or destitute of power, in fact all about him."

"'Thus instructed by Damayanti, O king, the Brahmanas set out in all
directions in search of Nala overtaken with such disaster. And the
Brahmanas, O king, searched for him in cities and kingdoms and villages,
and retreats of ascetics, and places inhabited by cow-herds. And, O
monarch, wherever they went they recited the speeches that Damayanti had
directed them to do.'"

SECTION LXX

"Vrihadaswa said, 'After a long time had passed away, a Brahmana named
Parnada returned to the city (of the Vidarbhas), and said unto the
daughter of Bhima, "O Damayanti, seeking Nala, the king of Nishaidhas, I
came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before the son of Bhangasura.
And, O best of women, I repeated those words of thine in the presence of
the blessed Rituparna. But hearing them neither that ruler of men, nor
his courtiers, answered anything, although I uttered them repeatedly.
Then, after I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by a
person in the service of Rituparna, named Vahuka. And Vahuka is the
charioteer of that king, of unsightly appearance and possessed of short
arms. And he is skillful in driving with speed, and well acquainted with
the culinary art. And sighing frequently, and weeping again and again,
he inquired about my welfare and afterwards said these words, 'Chaste
women, although fallen into distress, yet protect themselves and thus
certainly secure heaven. Although they may be deserted by their lords,
they do not yet become angry on that account, for women that are chaste
lead their lives, encased in the armour of virtuous behaviour. It
behoveth her not to be angry, since he that deserted her was overwhelmed
with calamity, and deprived of every bliss. A beautious and virtuous
woman should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of his
garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is being consumed
with grief. Whether treated well or ill, such a wife should never
indulge in ire, beholding her husband in that plight, despoiled of
kingdom and destitute of prosperity, oppressed with hunger and
overwhelmed with calamity.' Hearing these words of his, I have speedily
come here. Thou hast now heard all. Do what thou thinkest proper, and
inform the king of it."

"'O king, having heard these words of Parnada, Damayanti with tearful
eyes came to her mother, and spake unto her in private, "O mother, king
Bhima should not, by any means, be