BOOK XXV.

When that night was passed and over — Nala, that high-gifted king,

Wedded to Vidarbha's daughter — in fit hour her sire beheld.

Humbly Nala paid his homage — to the father of his queen,

Reverently did Damayanti — pay her homage to her sire.

Him received the royal Bhima — as his son, with highest joy,

Honoured, as became him, nobly:— then consoled that monarch wise

Damayanti, to king Nala — reconciled, the faithful wife.

Royal Nala, all these honours — as his homage meet, received;

And in fitting terms, devotion — to his royal sire declared.

Mighty then, through all the city — ran the wakening sound of joy;

All in every street exulting — at king Nala's safe return.

All the city with their banners — and with garlands decked they forth.

All the royal streets, well watered — and with stainless flowers were strewn;

And from door to door the garlands — of festooning flowers were hung;

And of all the gods the altars — were with fitting rites adorned.

Rituparna heard of Nala — in the form of Vahuca,

Now re-wed, to Damayanti — and the king of men rejoiced.

To the king, before his presence — Nala courteous made excuse.

In his turn Ayodhya's monarch — in like courteous language spake.

He, received thus hospitably — wondering to Nishadha's king,

“Bliss be with thee, reunited — to thy queen:”‘ twas thus he said.

“Have I aught offensive ever — done to thee, or said, O king

Whilst unknown, within my palace — thou wert dwelling, king of men?

If designed or undesigning — any single act I've done

I might wish undone, thy pardon — grant me, I beseech thee, king.”

“Not or deed or word discourteous — not the slightest hast thou done;

Hadst thou, I might not resent it — freely would I pardon all.

Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman — wert, O sovereign of men,

From this time henceforth thy friendship — be my glory and my joy.

Every wish anticipated — pleasantly I dwelt with thee,

As in mine own royal palace — dwelt I ever, king, in thine.

My surpassing skill in horses — all is thine that I possess;

That on thee bestow I gladly — if, O king, it seem thee good.”

Nala thus to Rituparna — gave his subtle skill in steeds,

Gladly he received the present — with each regulation meet.

Gifted with that precious knowledge — then Bhangasuri the king,

Home returned to his own city — with another charioteer.

Rituparna thus departed — Nala, then the king of men,

In the city of Kundina — sojourned for no length of time.