ill behold."

VRIHADASVA _spake_.

They the livelong night together--slow related, each to each,
All their wanderings in the forest--and each wild adventure strange.
In king Bhima's royal palace--studying each the other's bliss,
With glad hearts, Vidarbha's princess--and the kingly Nala dwelt.
In their fourth year of divorcement--reunited to his wife,
Richly fraught with every blessing--at the height of joy he stood.
Damayanti too re-wedded--still increasing in her bliss,
Like as the glad earth to water--opens its half-budding fruits,
She of weariness unconscious,--soothed each grief, and full each joy,
Every wish fulfilled, shone brightly--as the night, when high the moon.

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."

NALA _spake_.

"Not or deed or word discourteous--no