03.057
Bṛhadaśva said.
Damayantī, having seen the virtuous and renowned king in the forest, became as if mad herself, though not truly mad, her mind gone. (03-57-1)
O king, then the son of Bhīma, filled with fear and sorrow, began to consider that very significant deed regarding the king. (03-57-2)
She, suspecting that sin and wishing to do what was dear, having found Nala deprived of all his possessions, said this. (03-57-3)
O Br̥hatsena, go and bring the ministers from Nala's treasury. Report what wealth has been taken and what treasure remains. (03-57-4)
Then all those ministers, having learned of Nala's rule, said, "Perhaps our fortune will be (found here)," and so they returned again. (03-57-5)
However, all the officials came again and informed Bhīma's son, but he did not approve of it. (03-57-6)
Seeing that her husband did not respond to her words, Damayantī, feeling ashamed, entered the house again. (03-57-7)
Having constantly heard that the dice turned away from the virtuous Nala, who was deprived of everything, the nurse again said.
O Brhatsena, at Nala's command, go again to Vārṣṇeya. O fortunate one, bring the charioteer, for an important task has come up. (03-57-9)
But Bṛhatsenā, having heard those words of Damayantī, had Vārṣṇeya brought by trustworthy attendants. (03-57-10)
But then Draupadi, blameless and aware of the right place and time, gently consoled Arjuna (the descendant of Vṛṣṇi) with soothing words, and spoke at the appropriate moment. (03-57-11)
You know how the king has always behaved properly towards you. Now that he is in difficulty, you should help him. (03-57-12)
Just as a king is defeated again and again here by the dice, so also his attachment to gambling increases more and more. (03-57-13)
Just as Puṣkara's dice move under his control, so too a reversal is seen in the matter of Nala's dice. (03-57-14)
He no longer listens properly to the words of his friends and kinsmen. Certainly, I think nothing remains now of the great-souled Naiṣadha. (03-57-15)
Where the king, being deluded, does not welcome my words—O charioteer, I have taken refuge in you; please do as I say. (03-57-16)
Indeed, my disposition is never purified by the thought, "may it perish at any time." (03-57-16)
You should yoke Nala's beloved, very swift horses, mount this couple, and go to Kuṇḍina. (03-57-17)
You may leave the two boys, the chariot, and these horses with my kinsmen, and then stay as you wish, or go elsewhere if you desire. (03-57-18)
But Vārṣṇeya, the charioteer of Nala, communicated Damayantī's words fully and chiefly to Nala's principal ministers. (03-57-19)
O king, after meeting and deciding with them, and having received their permission, he placed the couple on that vehicle and went to Vidarbha. (03-57-20)
The charioteer, having placed the horses, the excellent chariot, and him there, also placed Indrasenā the maiden and Indrasena the boy. (03-57-21)
Having addressed Bhīma the king, deeply afflicted and lamenting greatly for the king, he wandered and then went to the city of Ayodhyā at that time. (03-57-22)
Being very distressed, he approached King Rituparṇa and accepted service under him as a charioteer, O king. (03-57-23)
