“In Vidarbha the just monarch — Bhima, in his glory dwells. Of that king is she the daughter — Damayanti is her name; And the raja of Nishadha — Nala, Virasena's son, Of that king is she the consort — Punyasloka named, the Wise.
Him in play his brother worsted — spoiled of realm the king of earth: He set forth with Damayanti — whither is unknown of men. For the sake of Damayanti — wander we about the earth; Till I found yon noble woman — in the palace of your son.
Like to her of mortal women — is there none, her beauty's peer; In the midst, between her eyebrows — from her birth a lovely mole, Dark was seen, and like a lotus — that hath vanished from my sight, Covered over with defilement — like the moon behind a cloud.
This soft mark of perfect beauty — fashioned thus by Brahma's self, As at change the moon's thin crescent — only dim and faintly gleams. Yet her beauty is not faded — clouded o'er with toil and mire Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold.
With that beauteous form yon woman — gifted with that lovely mole, Instant knew I for the Princess — as the heat betrays the fire.” To Sudeva as she listened — uttering thus his strange discourse: All the dust that mole concealing — young Sunanda washed away.
By the obscuring dust unclouded — shining out that mole appeared; On the brow of Damayanti — like the unclouded moon in heaven. Gazing on that mole, Sunanda — and the mother of the king, Wept as fondly they embraced her — and an instant silent stood.
Then her tears awhile suppressing — thus the royal mother spake: “Thou art mine own sister's daughter — by that beauteous mole made known; I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother — of that lofty-minded king, Are the daughters, king Sudaman — he that in Dasarnareigns;
She was wedded to king Bhima — and to Viravahu I. In my fathers home, Dasarna — once I saw thee, newly born. As to me thy father's lineage — is akin, so mine to thee; Whatsoe'er my power commandeth — Damayanti, all is thine.”
To the queen did Damayanti — in the gladness of her heart, Having bowed in courteous homage — to her mother's sister, speak: “While unknown I might continue — gladly dwelt I here with thee; Every want supplied on th’ instant — guarded by thy gentle care.
Yet than even this pleasant dwelling — a more pleasant may there be; Long a banished woman, mother!— give me leave from hence to part, Thither where my infant children — dwell my tender little ones, Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow — orphaned, ah, how long of me!
If thou yet wilt grant a favour — o'er all other favours dear, To Vidarbha would I journey — quick the palanquin command.” “Be it so,” her mother's sister — joyful, instant made reply. Guarded by a mighty army — with th’ approval of her son,
Sent the queen, that happy lady — in a palanquin, by men Borne aloft, and well provided — with all raiment, drink, and food. Thus the princess to Vidarbha — after brief delay returned. Her her whole assembled kindred — welcomed home with pride and joy,
All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair, With her mother, with her father — and her sister troop of friends. To the gods she paid her worship — to the Brahmins in her joy; So the queenly Damayanti — all in noblest guise performed.
And her royal sire Sudeva — with the thousand kine made glad, Joyous to behold his daughter,— with a village and much wealth. There, when in her father's palace — she the quiet night had passed, In these words the noble lady — to her mother gan to speak:
“If in life thou would'st preserve me — mother, hear the truth I speak; Home to bring the hero Nala — be it now thy chiefest toil.” Thus addressed by Damayanti — very sorrowful the queen Clouded all her face with weeping — not a word in answer spake.
But the princess, thus afflicted — when the female train beheld, “Woe! oh woe!” they shrieked together — all in pitying sadness wept. To the mighty raja Bhima — did the queen that speech relate. “‘ Damayanti, Lo thy daughter — for her husband sits and mourns.’
Breaking through all bashful silence — thus, oh king, to me she spake: ‘ Be it now thy servants’ business — to find out the king of men.’” Urged by her the king his Brahmins — to his will obedient all, Sent around to every region — “Be your care the king to find.”
Then those Brahmins at the mandate — of Vidarbha's royal lord, First drew near to Damayanti — “Lo, now set we forth,” they said. Then to them spake Bhima's daughter — “In all realms be this your speech, Wheresoever men assemble — this repeat again, again:
Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!— half my garment severing off, Leaving me within the forest — all forsaken, thy beloved. Even as thou commandedst, sits she — sadly waiting thy return. Parched with sorrow sits that woman — in her scant half garment glad.
Oh to her thus ever weeping — in the extreme of her distress, Grant thy pity, noble hero — answer to her earnest prayer. Be this also said, to move him — to compassionate my state, ( By the wind within the forest — fanned, intensely burns the fire ).
Ever by her consort cherished — and sustained the wife should be. Why hast thou forgot that maxim — thou in every duty skilled. Thou wert ever called the generous — thou the gentle and the wise. Art thou now estranged from pity — through my sad injurious fate.
Prince of men, O grant thy pity — grant it, lord of men, to me; ‘ Mercy is the chief of duties,’ — oft from thine own lips I've heard. Thus as ye are ever speaking — should there any one reply, Mark him well, lest he be Nala — who he is, and where he dwells.
He who to this speech hath listened — and hath thus his answer made, Be his words, O best of Brahmins — treasured and brought home to me, Lest he haply should discover — that by my command ye speak, That again ye may approach him — do ye this without delay.
Whether he be of the wealthy — whether of the poor he be; Be he covetous of riches — learn ye all he would desire.” Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins — to the realms on every side, Seeking out the royal Nala — in his dark concealed distress.
They through royal cities, hamlets — pastoral dwellings, hermits’ cells, Nala every-where went seeking — yet those Brahmins found him not. All in every part went speaking — in the language they were taught; In the words of Damayanti — spake they in the ears of men.
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