BOOK IV.
To the gods performed her homage--smiled she, and to Nala spake:-- "Pledge to me thy faith,[35] O raja--how that faith, may I requite?
I myself, and whatsoever--in the world I have, is thine In full trust is thine[36]--O grant me--in thy turn thy love, O king! Tis the swan's enamouring language--that hath kindled all my soul.
Only for thy sake, O hero--are the assembled rajas met.
But if thou mine homage scornest--scornest me, all honoured king, Poison for thy sake, fire, water,--the vile noose will I endure."[37] So, when spake Vidarbha's maiden--Nala answered thus, and said:-- "With the world's dread guardians present--wilt thou mortal husband choose?
We with them, the world's creators--with these mighty lords compared, Lowlier than the dust they tread on--raise to them thy loftier mind.
Man the gods displeasing, hastens--to inevitable death-- Fair limbed! from that fate preserve me--choose the all excelling gods.
Robes by earthly dust unsullied--crowns of amaranthine flowers, Every bright celestial glory--wedded to the gods, enjoy.
He, who all the world compressing[38]--with devouring might consumes, Sovereign of the gods, Hutasa,--where is she who would not wed?
He, in awe of whose dread sceptre[39]--all the assembled hosts of men, Cultivate eternal justice--where is she who would not wed?
Him the all-righteous, lofty minded,--slayer of the infernal host,[40] Of all gods, the mighty monarch,--who is she that would not wed?
Nor let trembling doubt arrest thee--in thy mind if thou couldst choose.[41] Varuna, amongst earth's guardians,--hear the language of a friend." To the sovereign of Nishadha--Damayanti spake, and said, And her eyes grew dim with moisture--flowing from her inward grief:-- "To the gods, to all, my homage--king of earth, I humbly pay; Yet thee only, thee, my husband--may I choose, Be this my vow!" Answered he the trembling maiden--as with folded hands she stood, "Bound upon this solemn mission--mine own cause how dare I urge.
Plighted by a sacred promise--to the everlasting gods; Thus engaged to plead for others--for myself I may not plead.
This my duty; yet hereafter--come I on my own behalf, Then I'll plead mine own cause boldly--weigh it, beauteous, in thy thought." Damayanti smiled serenely,--and with tear-impeded speech, Uttered brokenly and slowly--thus to royal Nala spake:-- "Yet I see a way of refuge--'tis a blameless way, O king; Whence no sin to thee, O raja,--may by any chance arise.
Thou, O noblest of all mortals--and the gods by Indra led, Come and enter in together--where the Swayembara meets; Then will I, before the presence--of the guardians of the world, Name thee, lord of men! my husband--nor to thee may blame accrue." By the maiden of Vidarbha--royal Nala thus addressed, Back again returned, where waited--eager, the expecting gods.
Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty--ere he yet drew near, beheld, Him they saw, and bade him instant--all his tidings to unfold-- "Was she seen of thee, O monarch--Damayanti with soft smile?
Spake she of us all?
what said she ?--tell, O blameless lord of earth." NALA _spake_.
To the bower of Damayanti--on your solemn mission sent, Entered I the lofty portal--by the aged warders watched; Mortal eye might not behold me--there as swift I entered in; None save that fair raja's daughter--through your all prevailing power.
And her virgin handmaids, saw I--and by them in turn was seen; And they all in mute amazement--gazed upon me as I stood.
I described your godlike presence--but the maid with beauteous face Chooses me, bereft of reason--O most excellent of gods! Thus she spake, that maiden princess,--"Let the gods together come, Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,--where the Swayembara meets; There will I, before their presence--choose thee, raja, for my lord.
So to thee, O strong armed warrior--may no blame, no fault ensue." Thus it was, even as I tell you--word for word did it befall.
Plainly have I spoke, the judgment--rests with you, of gods the chief!.