The Prince Who Was Nobility Incarnate

 King Shatanu, now separated from his wife and son, passed his days in sorrow. He often walked up to the river and remembered the happy days when Ganga lived with him as his wife.

One day, he saw a handsome young lad shooting arrows with great skill, trying to stop the flow. Who could this boy be? the king wondered.

As soon as the boy saw the king, he ran away. The king went after him, but in vain. The boy just vanished. 

Shantanu sat down on a rock and continued to look at Ganga. Soon the river changed its form and a woman familiar to the king stood before him.
 
The king asked her, "Who was that charming lad who ran away from my sight?"
"O King, he's none other than your son–the last of the Vasus–destined to live a long life as a human being.

It's time he lived with you," said Ganga with a smile. She then called out for the boy and introduced him to the king. The boy, Gangeya, followed the king. The boy was in due time proclaimed as the crown prince. 

Gangeya grew up to be a brilliant youth. His nobility and courage charmed everybody. He was equally quick in learning the various religious rites, literature, and philosophy. What is more, Truthfulness was his greatest virtue.

A few years went by. The king was once alone in a forest. As he sat down under a tree, he saw a beautiful young lady. "Who are you? Why are you in the forest? Who is your father?" asked the king.

"I'm Satyavati, daughter of the chief of this forest– Dasaraj," replied the lady.

"I'm Shantanu, of the dynasty of the Kurus," said the king. The young lady greeted the king. 

As they sat chatting, the king said, "A strong desire is overpowering me. Will you marry me?" Satyavati blushed and said, "O King, my marriage depends on my father's will."

The king requested her to take him to her father.

Dasaraj, who was a chieftain under the Kurus, was delighted to see the king. "My lord, I consider myself extremely lucky because you chose to visit my hut. Can I do anything for you?"

"I'd like to make your daughter my queen, with your permission," said the king.

"I should be the happiest man if my daugther becomes your queen. But..." Dasaraj faltered. 
"What makes you hesitate?" asked the king anxiously.

"My lord, your son born of her must succeed you to the throne," said the chief.

The king's face grew pale. How could he accept such a condition when he had a most brilliant successor in Gangeya? Without another word he walked back to his palace.