ingdom[30]--even as Kamadhuk is mine.[31]
Where are they, the Kshetriya heroes?--wherefore see I not approach
All the earth's majestic guardians--all mine ever-honoured guests.
Thus addressed by holy Sakra[32]--Narada replied and said:
"Hear me now, O cloud-compeller--why earth's kings appear not here.
Of Vidarbha's king the daughter--Damayanti, the renowned;
Through the earth the loveliest women--in her beauty she transcends--
Soon she holds her Swayembara--soon her lord the maid will choose.
Thither all the kings are hastening--thither all the sons of kings.
Suitors for her hand the rajas--her of all the world the pearl,
O thou mighty giant slayer!--one and all approach to woo."
As they spake, the world-protectors[33]--with the god of fire drew near;
Of the immortals all, the highest--stood before the king of gods.
As they all stood silent hearing--Narada's majestic speech,
All exclaimed in sudden rapture--thither we likewise will go;
All the immortals on the instant,--with their chariots, with their hosts,
Hastened down towards Vidarbha--where the lords of earth were met.
Nala, too, no sooner heard he--of that concourse of the kings,
Set he forth, with soul all sanguine--full of Damayanti's love.
Saw the gods, king Nala standing--on the surface of the earth;
Standing in transcendent beauty--equal to the god of love.[34]
Him beheld the world's high guardians--in his radiance like the sun;
Each arrested stood and silent--at his peerless form amazed.
All their chariots the celestials--in the midway air have checked.
Through the blue air then descending--they Nishadha's king address.
Ho! what, ho! Nishadha's monarch--Nala, king, for truth renowned;
Do our bidding, bear our message--O, most excellent of men.

BOOK III.

Nala made his solemn promise,--"all your bidding will I do;"
Then with folded hands adoring--humbly of their will enquired.
"Who are ye? to whom must Nala--as your welcome herald go?
What is my commanded service?--tell me, mighty gods, the truth."
Spake the sovereign of Nishadha--Indra answered thus and said:--
"Know us, the Immortals, hither--come for Damayanti's love.
Indra I, and yon is Agni,--and the king of waters there--
Slayer he of mortal bodies,--Yama, too, is here, O king!
Thou, O Nala, of our coming,--must to Damayanti tell:
Thee to see,