I went on; it retreated, then drew aside.

The lady stepped on the firm land, but the leopardess between us, roused once more, turned, and flew at the throat of the terror.

I remained where I was to see the elephants, with the princess and the children, safe on the bank.
Then I turned to look after the leopardess.

That moment the moon went down, For an instant I saw the leopardess and the snake-monster convolved in a cloud of dust; then darkness hid them.

Trembling with fright, my horse wheeled, and in three bounds overtook the elephants.
As we came up with them, a shapeless jelly dropped on the princess.