31. Some places are devoid of animals, and others peopled by ferocious Rákshasas; some places are filled with the thorny _karanja_ thickets, and others are full of lofty palma forests. 32. Somewhere are lakes as large and clear as the expanse of heaven, and at others there are vast barren deserts as void as the empty air. Somewhere there are tracts of continually driving sands, and there are goodly groves of trees at others, flourishing in all the seasons of the year. 33. This mountain has many a peak on its top, as high as ordinary hills and mounts elsewhere; and the kalpa clouds are perpetually settled upon them, blazing with the radiance of gems by the hues of heaven. 34. There are forests growing on the milk white and sunny stones of this mountain, and serving as abodes of foresters; and always resorted to by the breed of lions and monkeys. 35. There is a peak on the north of this mountain, with a grotto towards the east of it; and this cavern affords me a sequestered habitation, in its hard and stony bosom. 36. There I am confined, O sage, in that stony prison-house; and there methinks I have passed a series of yuga ages (of which there is no reckoning). 37. Not I alone, but my husband also is confined in the same cave with myself; and we are doomed to remain imprisoned therein, like bees closed up at night fall, within the cup of a closing lotus-flower. 38. Thus have I with my husband, continued to abide in the stony dungeon, for the very long period of very many years. 39. It is owing to our own fault, that we do not obtain our release even at the present time; but continue to remain there in the state of prisoners as ever and for ever. 40. But sir, it is not only ourselves that are confined in this stony prison-house; but all our family, friends and dependants, are enthralled in the same stronghold and to no end. 41. The ancient personage (purusha) of my twice-born husband, is there confined in his dungeon (of the body); and though he has remained there for many an age, yet he has never removed from his single seat. 42. He is employed in his studentship and studies (Brahmacharya), since his boyhood, attends to the hearing and reciting of the vedas; and is steadfast in his observances without swerving or deviation. 43. But I am not so, O sage, but doomed to perpetual distress; because I am unable, O sage, to pass a moment without his company. 44. Hear now, O sage, how I became his wife, and how there grew an unfeigned affection between us. 45. When that husband of mine had been still a boy, and acquired a little knowledge by remaining in his own house. 46. He thought in himself, saying, “Ah, I am a srotriya or vedic Bráhmana, and can it be possible for me to have a suitable partner for myself.”