine to me now?” and being eager to abandon the body, she said to that goddess, “O thou that art the chief divinity presiding over blessedness, chastity, and holy rule, though occupying half the body of thy husband Śiva,6 thou that art the fitting refuge of all women, that takest away grief, why hast thou robbed me at once of my brother and my husband? This is not fitting on thy part towards me, for I have ever been a faithful votary of thine. So hear one piteous appeal from me who fly to thee for protection. I am now about to abandon this body which is afflicted with calamity, but grant that in all my future births, whatever they may be, these two men may be my husband and brother.”