t be maintained,
By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal.
Each the form divine assume ye--earth's protectors, mighty lords;
So shall I discern my Nala--I shall know the king of men."
As they heard sad Damayanti--uttering thus her piteous prayer,
At her high resolve they wonder--steadfast truth and fervent love,
Holiness of soul, and wisdom--to her lord her constant faith.
As she prayed, the gods obedient--stood with attributes revealed:
With unmoistened skins the Immortals--saw she, and with moveless eyes;[47]
Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands--hovered they, nor touched the earth.
On his shadow garland-drooping[48]--soiled with dust and moist with sweat,
On the earth Nishadha's monarch--stood confessed, with twinkling eyes;
On the gods an instant gazed she--then upon the king of men;
And of right king Bhima's daughter--named Nishadha's king her lord.
Modestly the large-eyed maiden--lifted up his garment's hem,
Round his shoulders threw she lightly--the bright zone of radiant flowers;
So she chose him for her husband--Nala, that high-hearted maid.
Then alas! alas! burst wildly,--from that conclave of the kings,
And "well done, well done," as loudly--from the gods and sages broke;
All in their extatic wonder--glorified Nishadha's king.
Then to royal Damayanti--Virasena's kingly son,
To that slender waisted damsel--spake he comfort in his joy;
"Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband--in the presence of the gods,
For thy faithful consort know me--aye delighting in thy words.
While this spirit fills this body--maiden with the smile serene!
Thine am I, so long thine only--this the solemn truth I vow."
Thus he gladdened Damayanti--with the assurance of his faith;
And the happy pair devoutly[49]--worshipped then the present gods.
Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch--the bright guardians of the world,
In their gladness all on Nala--eight transcendant gifts bestowed;
To discern the visible godhead--in the sacrifice, a gait
Firm and noble, Sachi's husband--Indra to king Nala gave.
Agni gave his own bright presence[50]--whensoe'er the monarch called.
All the worlds instinct with splendour--through his power Hutasa gave.
Subtle taste in food gave Yama--and in virtue eminence;
Varun gave obedient water--to be present at his call;
Garlands too of matchless fragrance;--eac