ne by him to others. Never
hath he spoken an untruth even in jest. Oh, my Nala is exalted and
forgiving and heroic and magnificent and superior to all other kings,
and faithful to his marriage vow and like unto a eunuch in respect of
other females. Night and day dwelling upon his perceptions, my heart, in
absence of that dear one, is about to burst in grief."

"'Thus bewailing as if devoid of sense, Damayanti, O Bharata, ascended
the terrace (of her mansion) with the desire of seeing the righteous
Nala. And in the yard of the central mansion she beheld king Rituparna
on the car with Varshneya and Vahuka. And Varshneya and Vahuka,
descending for that excellent vehicle, unyoked the steeds, and kept the
vehicle itself in a proper place. And king Rituparna also, descending
from the car, presented himself before king Bhima possessed of terrible
prowess. And Bhima received him with great respect, for in the absence
of a proper occasion, a great person cannot be had (as a guest). And
honoured by Bhima, king Rituparna looked about him again and again, but
saw no traces of the _Swayamvara_. And the ruler of the Vidarbhas, O
Bharata, approaching Rituparna, said, "Welcome! What is the occasion of
this thy visit?" And king Bhima asked this without knowing that
Rituparna had come to obtain the hand of his daughter. And king
Rituparna, of unbaffled prowess and gifted with intelligence, saw that
there were no other kings or princes. Nor did he hear any talk relating
to the _Swayamvara_, nor saw any concourse of Brahmanas. And at this,
the king of Kosala reflected a while and at length said, "I have come
here to pay my respects to thee." And the king Bhima was struck with
astonishment, and reflected upon the (probable) cause of Rituparna's
coming, having passed over a hundred _yojanas_. And he reflected, "That
passing by other sovereigns, and leaving behind him innumerable
countries, he should come simply to pay his respect to me is scarcely
the reason of his arrival. What he assigneth to be the cause of his
coming appeareth to be a trifle. However, I shall learn the true reason
in the future." And although king Bhima thought so, he did not dismiss
Rituparna summarily, but said unto him again and again, "Rest, thou art
weary." And honoured thus by the pleased Bhima, king Rituparna was
satisfied, and with a delighted heart, he went to his appointed quarters
followed by the servants of the royal household.'

"Vrihadaswa continued, 'And,