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--not the slightest hast thou done;
Hadst thou, I might not resent it--freely would I pardon all.
Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman--wert, O sovereign of men,
From this time henceforth thy friendship--be my glory and my joy.
Every wish anticipated--pleasantly I dwelt with thee,
As in mine own royal palace--dwelt I ever, king, in thine.
My surpassing skill in horses--all is thine that I possess;
That on thee bestow I gladly--if, O king, it seem thee good."
Nala thus to Rituparna--gave his subtle skill in steeds,
Gladly he received the present--with each regulation meet.
Gifted with that precious knowledge--then Bhangasuri the king,
Home returned to his own city--with another charioteer.
Rituparna thus departed--Nala, then the king of men,
In the city of Kundina--sojourned for no length of time.