  "In Vidarbha the just monarch—Bhima, in his glory dwells. Of that king is she the daughter—Damayanti is her name; And the raja of Nishadha—Nala, Virasena's son, Of that king is she the consort—Punyasloka named, the Wise. Him in play his brother worsted—spoiled of realm the king of earth: He set forth with Damayanti—whither is unknown of men. For the sake of Damayanti—wander we about the earth; Till I found yon noble woman—in the palace of your son. Like to her of mortal women—is there none, her beauty's peer; In the midst, between her eyebrows—from her birth a lovely mole, Dark was seen, and like a lotus—that hath vanished from my sight, Covered over with defilement—like the moon behind a cloud. This soft mark of perfect beauty—fashioned thus by Brahma's self, As at change the moon's thin crescent—only dim and faintly gleams. Yet her beauty is not faded—clouded o'er with toil and mire Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold. With that beauteous form yon woman—gifted with that lovely mole, Instant knew I for the Princess—as the heat betrays the fire." Vrihadasva spake. To Sudeva as she listened—uttering thus his strange discourse: All the dust that mole concealing—young Sunanda washed away. By the obscuring dust unclouded—shining out that mole appeared; On the brow of Damayanti—like the unclouded moon in heaven. Wept as fondly they embraced her—and an instant silent stood. Then her tears awhile suppressing—thus the royal mother spake: "Thou art mine own sister's daughter—by that beauteous mole made known; I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother—of that lofty-minded king, Are the daughters, king Sudaman—he that in Dasarna She was wedded to king Bhima—and to Viravahu I. In my fathers home, Dasarna—once I saw thee, newly born. As to me thy father's lineage—is akin, so mine to thee; Whatsoe'er my power commandeth—Damayanti, all is thine." To the queen did Damayanti—in the gladness of her heart, Having bowed in courteous homage—to her mother's sister, speak: "While unknown I might continue—gladly dwelt I here with thee; Every want supplied on th' instant—guarded by thy gentle care. Yet than even this pleasant dwelling—a more pleasant may there be; Long a banished woman, mother!—give me leave from hence to part, Thither where my infant children—dwell my tender little ones, Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow—orphaned, ah, how long of me! If thou yet wilt grant a favour—o'er all other favours dear, To Vidarbha would I journey—quick the palanquin command." "Be it so," her mother's sister—joyful, instant made reply. Guarded by a mighty army—with th' approval of her son, Sent the queen, that happy lady—in a palanquin, by men Borne aloft, and well provided—with all raiment, drink, and food. Thus the princess to Vidarbha—after brief delay returned. Her her whole assembled kindred—welcomed home with pride and joy, All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair, With her mother, with her father—and her sister troop of friends. So the queenly Damayanti—all in noblest guise performed. And her royal sire Sudeva—with the thousand kine made glad, Joyous to behold his daughter,—with a village and much wealth. There, when in her father's palace—she the quiet night had passed, In these words the noble lady—to her mother gan to speak: "If in life thou would'st preserve me—mother, hear the truth I speak; Home to bring the hero Nala—be it now thy chiefest toil." Thus addressed by Damayanti—very sorrowful the queen Clouded all her face with weeping—not a word in answer spake. But the princess, thus afflicted—when the female train beheld, "Woe! oh woe!" they shrieked together—all in pitying sadness wept. To the mighty raja Bhima—did the queen that speech relate. "'Damayanti, Lo thy daughter—for her husband sits and mourns.' Breaking through all bashful silence—thus, oh king, to me she spake: 'Be it now thy servants' business—to find out the king of men.'" Urged by her the king his Brahmins—to his will obedient all, Sent around to every region—"Be your care the king to find." Then those Brahmins at the mandate—of Vidarbha's royal lord, First drew near to Damayanti—"Lo, now set we forth," they said. Then to them spake Bhima's daughter—"In all realms be this your speech, Wheresoever men assemble—this repeat again, again: Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!—half my garment severing off, Leaving me within the forest—all forsaken, thy beloved. Even as thou commandedst, sits she—sadly waiting thy return. Parched with sorrow sits that woman—in her scant half garment glad. Oh to her thus ever weeping—in the extreme of her distress, Grant thy pity, noble hero—answer to her earnest prayer. (By the wind within the forest—fanned, intensely burns the fire). Ever by her consort cherished—and sustained the wife should be. Why hast thou forgot that maxim—thou in every duty skilled. Thou wert ever called the generous—thou the gentle and the wise. Art thou now estranged from pity—through my sad injurious fate. Prince of men, O grant thy pity—grant it, lord of men, to me; 'Mercy is the chief of duties,'—oft from thine own lips I've heard. Thus as ye are ever speaking—should there any one reply, Mark him well, lest he be Nala—who he is, and where he dwells. He who to this speech hath listened—and hath thus his answer made, Be his words, O best of Brahmins—treasured and brought home to me, Lest he haply should discover—that by my command ye speak, That again ye may approach him—do ye this without delay. Whether he be of the wealthy—whether of the poor he be; Be he covetous of riches—learn ye all he would desire." Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins—to the realms on every side, Seeking out the royal Nala—in his dark concealed distress. They through royal cities, hamlets—pastoral dwellings, hermits' cells, Nala every-where went seeking—yet those Brahmins found him not. All in every part went speaking—in the language they were taught; In the words of Damayanti—spake they in the ears of men. |
|
