BOOK VII.

Bound by that malignant treaty — Kali with his dark ally,

Haunted they the stately palace — where Nishadha's monarch ruled;

Watching still the fatal instant — in Nishadha long they dwelt.

Twelve long years had passed ere Kali — saw that fatal instant come.

Nala after act uncleanly — the ablution half performed,

Prayed at eve, with feet unwashen — Kali seized the fatal hour.

Into Nala straight he entered — and possessed his inmost soul.

Pushkara in haste he summoned — come with Nala play at dice,

Ever in the gainful hazard — by my subtle aid thou'lt win,

Even the kingdom of Nishadha — even from Nala all his realm.

Pushkara by Kali summoned — to his brother Nala came,

In the dice of dice embodied— Dwapara stood silent by.

Pushkara the hero-slayer — to king Nala standing near:

“Play we with the dice, my brother,” — thus again, again he said.

Long the lofty-minded raja — that bold challenge might not brook,

In Vidarbha's princess’ presence — deemed he now the time for play.

For his wealth, his golden treasures — for his chariots, for his robes,

Then possessed by Kali, Nala — in the game was worsted still.

He with love of gaming maddened,— of his faithful friends not one

Might arrest the desperate frenzy — of the conqueror of his foes.

Came the citizens assembling — with the counsellors of state,

To behold the king approached they — to restrain his dread disease.

Then the charioteer advancing— thus to Damayanti spake:

“All the city, noble princess — stands assembled at the gate,

Say thou to Nishadha's monarch —‘ All his subjects here are met;

Ill they brook this dire misfortune— in their justice-loving king’.”

Then, her voice half choked with anguish — spake the sorrow-stricken queen,

Spirit-broken, Bhima's daughter — to Nishadha's sovereign spake,

“Raja, lo! the assembled city — at the gate their king to see:

With the counsellors of wisdom — by their loyal duty led.

Deign thou, monarch, to admit them,” — thus again, again she said.

To the queen with beauteous eyelids — uttering thus her sad lament,

Still possessed by wicked Kali — answered not the king a word.

Then those counsellors of wisdom — and those loyal citizens,

“‘ Tis not he,” exclaimed in sorrow,— and in shame and grief went home.

Thus of Pushkara and Nala — still went on that fatal play;

Many a weary month it lasted — and still lost the king of men.