The celestial Kalpaga tree showered its blossoms of color upon Poonguzhali. The kinnari harps of the heavenly realm poured forth melodies of bliss. Why? For the very nerves of Poonguzhali’s body had become the strings of a divine veena, playing godly music. The prince’s words, sweet and gentle, had intoxicated her so.

“Prince! I am no maiden of the heavens; I am but a poor boatwoman. What you drank was not the nectar of the gods, but the milk elixir from the Kuzhagar temple!” she said.

“If you are not a maiden of the heavens, am I to believe it? Are you not the blessed daughter of Varuna? O Princess of the Ocean! How many times have you given me life? What can I ever give you in return?” the prince replied.

“Sir! Grant this poor girl just one more day and night in your company,” pleaded Poonguzhali.

“How can that be? I must depart for Pazhaiyarai at once,” said the prince.

“No, a message has come, summoning you to Nagapattinam.”

“From whom?”

“From the young princess herself!”

“Who is that there, another man? The one pulling the boat with Vandiyathevan?”

“That is my cousin, Sendhan Amudhan. The young princess sent the message through him, asking that you be taken to the Choodamani Vihara in Nagapattinam.”

“Ah! Has my sister’s mind changed? Has my desire for the crown faded away? For a long time, I have wished to join the Buddhist order. I will become a monk, travel to distant lands—Java, Kadaram, Mayirudingam, Mapappalam, China! Ah, what a fortune is mine, Poonguzhali! Come, let us go!” So saying, the prince rose to his feet.

Poonguzhali wondered if he was still not fully in his senses, for he spoke in a feverish haste.

At that very moment, a wailing voice was heard in the distance.

The prince stood startled, “Poonguzhali! What is that?” he asked.

“It’s an owl screeching, my lord!” she replied.

“No! That is a human voice! It is the cry of someone caught in great danger! Let us save him before we go. Before joining the Buddhist monastery, let us perform one good deed!” So saying, the prince tried to leap forward and run. In that attempt, he suddenly fell down. Poonguzhali caught him and supported him.

The two who had brought the boat to the shore came running. The prince, who had once again lost consciousness, was gently lifted by them, carried to the boat, and laid down safely.

The boat began to move along the canal. Except for the prince, the other three sat crowded together in the small space.

Vandiyathevan said, “Poonguzhali! It’s difficult for this boat to bear the weight of four people. In any case, I must take my leave of you here. I’ll get off right now. It is your responsibility to take the prince safely to his destination. There is nothing more I need to say to you!”

His voice trembled. When the moonlight fell upon his face, pearls of tears