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.